BIOGRAPHY
His exposure to photography at the highest level coupled with talent as a designer and renderer enriches his point of view emphasizing perspective and dramatic light.
Wilkes’ photography has received national and regional recognitions for excellence. His work focuses on the built environment. Yearly, Wilkes submits his work to the American Institute of Architects National Photography Competition. In this highly competitive environment he has received the Fuller Ward and Juror’s Special Commendation or awards on eleven occasions:
On numerous occasions Rizolli has published his images in the AIA Engagement Book. Other publications include Denali, a Pacific Northwest literary journal.
Wilkes collaborates with his wife, Penny, fusing his images with her poems. They collaborated on three books published by Finishing Line Press.
Wilkes joined Architects Delawie Wilkes Rodrigues Barker ( now delawie ) in 1971 following graduation. He served as a lead designer and advanced to CEO in 1996. Following over forty years of practice with the firm he began his career as a photographer.
In 1991, Wilkes became a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects in recognition of his contributions in design excellence and service to the profession. Also in that year he received an American Institute of Architects California Council Presidential Citation. Wilkes’ architecture honors include design of over thirty projects that received American Institute of Architects honors for design excellence. On two occasions he received recognition among the 100 Most Influential peoples in San Diego by the “San Diego Daily Transcript.”
Academic
Wilkes attended Whittier College and Oregon State University prior to receiving his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon in 1971. He remains involved at the University of Oregon where he serves on the Foundation Board and as a Member Emeritus of the Board of Visitors for the School of Architecture and Allied Arts. He taught design as an instructor in 2012.