Aug. 19, 2008

Miami University graduate student Taryn Nye is recipient of a 2007-08 National Honor Award from the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). Nye took the AIAS Community Service Award.

Nye competed for Miami's women's track and field squad from 2002-06 under then head coach Rich Ceronie.

Nye was nominated for designing a home for six-year-old Lianna Leap, daughter of Utawna Leap (Miami '93), residents of Middletown. Lianna has quadriplegic mixed type cerebral palsy and though she cannot sit up, crawl, walk or talk she understands everything that goes on around her. Nye worked closely with the Leaps to design not only a fully accessible structure but also a space that would feel like home, "not an institution or retrofit home," says Utawna. Requirements included an oversized garage to accommodate a special van, bathroom sink with motion activated faucet, no steps anywhere and a separate therapy room. In addition to design, Nye worked with contractors on construction details.

Utawna and Lianna moved into the house in late July. "Our quality of life has forever changed," says Utawna.

A letter nominating Nye for the award by Brett Roeth, co-president with Nye of Miami's AIAS chapter, praised her dedication, "The effect that Taryn has had on Utawna and Lianna demonstrates the power of architecture to change the lives of individuals... Not only has Taryn provided them with a service, she has created a lasting personal connection that gives her work a deeper meaning." National juror Lake Laosebikan-Buggs noted,"That level of relationship, beyond a client relationship, is worth our highest regard."

Nye (Miami '06) received a master of architecture degree from Miami in May.