The 2023 Excellence in Design Awards Program was just peachy! We thank AIA Savannah for jurying our awards this year.
The ceremony was hosted at Baltimore Design School, our 2014 Grand Design Award Winner by architecture firm Ziger|Snead. The building was previously a factory, repurposed to become Baltimore Design School in 2013. Just before the ceremony this year, Steve Ziger joined Baltimore Design School students to lead a tour of the facility.
AIA Baltimore presented awards and honorable mentions in the following categories: Good Design = Good Business, Social Equity Award, Residential Design Award, Excellence in Design Award, Excellence in Design Detail, Excellence in Sustainable Design Award, The Michael F. Trostel, FAIA Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation, and the Grand Design Award.
Good Design = Good Business Award
Now in its 17th year, the Good Design = Good Business Award honors architects and clients who best utlize good design to help companies and organizations achieve their goals. This award recognizes projects where design excellence elevated project outcomes to benefit the business, institution, or community which it serves. It awards exceptional collaboration.
The 2023 jury included Chrissy Schikovitz of Downtown Parntership of Baltimore, Dr. Samia Kirchner, Int’l Assoc. AIA of Morgan State University, and Nichole Battle of Govans Ecunemical Development Corporation.
“There is no back of house” was the guiding design principle behind the Sandtown Furniture headquarters renovation, turning a 30,000 square foot warehouse into a sacred place for making beautiful objects. A glass wall separates retail from manufacturing space allowing for a more meaningful connection between the maker/product and the customer. The jury appreciated the minimal intervention and appropriate reuse of one of Baltimore’s warehouse spaces in a historically industrial neighborhood.
Designed to provide office space for community based non-profits, exhibition space for local artists, and meeting spaces for organizations, Baltimore Unity Hall is a community anchor. Jurors appreciated this vital mixed-use functionality that invites community participation and ownership. Aesthetically, jurors also commended the flow of materials and finishes both inside and out the bold, eye-catching color palette that symbolizes the vibrance and vitality of this redesigned space and its Central West Baltimore neighborhood.
In recognition of Whitney M. Young’s speech at the AIA National Convention 55 years ago, and in partnership with the Neighborhood Design Center established that same year in 1968, AIA Baltimore and NDC jointly developed a Social Equity Award in 2018 to honor the shared 50th Anniversary.
Whitney M. Young challenged architects to address issues of diversity and social responsibility. It was also clear to many architects that the top-down approach of urban renewal was not working and that the better way forward was an inclusive, community-driven approach to design. Well-designed places enhance healthy cultural and democratic life in our neighborhoods. Everyone deserves access to good design.
The Social Equity Design Award recognizes community-driven projects that advance the health, social justice, environmental sustainability, and the true character of a place by creating design that honors the people who live, work, worship and do business there.
The 2023 Social Equity Awards Jury included Briony Hynson of Neighborhood Design Center, Ariana Parrish, AIA of Gensler, and Chelsea Thomas, AIA of Moseley Architects.
With design moves respectful of its context and neighbors, Baltimore Unity Hall is a transformative exterior renovation. On the inside, this project presents a nice mix of areas representing the multi-functionality of the building, with interesting public gathering spaces and also office space occupied by anchor non-profit organizations. Located in an area of historic tension, this building has a high potential to become an important neighborhood hub. The jury was impressed by the diversity of consultants in the design process.
Exhibiting thorough research into the historical context of the Wilson family, the Hot Sox team, and Negro Baseball Leagues in Maryland, the renovations of Hot Sox Field at Wilson Park demonstrate the successful implementation of community and stakeholder input. The jury appreciated the overall design that put forward-looking accessibility and sustainability needs at the forefront of a historic renovation project.
The Residential Design Awards returns to our Excellence in Design Awards Program with a separate jury consisting of local leaders within residential architecture and design.
Our 2023 Residential Design Award Jury included Brian Grieb, AIA of Grid Architects and Morgan State University, Gavin Lehrl of KLR Construction, and Megan Elcrat, AIA of Present Company.
Working within the tight constraints of a Baltimore mid-block rowhouse, 504 S Dallas demonstrates creativity and efficiency while solving a lot of problems with the existing structure. Some unexpected, quirky moves such as an artist installation and fire barrier, a 19th century cast-iron railing painted pink, and a third floor living space exude a sense of urban cool. The jury agreed that this project was the best example of architects advancing residential design in Baltimore.
According to the jury, Tilt House embodies several design contradictions that culminate in an elegant residential design project. The design uses rigid lines and hard materials yet looks cozy; it feels open without occupying a large footprint; though inspired by a rustic ethos, it is modern. Built as a second home with future generations in mind, the architects made smart moved to select materials for durability, longevity, and ease of maintenance.
