The Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence was created in 1986 by Simeon Bruner, and was named in honor of his late father. The Award was created by Mr. Bruner to foster a better understanding of the role of architecture in the urban environment and has become one of America's leading forums for the discussion of issues related to urban architecture, planning, and revitalization. The Rudy Bruner Award has been recognized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Environmental Design Research Associates.

As a practicing architect for more than 30 years, Mr. Bruner has been a leader in the field of urban architecture. He has pioneered the adaptive re-use of historic 19th and early 20th century buildings, and has spearheaded some of the most dramatic and successful urban renovation projects in the country including, most recently, the new Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in North Adams. Mr. Bruner is a Founding Principal of Bruner/Cott & Associates in Cambridge, MA, and President of Cambridge Development Corporation.