Pennsylvania’s Architectural Community Honored for Excellence

Harrisburg, PA – November 29, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Pennsylvania chapter of the American Institute of Architects has announced its 2018 Architectural Excellence Design and Special Awards recipients with it’s 2nd annual  broadcast streamed into viewing parties, offices, and homes across the Commonwealth. Over 30 firms and individuals across Pennsylvania were honored for excellence in design and innovation, contributions to the profession of Architecture and commitment to the quality of life in the built environment. Over 300 viewers from across the state tuned into November 15’s simulcast.  View the gallery of award recipients here.

The broadcast kicked off with a tribute to the late Robert Venturi, FAIA. A Philadelphia native, Venturi was a globally influential architect and theorist whose buildings and best-selling books helped inspire the postmodern architectural movement. Venturi’s tribute was followed by a congratulatory message and introduction from Pennsylvania Governor, Tom Wolf.

2018’s Architectural Excellence Design Awards recipients were selected by a jury of nationally recognized architects and designers spearheaded by Casey Jones of Perkins + Will and rounded Carol Ross Barney, FAIA of Ross Barney Architects and Martin Felsen, FAIA of UrbanLab. The jury was filmed on location at the firm of Perkins + Will in Chicago.

There’s an extraordinary range of work that is submitted as part of this competition and just having the opportunity to go through it and understand what the profession brings as a whole to society is a great opportunity,” said Casey Jones, head juror.

The jury selected two projects to receive the most distinguished architectural excellence award. KieranTimberlake’s US Embassy in London and DIGSAU‘s PPR Student Apartments were honored with Silver Medals.  The remaining 17 projects honored with 2018 AIA Pennsylvania Architectural Excellence Design Awards at the Bronze and Honor levels of commendation were selected from over 110 project submissions.

In addition, nine Special Awards were presented including the 2018 Architectural Firm Award honoring MGA Partners, a Philadelphia firm guided by strong principles refined through experience, and realized through a balanced attention to design, technology, and building craft. The firm focus on projects in the public realm, from campuses to urban streets, they work collaboratively to create spaces that will inspire and hold meaning for the collective community.

As the recipient of the 50 Year Timeless Award, Pittsburgh’s Alcoa Building and Mellon Square Park were recognized for their unique ability to stand the test of time resonating with the design community and the public alike.

The highest award bestowed upon a living AIA Pennsylvania member was granted to Richard DeYoung, FAIA, President & CEO of WTW Architects. The Medal of Distinction honors contributions to architecture that transcend local boundaries and have been of benefit to the profession and citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The seven additional Special Awards including the Government Award and the Impact Designer Award can be viewed here.

AIA Pennsylvania also presented seven Student Awards to students from Pennsylvania’s seven NAAB-accredited architecture programs. Students were selected by their faculty for proficiency in both academics and design and readiness to take on the challenges and responsibilities of the work environment in an architecture firm.

24 Pennsylvania architecture firms were recognized with the 2018 EPiC Firm Designation for fostering emerging professionals. Firms are vetted for their Architectural Experience Programs (AXP), leadership opportunities, and support offered throughout the ARE testing process.

 
ABOUT AIA PENNSYLVANIA
Founded in 1909, AIA Pennsylvania is the statewide component of The American Institute of Architects. AIA Pennsylvania, headquartered in Harrisburg, is governed by a Board of Directors representing eight local AIA chapters and nearly 3,000 members across the Commonwealth. Visit www.aiapa.org.

AIA Pennsylvania thanks our 2018 Design Awards Excellence sponsors: Fenner & Esler, Klein & Hoffman, Langan, Members 1st Federal Credit Union, and Offit Kurman

Special thanks to our Emerging Professional Partner, Brightwood Architecture Education and our Philadelphia Viewing Party Sponsor, MMP&S – MILBER MAKRIS PLOUSADIS & SEIDEN,LLP

2018 AIA PA Architectural Excellence SILVER MEDAL RECIPIENTS

2018 AIA PA Architectural Excellence BRONZE AWARDS

2018 AIA PA Architectural Excellence HONOR AWARDS

2018 AIA PA Architectural Excellence SPECIAL AWARDS

2018 AIA PA Architectural Excellence STUDENT AWARDS

sponsored by CEC – Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., Desmone Architects, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Design

2018 AIA EPiC Firms 

sponsored by Brightwood Architecture Education

Atkin Olshin Schade Architects
bda architects
BLT Architects
Breslin Ridyard Fadero Architects
BRR Architecture
Crabtree Rohrbaugh and Associates
DIGSAU
Francis Cauffman
Gensler
HDR
Hemmler Camayd Architects
IKM Incorporated
Kimmel Bogrette Architecture + Site. Inc.
KSS Architects
Murphy & Dittenhafer
Paradigm Architecture LLC
PJA Architecture, P.C.
PZS Architects
Renaissance 3 Architects, LLC
RLPS Architects
SCF Architecture, LLC
The Hayes Design Group – Architects
TKS Architects, Inc.
WRT