The F. Carter Williams Gold Medal is the highest honor presented by the Chapter to a member of AIA North Carolina.  It is awarded to an individual in recognition of a distinguished career or extraordinary accomplishments as an architect. The award is named in memory of Raleigh architect F. Carter Williams, FAIA. The 2022 recipient of the F. Carter Williams Gold Medal is Dennis Stallings, FAIA.

During the last 30 years, Dennis has transformed three regional architecture firms from respectable practices into design-oriented firms that are nationally recognized for their design capabilities. As one of Freelon Group's first employees in 1993, Dennis built the company into a national design leader. Over the course of his 11-year tenure as Design Director of The Freelon Group, Dennis led the company to 29 national, regional, state, and local design awards.

Due to Dennis's dedication to design excellence, Pearce Brinkley Cease + Lee (PBC+L) received over 35 regional, state, and local awards during his nine-year employment. Now as Design Director with Clark Nexsen, the successor firm to PBC+L, Dennis is responsible for over 70 AIA design awards and is transforming the 400-person A-E firm into a design-focused practice that will establish Clark Nexsen as a national design leader.

Dennis has directly influenced hundreds of students and his influence extends beyond these students to the firms where they work and the practices they found, across America and in many parts of the world with his work as Professor of the Practice at North Carolina State University. As an example, his Bachelor of Architecture studio at the College of Design is the last time many students will experience an academic design studio. With Dennis's guidance, these students become profoundly aware of the importance of design ideas, the consistency of their application, the importance of critical details, and their technical aptitude – skills they take to professional offices all over the world.

“Dennis is the consummate educator whose commitment to “Preparing the Next Generation” guides his approach to teaching and mentoring. He has successfully done what few others can, practice and teach at a high level for many years. He has taught design studios at the School of Architecture, NC State University since 1993 and he has taught a legion of architects that are outstanding practitioners, in their own right.” Said Roger Cannon, FAIA and Susan Cannon, FAIA, principals of Cannon Architects.

“Throughout his career, Dennis Stallings has created design that is modern, effective, and responsive.  His determination and integrity have made him a role model for a generation of young architects who now practice around the globe.  He is greatly respected by his peers.  His recognition for this award will celebrate the example he sets for us all.” Said Frank Harmon, FAIA.