LAWRENCE, KS – October 25, 2024 – Omni Architects president Eric Zabilka, AIA, has received the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design Distinguished Alumni Award. This honor recognizes exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the design profession and to communities. A 1994 KU graduate, Zabilka returned to Kentucky to promote contemporary design in a region known for its traditional and rural character.
Through architecture and professional engagement, he has championed thoughtful, modern architecture that respects Kentucky’s unique cultural fabric. Zabilka advocates for the impact of architecture on societal outcomes through his roles in AIA Kentucky, the University of Kentucky College of Design, and participation on community planning commissions and historic preservation initiatives.
His professional contributions have enhanced the architectural landscape throughout the region. Known as one of Kentucky’s a leading design firms, Omni has received thirty-one AIA Kentucky design awards, more than any other firm in the Commonwealth to date. Zabilka was a contributing designer on twenty of those projects and lead designer on seven. Under his
leadership, Omni became the first firm to receive the AIA Kentucky Distinguished Firm Award twice.
Zabilka currently leads Omni’s third generation of ownership, implementing professional development programs that encourage growth from within to ensure Omni’s continued design
legacy.
Omni Architects is a Lexington-based planning and design firm that specializes in spaces that enhance the experience for users of higher education, research, workforce training, and
community-based facilities. The firm is distinguished by its commitment to innovative design, exemplary technical execution, and memorable client service.