AIA Baltimore’s Excellence in Design Awards recognizes outstanding architectural design by AIA Baltimore members and AIA members with projects in AIA Baltimore’s region. Built and unbuilt projects submitted by AIA members are judged by a distinguished jury of AIA architects.
In response to AIA’s commitment to climate action, AIA Baltimore, and the other Maryland AIA chapters adopted new awards criteria in 2020 utilizing the AIA Framework for Design Excellence for Design Award submissions. Comprised of 10 principles and accompanied by searching questions, the Framework seeks to inform progress toward a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment.
As part of the entry process, entrants were asked to respond to the 10 principles to demonstrate how the project design achieves outcomes for each measure.
The goal is to promote the sustainable design work of our members and to support AIA’s resolution for Urgent and Sustained Climate Action.
Our 2023 AIA Baltimore design awards jury was comprised of accomplished architects from Savannah, Georgia who have been recognized for their exemplary design, and for their service as educators within the profession of architecture. The jury included Jury Chair Jodie Quinter, AIA, Aaron Wilner, AIA, Scott Cook, AIA, and Akhil Hemanth, AIA.
Excellence in Design Awards, Honorable Mentions
Recognizes projects that demonstrate a level of design that exemplifies superior achievements in most aspects.
40Ten is the first mass timber building in the City of Baltimore. The jury commended the project team for the technical detailing of a raised floor system and the overall sustainability of a mass timber building. The pioneering nature of this project with hopefully chart a new course for sustainable design and set an example for new office builds in the future.
504 S Dallas is the work of homeowners passionate about staying in their Baltimore neighborhood and a design team that met challenges head on with creativity and artistry. The jury commended the architect for navigating the extremely challenging urban setting and tight footprint and designing a floor plan that yielded much more living space. A brick and mortar love letter to Baltimore, this home design placed the living spaces on the 3rd floor to offer skyline views, embedded artwork from local artists, and demonstrates a highly successful renovation of a historic rowhome for today’s modern urban lifestyle.
The complete renovation of the Bon Secours Community Works offices created shared open spaces with views to the community and access to natural daylight. Increased visibility and a honed-in material pallet provide intuitive wayfinding. Jurors noted that it would be easy to feel like the designers didn’t do much because the space is so clean, but stressed that the renovation was “not a light lift” and was very well executed.
Responding to the dynamic shift of libraries from places of quiet study to vibrant centers of community collaboration, the updated entrance of the New Carrollton Branch invites patrons in where there was formerly an understated entrance in an austere Brutalist facade. According to the jury, the project “checks every box – beauty, sustainability, and service to community.” High praise, also, for working with an irregular, triangular plan.
Hampden Medical Center was designed with the patient journey as the guiding force. Sitting long and low against the Appalachian Trail Ridge, the building is grounded in the local geography evident in its form and materials. Jurors felt that the interior spaces felt nicely composed, and appreciated the special touches that are so easily lost to budget on institutional projects.
More than a soccer academy, instead, a community impact cornerstone, the Right to Dream campus is designed to help people discover their purpose and inspire a wave of social change within the soccer industry and beyond. The presentation of this unbuilt concept is very well done, particularly given its large scale and scope. It exhibits a high degree of sophistication, even in the interior renderings, and is purposeful in its storytelling.
Photo by Kroo Photography / Ryan Gamma Photography
In a student housing building that could have been very mundane, Greensboro Hall demonstrates effort and thoughtful design throughout its spaces, with student-friendly furnishings and a vibrant color palette. The jury noted that the scale and massing for accommodating over 250 beds are impressive. The building achieved LEED Silver status and was sited strategically to preserve existing mature trees and embrace an adjacent bayou.
The Beacon transforms a space that is an automobile thoroughfare 90% of the time, and through innovative design, turns it into a functional gathering space. A series of light totems creates an illuminated gateway and has become a point of pride for the community. Jury commentary included “an incredibly unique, cool installation,” and “compelling piece of art.”
Demonstrating “a light touch,” Tilt House presents an unassuming appearance from the street entrance and nestles into its wooded site, taking advantage of the natural, rolling topography of western Virginia. As a weekend getaway should, this house exudes a sense of coziness in its gathering spaces, offers quiet nooks for harmonious intergenerational living, and maximizes views of the ever changing landscape. One juror places this home on her lottery wish list.
An elegantly-executed floating canopy at the entry welcomes students to this brand-new campus dining facility and exhibits a high level of attention to detail. Jurors were impressed by the building’s LEED Silver status and meaningful collaboration with the local Native American community from which the dining hall gets its name. While the interior was designed for flexibility, it offers pops of color and engaging design in tile detailing, murals, and wayfinding.
