The Pennsylvania chapter of the American Institute of Architects is proud to announce the 2021 Architectural Excellence Awards, first revealed in late November with the premiere of the annual broadcast. More than 60 honors were presented to firms and individuals across Pennsylvania for excellence in design, contributions to the profession of architecture, and commitment to the quality of the built environment. The broadcast premiere showcased honors in five programs, including the Design Awards, Special Awards, Committee on the Environment (COTE) Awards, and Student Awards. Twenty-three (23) architecture firms were honored with the EPiC Firm Recognition for their support and development of emerging architecture professionals.
“Once again we are pleased to honor some of the outstanding work our members have done to design homes, schools, places of worship, and work. These winners showcase some of the best work that is happening in the profession today,” said AIA Pennsylvania Executive Director, Stephen Swarney, JD. “Our outstanding jurors gave us a glimpse of the present and into the future that includes built spaces that are healthy, safe, sustainable, and welcoming places that people want to be.”
Kim Yao, AIA, Principal of Architecture Research Office, recipient of the prestigious 2020 AIA Architecture Firm Award, chaired the New York City-based Design Awards jury. Mark Gardner, AIA, NOMA, of Jaklitsch/Gardner Architects, and Elaine Molinar, AIA, of Snøhetta, rounded out the jury. They selected one project from a pool of 105 submissions whittled down to 42 finalists to receive the most distinguished design award; Anderson Hall by Erdy McHenry Architecture was honored with the Silver Medal. The remaining 18 projects selected were honored with Architectural Excellence Design Awards at the Honor Award and Merit Award levels of commendation recognizing the work of 13 Pennsylvania firms. Visit the Design Awards recipient gallery for details.
Three projects were selected for Architectural Excellence COTE Awards recognizing achievements in the AIA Framework for Design Excellence measures indicating how buildings perform for the health and wellness of the occupants, communities, and the environments they serve. Jurors Apoorv Goyal of Elementa Engineering, Yasemin Kologlu, AIA, RIBA, LEED AP BD+C, of SOM, John Mealy, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHD, of MBB convened to review the 14 projects submitted to the program. One project stood out among the three honorees to take the program’s top honor, KieranTimberlake’s Jeff and Judy Henley Hall: Institute for Energy Efficiency received the COTE Award of Excellence for achievements in the energy, well-being, resources, and discovery measures. Visit the COTE Awards recipient gallery for details.
In addition to the Design and COTE Awards, eleven Architectural Excellence Special Awards were presented, including the prestigious Medal of Distinction honoring Stephen Kieran, FAIA, and James Timberlake, FAIA, partners in the eponymous, internationally acclaimed firm, KieranTimberlake. WRT was honored with the 2021 Architecture Firm Award. The Philadelphia-based firm was one of the first in the nation to tackle issues of ecological, social, and economic resiliency with large-scale design interventions and planning. As the recipient of the 50 Year/Timeless Architecture Award, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Parkway Campus was celebrated for its dedication to architectural excellence and impact on civic life. Special Awards recipients were recognized in five additional categories. Visit the Special Awards recipient gallery for details on the full slate of honorees.
AIA Pennsylvania also presented the Architectural Excellence Student Awards to students from Pennsylvania’s seven NAAB-accredited architecture programs. Students are selected annually 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. Visit the Studen Awards recipient gallery. Visit the Student Awards recipient gallery.
AIA Pennsylvania extends gratitude to the following partners and sponsors for their support of the chapter and the profession:
