Bernard M. “Kop” Kopczynski, Founder and retired president of Kop Construction Company, Spokane, Washington received the Master Craftsman Award presented December 5 by AIA Spokane, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

The award recognizes Kop’s lifetime commitment to the construction industry, and his advocacy of the arts and culture in our community.

Since the formation of Kop Construction Company in 1948 Kop has, demonstrated the hands-on standards of excellence and craftsmanship in the construction industry.

Kop’s influence on public and private structures he constructed throughout the region includes several pavilions for Expo ’74, the Spokane Sheraton Hotel [now the Doubletree], and the IMAX Theater.

Noted restoration and adoptive reuse projects include the North Coast Life Offices and Plaza, restoration of the Spokane County Court House [Phases 1, 3, and 4], the Hutton Settlement and the Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla.

Other significant projects include the Capitol Lake Towers and Governor’s House in Olympia, School District 81 Administration Building, Spokane County Juvenile Detention Facility, and the Whitworth College Music Building.

Kop has been president and longtime board member of the Associated General Contractors, Inland Empire Chapter, recipient of the AGC's prestigious SIR Award, Vice-Chair of the Washington State Arts Commission, Member of the Governor’s Task Force for the Arts, and Past President of the Spokane Symphony Society.

Kop is now retired with his wife, Maxine, leaving his commitement to his craft to his son Chris, current president of Kop Construction Company.

President Doug Heyamoto presented the award to Kop's wife Maxine and son Chris who accepted the award on his behalf .

The Master Craftsman Award may be presented annually to persons in the construction process who have demonstrated extraordinary or unusual craftsmanship.

Jerry Winkler, Awards Committee Member, presented the 2005 Outstanding Service Award to Teresa Brum, “for her unique and extraordinary career as Spokane’s Preservation Officer”. Teresa is originally from Anacortes, Washington and received her degree in Historic Preservation from Middle Tennessee State University.

Teresa has served as Spokane’s Preservation Officer since 1994.

Under her administration, the Spokane City/County Landmarks Commission makes recommendations to the City Council and County Commission relating to the Spokane, State of Washington, and National Registers of Historic Places.

Under Teresa’s guidance, the Office of Historic Preservation has played a major role in helping to facilitate the successful execution of major projects centering on the redevelopment of historic buildings.

Through this effort there have been a record number of historic building renovations; in 2004, Spokane had more historic renovations than any city in Washington.

There have been several new national historic districts created in Spokane under her guidance including the Nettleton’s Addition, the largest district in the state.

She is the Past President of the Washington State Trust for Historic Preservation, and sits on the Board for the National Alliance of Preservation Commissioners.

The Outstanding Service Award is presented to persons whose record of service to the public has contributed significantly to the betterment of our region’s built environment.