The expansion and renovation of Van Ness Elementary School were driven by the aim to meet the needs of a growing community while preserving the campus’ historic character. This project exemplifies excellence in design, sustainability, and educational adaptability. Jurors were particularly enchanted by the green elements including pollinator gardens, an outdoor classroom, and native landscaping.
City House Charles incorporates the preservation of two historic buildings dating back to the 1840s and the construction of a new 8-story office building. A sleek glass 3-story atrium connects the new and old. The jury was impressed with the project and its reuse of existing structures. Jurors acknowledges that it must have been incredibly challenging project and appreciated the bold and modern urban feel of the stepping, pushing, and pulling.
The Cylburn Arboretum Nature Education Center is proof that a project doesn’t need to be huge to be elegant and successful. The Arboretum’s historic Carriage House was restored and transformed into a beacon for the campus through a contemporary addition with a simple gabled form and exposed wood structure, evocative of a canopy of trees. This finely crafted addition uses its limited square footage to exemplify architectural craft. With so many connections within eyeshot and reach range, details were executed elegantly to showcase traditional craftmanship and contemporary building technologies. The material choices, interior woodworking, and delicate mix of old and new wowed the jury.
This project is also being awarded special recognition, theExcellence in Design Detail Award. This special recognition is given to projects that bear an exceptional aspect, detail, or specific design feature that the jury feels represents excellence deserving of specific honor.
Photo by Laura Peters, CannonDesign and Christopher Barette, Chris Barrett Photography
“Great design inside and out,” said the jury. Designed for the “collision” of many types of research and scientific disciplines under one roof, this JHU Applied Physics Laboratory building is more incubator than ooffice with transparency between spaces evoking a community vibe. Jurors gave high marks for the soaring atrium space and exposed systems.
Situated at 14,115 feet above sea level, Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center commands what one juror called “a sexy site!” The reserved design places the focus on the stunning landscape, allowing boundless sky and views to take center stage. Jurors commended the project for its accessible walkways and overlooks, thoughtful choice of durable and natural materials, and minimal environmental impacts, all of which combine to foster a sense of connectedness and stewardship of natural landscapes.
This project is also being awarded special recognition, theExcellence in Sustainable Design Award. This special recognition is given to projects that take a progressive approach to advancing the missions of sustainability and/or resiliency, and that the jury feels represents excellence deserving of specific honor.
Remarking that sometimes elegant simplicity is the hardest thing for architects to achieve, the jury was in awe of the Sandtown Furniture Headquarters renovation. With a thoughtful modern entry, a clear delineation between the new and old, and charming areas that were seemingly left untouched to allow the beauty of the historic structure to speak for itself, the jury declared this warehouse renovation, “stunning.”
The Michael F. Trostel, FAIA Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation
This award is given to a project demonstrating exceptional standards in restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, addition or sensitive new construction in a historic environment.
The historic structure was originally designed as the Education Building for the State and constructed in 1931 with an eponymous Auditorium space known as “the Forum”. Over time as the facility aged, the Education functions left the building and occupied leased space in multiple privately owned office structures in downtown Harrisburg – leaving over 400,000 square feet of underutilized/unoccupied space in the Commonwealth owned building. Only the “publicly accessed” State Library, State Law Library and Auditorium spaces remained viable throughout the duration.
The Forum Building renovation was a massive project of 440,000 sq. ft. and over 450 custom fabricated windows! Office spaces were made more collaborative, flexible, and energy efficient for modern work. Craftspersons and artisans painstakingly restored the grandiose public spaces, which boast meticulous detailing and rich materials in features such as marble wainscots, wood paneling, copper roofing, bronze exterior doors, and brass stairwell railings.
Nestled in the oasis of the Cylburn Arboretum in the heart of Baltimore City, the new Nature Education Center advances the organization’s mission through stewardship, cultivation, and education. The historic Carriage House is restored and transformed into a beacon for the campus through a contemporary addition with a simple gabled form and exposed wood structure, evocative of a canopy of trees. The Center encourages exploration of both wild and cultivated aspects of nature. Integrated interactive exhibits encourage exploration of the hidden life of trees. Playful skylights and large expanses of glass behind a perforated metal screen connect to the site and views. Indoor and outdoor classrooms, a resource library, offices, restrooms, and storage support the function of the facility as the much-needed home to the stewards of this “hidden jewel” park.
This finely crafted addition uses it’s limited square footage to exemplify architectural craft. With so many connections within eyeshot and reach range, details were executed elegantly to showcase traditional craftmanship and contemporary building technologies. The material choices, interior woodworking, and delicate mix of old and new wowed the jury.
