John Merkle, AIA, who recently completed outstanding service as chair of the Preservation Alliance, was honored by his peers on January 15th with the at the American Institute of Architects' Clinton Sheerr Award for Excellence in New Hampshire Architecture.  This award honors and promotes NH architects and their architecture that exemplifies excellence in design at the highest level.  Christopher Williams, a past recipient of the award and also a former chair of the Preservation Alliance, noted in his presentation speech that "John Merkle is an architect with a solidly rooted interest in preservation who has been key to saving numerous historical structures and has given major amounts of time to the support of preservation and other architectural efforts throughout the state of NH." Both Merkle and Williams continue as Preservation Alliance board members.
 
Since he co-founded TMS Architects in 1984, John Merkle has carved out a niche in the field of historical preservation, committing himself and his firm to saving and restoring some of New England's most significant historical landmarks.  His work has included the restoration of The Wentworth By The Sea Hotel, New Castle, NH, The Music Hall and the Portsmouth Discovery Center in Portsmouth, the American Independence Museum, Exeter, NH and the Bridges House, the NH Governor's residence in Concord to name just a few of his projects. 

Under John's leadership with the Preservation Alliance, the organization enjoyed its greatest expansion in service to its constituents and recieved national recognition for its work with easements, field service, schools and more. 
 
The Clinton Sheer Award for Excellence in New Hampshire Architecture is named after a well-known NH architect who died in 1997 and who exemplified the spirit of great passion for beauty and design, a dedication to the community and the tenacity to follow one's tasks and dreams.  It is his example that sets the standard for the award. 
 
For information about the award and past recipients, www.aianh.org/clinton_sheerr