Ralph Hawkins, CEO of HKS Inc.

At Topping Out 2012, North Texas industry leaders will once again recognize excellence in the fields of development, architecture, and construction.

Launched in 2002 by HKS Inc. CEO Ralph Hawkins, the UTA Architectural Alumni Association, and building industry leaders, the program especially considers a team’s ability to overcome challenges and work together toward a successful project completion. It also looks at the impact the project will have on the community.

The honorary chair for Topping Out 2012 is Phil Romano, the restaurateur behind chains like Macaroni Grill and Eatzi’s, who’s working on a restaurant incubator called Trinity Groves. Event chairs are Matthew T. Avila of Thos. S. Byrne, Ltd.; Jessica Ferrell of Austin Commercial; Ken Hughes of Hughes Development; Jim Koch of Pacheco Koch; and Doug Thompson of Yates Construction.

Past winners include include the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (2011), The Bridge Dallas (2010), Trinity River Audubon Center (2009), C.F.Brewer High School in White Settlement (2008), Pizza Hut Park (2007), I-635/US-75 Interchange (2006), The Tower in Fort Worth (2005), and American Airlines Center (2004).

The 9th annual Topping Out awards program will take place at 5:30 p.m. on October 25 at the Dallas Contemporary Museum of Art. For additional details, call 214.750.9236.