Earlier in the week, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Seattle chapter honored architects and their project teams from across Washington State for projects exemplifying best examples in a broad array of sectors from single- and multi-family residential, to civic, to commercial.

Award-winning projects, which were announced at a sold-out event at Benaroya Hall, served as powerful demonstrations of the agility, inventiveness and foresight architects bring to their work in this era of change – improvising and reacting quickly to new constraints, and going above and beyond to improve the built environment.

“These projects truly epitomize not only the best of what is possible here in Washington, but also what our colleagues are trying to achieve across the country,” said event moderator Elizabeth K. Meyer, FASLA, University of Virginia. “We found the work inspiring and thought-provoking.”

Of the 175 submittals to the 2009 AIA Seattle Honor Awards, four received Honor Awards, five received Merit Awards, three received Commendations, and one received a Citation for their work.

Honor Awards :

	Wing Luke Asian Museum by Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen
	Jurors were unanimously impressed, noting that “this remarkable renovation defines architecture in a very holistic and sustainable way – remembering its past while projecting its possibilities into the future.” More info on the project on Archinnovations
	Vancouver Convention Centre West, Expansion by LMN
	Describing the design as “the way a convention center should be done,” the jurors were impressed with how the project relates to the city and the water, as well as the inclusion of sustainable elements such as the green roof which “feels more like a rooftop park.” More info on the project on Archinnovations
	Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center by Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects
	This well-crafted, LEED Gold certified public project was a stand out because of its deep connection to its environment, distinguished by the ecological systems operating across building and landscape. Jurors described the project as a “vivid learning laboratory.”
	Grand Teton Visitor Center by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
	This Wyoming project was described by jurors as a significant asset to the future of our national park service. “The national park is the star, but somehow this building really holds its own – it is a timeless fit for that site.”

Merit Award :

	Topline Corporation Headquarters   by NBBJ
	North Beach Residence by Heliotrope Architects
	Waipolu Gallery by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
	Hinoki House by Rex Hohlbein Architects
	Safari Drive   by The Miller|Hull Partnership.

Commendations :

	Conrad Prebys Music Center, University of California, San Diego   by LMN
	Novelty Hill Januik Winery by Mithun
	Future Factory Upgrades by DLR Group
Citation :
	Biodata by zeroplus stave

Overall, jurors were impressed with the high quality of award submittals. The three-person jury included Nigel Dancey, RIBA Foster + Partners, London, Mark Rios, FAIA, FASLA, Rios Clementi Hale, Los Angeles, and Teddy Cruz, eStudio Cruz, San Diego. The event was moderated by Elizabeth K. Meyer, FASLA, University of Virginia. Co-Chairs for the 2009 AIA Seattle Honor Awards were Don Miles FAIA of ZGF Architects and Shannon Nichol of Gustafson Guthrie Nichol.

Photos and illustrations of the projects, as well as information about the jurors, event sponsors and special contributors, can be found online at www.aiaseattle.org.

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