The profession came together for the first time in nearly two years at Visions for Architecture on Nov. 5, 2021 to hear a talk by 2020 AIA Gold Medal winner Marlon Blackwell, FAIA and to celebrate the AIA Virginia Honors Awards and Design Awards. Photos by Yuzhu Zheng.
Marlon Blackwell, FAIA
Small Projects Awards
Adaptive or Continued Use Awards
Historic Preservation Award
Contextual Design Award
Residential Design Awards
Unbuilt Work Awards
Architecture Awards
Presidential Citation
Test of Time Award
AIA Virginia Honors
Honorary Membership
Virginia Emerging Professional Awards
Award for Distinguished Achievement
Architecture Medal for Virginia Service
William C. Noland Medal
2020 Honors Awards Recipients
Visions for Architecture 2021 was generously sponsored by the following:
A cocktail hour follows the award ceremony at the live event.
If you’d like to attend in person, purchase your tickets using the form below the sponsors. Your in-person ticket includes a keynote address by Marlon Blackwell, FAIA beginning at 4 p.m.
*** Proof of vaccination against the COVID-19 virus is required to attend in person. Masks will be required at all times, except while eating and drinking. ***
AIA Virginia’s annual Honors and Awards gala, Visions for Architecture, will take place online on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020 beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Visions for Architecture,created in 1998, celebrates the achievements of those whose work makes especially strong contributions to society and celebrates the recipients of AIA Virginia’s Honors Awards and the Awards for Excellence in Architecture.
Visions for Architecture 2020 will be held virtually and delivered through our online event platform Foresight 2020.
In the past, proceeds from Visions have been designated to support educational programming. This year, tickets will be free — but we’ll be making a very special request of everyone who joins us.
Virginia’s only architecture program in an HBCU needs your support. We’ll be asking you to consider making a donation to Hampton University’s architecture department. Stay tuned for more information and save the date for Oct. 8!
AIA Virginia is pleased to announce the 2019 Awards for Excellence in Architecture. Also known as the Design Awards, these honors celebrate projects no older than seven years that contribute to the built environment and are clear examples of thoughtful, engaging design. Award categories include Architecture, Contextual Design, Historic Preservation, Interior Design, and Residential Design. These 22 projects will be celebrated at the Visions for Architecture gala on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, at the Hilton Downtown Richmond. Jury Chair Ann Beha, FAIA, will offer insights from the jury at Architecture Exchange East at 2:45 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8.
In the ARCHITECTURE category
The jury considers aesthetics, adherence to the client wishes, proven and projected building performance, and concept development during its deliberations.
Awards of Honor
Blue Ridge Orthodontics (Ashville, N.C.) This project brings an infusion of well-considered craft and good planning into the medical office building type. Light materials convey cleanliness without being institutional and the views to the outdoors convey a sense of tranquility.
Architecture Firm: Clark Nexsen Owner: Blue Ridge Orthodontics Contractor: Beverly-Grant, Inc. Photographer: Mark Herboth Photography, LLC
Google at 1212 Bordeaux (Sunnyvale, Ca.) This thoughtfully-planned project is well connected to its compact setting. The materials and bridges help achieve unity and visibility in this highly-collaborative office space.
Architecture Firm: Parabola Architecture Owner: Google Contractor: Devcon Construction, Inc. Photographers: Prakash Patel Photography (featured) and Kevin Burke Photography
Rhodes College Robertson Hall (Memphis, Tn.) This was an appealing, engaging response to a clear historic context. The architects “pushed it” despite prescriptive exteriors. Fewer materials make the project more coherent and more powerful.
Architecture Firm: Hanbury Owner: Rhodes College Contractor: Grinder Tabor & Grinder Photographer: Robert Benson Photography
Awards of Merit
The Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering (College Park, Md.) As a campus gateway, this succeeds in place-making. It showcases “the arrival” with a strong, contemporary statement. The interiors are varied and welcoming, legibly emphasizing STEM education.
Architecture Firm: HDR Architecture, Inc. Owner: University of Maryland Contractor: Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Photographer: Dan Schwalm | HDR
Elon W. Rhodes Early Learning Center (Harrisonburg, Va.) The scale is good and the planning is extremely strong. Public circulation is active and the adjacencies and flexibilities will make this a long-term asset to the school system.
Architecture Firm: VMDO Architects Owner: Harrisonburg City Public Schools Contractor: Nielsen Builders Photographer: Alan Karchmer
Hotels at The Wharf – Canopy by Hilton & Hyatt House (Washington, D.C.) An Urbanistic success! The simple, slender façade and skillful massing create active, outdoor spaces which are full of life and urban vitality. The podium and geometries are considerate of site, scale, and marketplace conditions.
Architecture Firm: SmithGroup Owner: Hoffman-Madison Waterfront Contractor: Donohoe Construction Company Photographers: Hoachlander Davis Photography (featured), Photofusion Media, Alex Fradkin
Howard University Interdisciplinary Research Building (IRB) (Washington, D.C.) This project makes a strong, simple statement. It is powerful yet restrained in composition with a clear and dynamic street presence.
Architecture Firm: HDR Architecture, Inc. Owner: Howard University Contractor: Turner Construction Photographer: Ari Burling | Architectural Photography
WTCC Parking Deck 2 (Raleigh, N.C.) As a parking garage at community college, this really is a good citizen. The cladding and crenellations are good solar control strategies and the views and daylight promote safety and clear wayfinding.
Architecture Firm: Clark Nexsen Owner: Wake Technical Community College Contractor: SKANSKA Photographer: Mark Herboth Photography, LLC
In the CONTEXTUAL DESIGN category
The awards for contextual design are chosen based on outstanding architecture that perceptibly reflects the history, culture, and physical environment of the place in which it stands and that, in turn, contributes to the function, beauty, and meaning of its larger context.
Awards of Merit
550 East Water Street (Charlottesville, Va.) This project claims its own identity while still successfully responding to its site between the rail tracks and street. It’s a wonderful example of good urban infill.
Architecture Firm: Formwork Design Office, LLC Owner: 550 E. Water St., LLC Contractor: Martin Horn, Inc. Photographer: Kevin Blackburn Photography and Michael Stavaridis (featured)
Claude Moore Education Complex (Roanoke, Va.) With its simple streetscape and successful interior kitchen and training facilities, this is architecture that respectfully contributes to the neighborhood’s vibrant history.
Architecture Firm: Spectrum Design, PC Owner: Roanoke Higher Education Authority Contractor: Avis Construction Photographer: Boyd Pearman Photography
Re-Imagining Benefield (Richmond, Va.) This is a successful representation of how an engaged design team and a participatory community can work together to create a design that reflects a neighborhood’s values while pushing it to be all it can be.
Architecture Firm: HKS, Inc. Owner: Boaz & Ruth Contractor: Urban Core MEP: Integral Group Structural Engineer: Dunbar Milby Williams Pittman & Vaughan, PLLC Renderings: HKS, Inc.
In the HISTORIC PRESERVATION category
The historic preservation category focuses specifically on excellence in strategies, tactics, and technologies that advance the art, craft, and science of preserving historically significant buildings and sites. The jury takes into consideration adherence to local, state, and national criteria for historic preservation.
Award of Honor
Spencer Carriage House Deep Energy Retrofit (Washington, D.C.) This is a robust example of repurposing that is both sensitive to history and appealing to a contemporary audience. Balancing the client’s net-zero energy goals with responsible historic preservation is well-documented and laudable.
Architecture Firm: Peabody Architects, Building Envelope and Restoration Owner: Lew Hages and Gerard Boquel Contractor: Ari Fingeroth Interiors Architect: Yoko Barsky, Deco Design Studio Photographer: David Peabody, Buzz Photo (featured)
Awards of Merit
The Cavalier Hotel Rehabilitation (Virginia Beach, Va.) The design confirms the connection between the hotel and its rich history. Structural solutions are well considered and very innovative.
Architecture Firm: Hanbury Owner: Gold Key / PHR Contractor: W.M. Jordan Co. Photographer: Robert Benson Photography
The Lockkeeper’s House (Washington, D.C.) The exterior, interior, and landscape are all well executed — it feels like welcoming back a lost treasure.
Architecture Firm: Davis Buckley Architects and Planners Owner: National Park Service Client: Trust for the National Mall Contractor: Hensel Phelps Photographer: Michael Ventura Photography
In the INTERIOR DESIGN category
Interior design projects are judged on mastery of composition, functionality, material and color palettes, and well-integrated adherence to the highest levels of accessibility, health and safety, environmental, and occupant-comfort considerations, standards, and regulations.
Awards of Merit
118 East Main St. (Charlottesville, Va.) The small footprint feels airy and enlarged. The simple, disciplined approach optimizes the two windows and is an excellent example of understated elegance.
Architecture Firm: Bushman Dreyfus Architects Owner: West Cote Properties, LLC Contractor: Longview Management & Construction Co., LLC Photographer: Virginia Hamrick
San Francisco Tech Company (San Francisco, Ca.) The efficient, modular approach celebrates the steel frame. The industrial ambiance and mezzanine are very successful and the floor trenching creates future flexibility.
Architecture Firm: Parabola Architecture Client Liaison and Project Management: Alex Neuhold Consulting Contractor: Devcon Construction, Inc. Photographers: Prakash Patel Photography (featured) and Kevin Burke Photography
Watergate 502 (Washington, D.C.) This is a reinstatement and enlargement of thoughtful modernism. The curved element, integrated columns, and angularity of the plan are well-handled.
Architecture Firm: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect Owner: (Withheld) Contractor: Added Dimensions, Inc. Interior Design: Baron Gurney Interiors Photographer: Hoachlander Davis Photography
In the RESIDENTIAL DESIGN category
Aesthetic appeal and functionality are two long-established criteria for home design, as are affordability and resource efficiency. The jury looks at each submission in its totality toward meeting those goals.
Awards of Honor
Chapman Stables Housing (Washington, D.C.) The design offers hints at the structure’s history, expressing how the building has evolved over time. The massing and site planning are notable.
Architecture Firm: Studio Twenty Seven Architecture Owner: 57 N Street LLC Contractor: GCS | Sigal Photographer: Hoachlander Davis Photography Civil Engineer: Christopher consultants Structural Engineer: Ehlert Bryan MEP Engineer: Meta Engineers Landscape Engineer: Clinton & Associates
Mid Century Modern Residence (Bethesda, Md.) This design respected the form of the original house and amplified it. The new co-exists harmoniously with the original. The composition is clear and the landscape is elegantly integrated.
Architecture Firm: Studio Twenty Seven Architecture Owner: Tori and Sam Wales Civil Engineer: Christopher consultants Structural Engineer: Ehlert Bryan MEP Engineer: Provectus Contractor: Washington Landmark Construction Photographer: Hoachlander Davis Photography
Mossy Rock (Free Union, Va.) This simple new construction features clean lines and beautiful use of materials. The scale of the outdoor porch is appealing and well-connected to the landscape.
Architecture Firm: Bushman Dreyfus Architects Owner: Anonymous Contractor: Dammann Construction Photographers: Stephen Barling (featured), Will Kerner
Awards of Merit
AUTO-haus (Washington, D.C.) The spatial properties of the existing condition were optimized to create a courtyard-like feel. The industrial vocabulary was consistent and clever.
Architecture Firm: KUBE architecture PC Owner: Nick Rubenstein & Jennifer Hsu Contractor: ThinkMakeBuild Photographer: Hoachlander Davis Photography
Lyon Park House (Arlington, Va.) This light-filled renovation recalls the original while still being adventurous. It conveys a message about future possibilities while still being a good contextual neighbor.
Architecture Firm: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect Owner: (Withheld) Contractor: Arta Construction Structural Engineer: D. Anthony Beale LLC Photographer: Hoachlander Davis Photography
About the Jury
Ann Beha, FAIA, Jury Chair, Principal at Ann Beha Architects Rodrigo Abela, ASLA, PLA, LEED AP BD+C, Principal at Gustafson Guthrie Sara Caples AIA, LEED, Principal at Caples Jefferson Architects Anthony Pangaro, Partner at Millennium Partners (retired) James Elmasry, AIA, LEED AP, Senior Program Planner at Yale University
All entries must be the work of architects who have an office in Virginia or are members of AIA Virginia. The location of projects is not restricted, but any built work submitted must have been completed after January 1, 2011. Un-built work was also considered, as long as it was commissioned by a client as opposed to hypothetical work completed in the mode of research or academic training.
Richmond-based Siewers Lumber & Millwork and the
Loudoun County Department of Economic Development’s Design Cabinet
will be recognized with AIA
Virginia Honors at the Visions for
Architecture gala on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, at the Hilton Downtown Richmond.
AIA Virginia Honors may be bestowed on non-member individuals or organizations
that have inspired, influenced, or complemented the architecture profession in
Virginia through practice of an allied profession, research, education,
planning, legislation, architectural writing, the arts, or crafts.
For nearly 135 years, Virginia’s architects have relied upon Siewers Lumber and Millwork to help realize their designs. The company has reliably offered a vast array of historical wood trim patterns, in-house woodworkers, and expert craftspeople to help develop custom solutions for even the most sensitive restoration projects. Their ongoing commitment to offering high-quality educational opportunities to the industry not only serves the profession’s current needs, but anticipates them moving forward. For those in the design profession and construction trades — particularly those who work in the fields of restoration and historic preservation — Siewers has been an invaluable partner for generations.
In 2003, the Loudoun County Design Cabinet was formed
through the county’s Department of Economic Development to help promote
high-quality, environmentally sustainable, and culturally respectful
architectural and landscape design in one of the fastest-growing communities in
the Commonwealth. In addition to their awards program and design charrettes, the
Design Cabinet is asked regularly to collaborate on a variety of issues, such
as streetscape improvement, campus planning, sustainable design, and
modifications to the County Zoning Ordinance. What started as a bold and unique
experiment nearly twenty years ago to determine whether design professionals
could effectively “work with their communities rather than for their
communities,” has become the new standard within Loudoun County and a model for
communities nationwide.
Tickets to Visions for Architecture are available online.
The First Unitarian Universalist Church (UUC) has been selected to receive AIA Virginia’s Test of Time Award in 2019. The award recognizes a structure at least 25 years old (but no more than 50) from the date of initial construction. Building use may change over time if the overall design is cherished as a significant contribution to the community and the built environment. The award will be presented at the Visions for Architecture gala on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, at the Hilton Downtown Richmond.
UUC was designed by Ulrich Franzen, a
German-born graduate of the Harvard School of Design. Built in 1972, the design
reflects Louis I. Kahn’s influence, simultaneously complementing and
distinguishing itself from its more traditional setting in Richmond’s Carillon
Historic District.
Comprised of interlocking blocks of scored concrete and glass, the building proudly displays the how it was assembled, conveying a sense of honest purpose. The strong, solid massing, formal repetition, and simple materials give it a grounded sense of place and permanence on its prominent site.
The building frames shaded outdoor spaces for quiet contemplation but also opens up views to the garden through floor to ceiling glass, bringing a sense of peace and serenity to the meeting hall inside.
In 2002 and 2012, respectful renovations were
completed by Quinn Evans Architects.
Called a “timeless work of abstract geometry,” the UUC has admirably met the changing needs of the Unitarian congregation with only modest renovations throughout its 47 year history.
Michael Ermann, AIA, David Keith, AIA, and Kevin Sneed, FAIA, will be recognized with the Award for Distinguished Achievement at the Visions for Architecture gala on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, at the Hilton Downtown Richmond. The Award for Distinguished Achievement signals especially noteworthy achievement by an architect in any one of the following categories: design, practice, education, service as “citizen architect,” and service to the profession. This award may serve as an accolade for the work of an entire career or recognize the current accomplishments of a younger leader.
“I am pleased to have been a colleague of his, and continue to be impressed with his selfless approach to the education of professionals, young and old.”
Jack Davis, FAIA
Michael Ermann, AIA
Since 2001, Michael Ermann, AIA, has made significant contributions to the profession as an educator and researcher. During his time as a professor at Virginia Tech, he has taught design studio, building systems, architectural acoustics, materials and methods, architectural structures, and even a walking tour class for non-majors titled “Design at Every Scale.” For this work, he has been recognized with numerous teaching awards, including the university-wide Virginia Tech Teacher of the Week award and the Virginia Tech School of Architecture + Design Lecture or Seminar Teaching Excellence Award, twice. He has received perfect student evaluations in six different courses.
In addition to his more than 18 years teaching at Virginia Tech, he launched an ARE prep program that has benefited thousands of practitioners around the country. His Amber Book and video series, have transformed the understanding of critical information on life safety, site design, construction, structures and mechanical and electrical systems aiding countless professionals along the path to licensure. He has also conducted vital architectural acoustics research which was published in Architectural Acoustics Illustrated(Wiley, 2015), and recognized with the AIA Virginia Prize for Design Research and Scholarship.
He has further been recognized as an accomplished designer,
winning several design awards from AIA Blue Ridge.
“David has a visceral enthusiasm for every step of the design process. People want to work with him, work for him … Throughout his career, he has raised the bar for what qualifies as ‘good design’ all across Virginia.”
–Eric Keplinger, AIA
David Keith, AIA
David Keith, AIA, is a design principal and the Chief Executive Officer of Hanbury. Throughout his 30 year career, he has left a tangible impact on some of Virginia’s most well-known architecture firms as well as cities and institutions across the state. Recognized for his unwavering commitment to design excellence, he has worked on more than 250 projects, amassing an impressive number of Design Awards.
In addition to his service as Vice President on AIA Virginia’s Board of Directors and the Editorial Advisory Board for Inform Magazine, he has also served on the Hampton Roads Design Build Institute of America and the Virginia Beach Planning and Design Review boards.
A leader who is deeply committed to education and mentorship, he has delivered dozens of lectures and talks and has contributed numerous articles to nationally-recognized publications. Deeply engaged in Hanbury’s Summer Scholars program, he has helped to identify research areas that frequently reveal opportunities in communities that could profoundly impact their shape, vibrancy and economy.
Kevin G. Sneed, FAIA, is an architect passionate about the profession who, early in his career, engaged in groundbreaking activities that have become mainstream initiatives for guiding the future of the profession.
John Burns, FAIA
Kevin Sneed, FAIA
OTJ’s Kevin Sneed, FAIA, has approached his career with a clear dedication to public and professional service.
Since joining the AIA in 1987, right out of school, he has been an enthusiastic advocate and engaged participant. In addition to serving as secretary, treasurer, and president, he also co-founded AIA Northern Virginia’s Young Architects Committee, setting a precedent for organizing activities to nurture emerging architects that now thrives in components throughout the Commonwealth — and across the country. He later served on AIA Virginia’s board and at the national level on the Young Architects Forum, Diversity Committee, Brand Advisory Committee, and the Interior Architecture Knowledge Community. In 2004, he was recognized with the National AIA Young Architect Award for his substantial contributions to the profession.
The T. David Fitz-Gibbon Firm Award will be presented to 3north at the Visions for Architecture gala on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, at the Hilton Downtown Richmond. As the highest honor bestowed by the AIA Virginia to a Virginia-based architecture firm, the Fitz-Gibbon Architecture Firm Award recognizes a firm that has consistently produced distinguished architecture for at least ten years.
“I can say without reservation that 3north’s body of work rivals that of any of the top national design firms whose work I’ve observed at first hand. I cannot give them higher praise than to say that, as a knowledgeable client, I would place 3north in the top tier of any short list”
Samuel A. Anderson, III, FAIA
Since its founding in 1999, 3north has grown from a single architect to a multidisciplinary design firm with offices in Richmond and San Francisco. Their diverse portfolio of work — which includes hospitality, civic, commercial, educational, and residential projects — has earned awards and recognition for achievements in design excellence, environmental sustainability, and historic preservation.
The firm is deeply committed to supporting community nonprofits
and has created an office culture that encourages pro bono work, broad-based
volunteerism, board service, and speaking engagements. Beyond their community
involvement, the firm’s principals and staff have a long history of service to
the AIA and the profession. Through support of programming like AIA Richmond’s Front
Porch and Richmond Women in Design, to engagement with AIA Virginia in the
Emerging Leaders in Architecture program, the Art of Practice, and Architecture
Exchange East, to service at the national level through the Small Firm
Exchange, 3north has been a model for service to the profession.
In addition to cultivating a culture of service, the firm has nurtured an entrepreneurial spirit, founding several affiliate businesses and holding a number of patents pending.
A founding principal of VMDO Architects, Robert W. Moje, FAIA, will be recognized with the William C. Noland Medal at the Visions for Architecture gala on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, at the Hilton Downtown Richmond. As the highest honor bestowed by AIA Virginia to an architect, the Noland Medal is intended to honor a distinguished body of accomplishments, sustained over time, spanning a broad spectrum of the profession, and transcending the scope of normal professional activities. The honor is in memory of William C. Noland, FAIA, one of the founders of the AIA in Virginia, its second president, and Virginia’s first member to be elevated to fellowship.
“Bob’s work in architecture is framed by three essential, interrelated commitments: a commitment to the discipline and practice as a public, civic endeavor; a commitment therefore to the communities in which he is called to work; and further, a specific commitment to education as both the fundamental design commission and the fundamental societal value … [his] design vision and leadership is purposeful, utterly authentic, and deeply holistic.”
Peter MacKeith, Dean and Professor, University of Arkansas
Moje has been a leader in the planning and design of educational facilities for more than 42 years. Through his award-winning designs, research, and professional and public service, he has advanced the practice of educational facility design considerably. His innovative instructional environments have elevated the level of discourse on design, teaching, learning, and the communal aspect of educational facilities on an international scale. In 2014, he served as chair for the global AIA Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) conference titled The Value of Design: Enhancing Education through Architecture in Barcelona, Spain.
Moje has a long history of service to his profession and his community. Since 1997 he has served as the only architect on the Commonwealth of Virginia Joint House/Senate Subcommittee on Educational Infrastructure. He has also contributed his time on the Charlottesville Board of Architecture review, including a stint as chair, the Virginia Computer Foundation, the Virginia Center for Architecture, and numerous others.
Beyond his design and research accomplishments, he has been an exemplary leader at VMDO. He helped establish a firm culture that is people-oriented, family-friendly, and inclusive of different viewpoints, backgrounds, and experience levels. He has contributed an effective transition plan and a generous profit-sharing system that is available to all at the firm.
