And the recipients are…
AIA Tennessee (Tennessee Chapter of the American Institute of Architects) celebrated the 2021 Design & Honor Awards virtually on Thursday, December 9. To salute excellence in architecture, AIA Tennessee conducts an annual Design Awards program. This program honors built works of distinction designed by AIA Tennessee members, and brings to public attention their outstanding architectural accomplishments.
Sekou Cooke, RA, Master of Urban Design Director, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, led the jury composed of the following architects: Kulapat Yantrasast, AIA, PhD, Founder and Creative Director, wHY Architecture, Pat Bosch, LEED AP BD+C, Principal and Design Director, Perkins + Will, and Darris W. James, IIDA, Assoc. AIA, LEED, Senior Associate; Global Director of Talent Strategies
The twenty (20) projects were unanimously chosen as design award recipients. The jurors noted the diverse range of work and elegant solutions to challenges presented. The jury comments for the awarded projects are shown below:
Awards of Excellence
Central Station Hotel Curio Collection by Hilton | Bounds & Gillespie Architects, PLLC in association with LRK | Memphis
Restoration & Renovation
The jurors remarked that this project showcased a fun and whimsical interior design approach with a lot going on – pops of neon, signage, different furniture – overall a hipster interior. Jurors felt it was in keeping with the historic building but elevating it with a sophisticated restraint that just made it all work.
Hat House | Michael Goorevich, AIA | Nashville
Restoration & Renovation
The jurors felt this project dealt with the history of the house, showed respect for the original building and brought it to life and into today. Starting with an already cool, well-done house – the designers are cleaning and updating it. Liked the detailing they added and restored along with the energy and vibrancy they brought to the space. Bathroom and kitchen details are very lovely and beautiful, and everyone loved the red door!
6 Magnolia Circle & Mayborn | Centric Arch w/SGA | Nashville
Restoration & Renovation
The jurors felt this project successfully renovated beautiful classical architectural designs of the past that were connected and transformed by a new insertion of a circulation core contained in a glass atrium. Both competent in terms of creating new transitional spaces and bringing together old and new. The glass box feels light and elegant, and it is clear that this project is about the glowing connector – which created not only circulation but new usable and successful spaces. Vertical striations in glass walls are also very nice.
French Broad House | Sanders Pace | Knoxville
New Construction
The jurors were taken by the minimalism, simplicity, and elegance of this home design. They commented on its sophistication and site lines. The siting was meticulously thought through, and very poetic. Reminded me of finished pavilions and European care about sites, materiality and orientation. Description of the fiber cement board painted to match fall foliage gives a nice pop of color. Overall, an excellent project with clear concept, geometry and quality materials.
Allison&Graham | archimania | Memphis
New Construction
Jurors were moved by how incorporating clear forms on the site in a multi-family complex worked elegantly together. The design expresses an extremely innovative, simple, and materially clear housing pavilion approach. They greatly valued the provision of well-designed homes at an affordable end of spectrum. Very Dutch.
83 Freight | Smith Gee Studio | Nashville
New Construction
The jurors were all taken with this project’s excellence. They felt that lots of shipping container projects do things well but there is something about this one that went beyond – it feels fresh and compelling. It really amplified the shipping containerness – intertwining use of material and creative typology. Interiors and floors are really well done – not an easy thing to do. And keeping existing doors for sun shading panels was very innovative.
Merit Awards
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing | HASTINGS | Nashville
Restoration & Renovation
Juror remarked on the clean design and clarity of thinking by embedding a bold vertical glass circulation portal to connect historic buildings and new structures. Well designed transitional spaces create a delicate touch between new and old.
The Conversant Group | franklin | architects | Chattanooga
Restoration & Renovation
Jurors liked the use of shipping containers inserted into the converted steel structure of the warehouse shell with containers creating new spaces within the overall volume. Clean and clear design approach with colors that add fun and interest; the structure brings a nice play of light.
Marble Hall & Marble Pavilion | Johnson Architecture | Knoxville
Restoration & Renovation
The jurors felt this was a lovely project and that recognition was deserved for a small and simple renovation being completed – and longed to see the full realization of the plan.
Family and Children’s Services | HASTINGS | Nashville
Restoration & Renovation
Jurors were compelled by the use of color in this project as spatial and programatice dividers; and overall, how the designers infused vibrancy and art into the architectural design.
West Meade Residence | Bauer Askew | Nashville
Restoration & Renovation
Jurors recognized this project as a radical renovation and still keeping with the original language of the building while upgrading the living room, kitchen and clear description of existing vs new.
Crow Residence & Coffee Shop | UrbanARCH Associates | Memphis
Photo credit: Chad Mellon
Photo credit: Chad Mellon
Restoration & Renovation
Jurors commented on the successful renovation of this building into mixed-use, and the relationship of the coffee shop to the residence. The stair and roof addition of a corrugated box adds interest. Clean and elegant design decisions showcase the old and new.
St. George Greek Orthodox Church | Barber McMurry | Knoxville
Restoration & Renovation
Jury impressed at how this church was restored after a fire, bringing the community together to rebuild. Craft, carpentry and excellent mosaic work are evident in this restoration – capturing the spirit of the original structure while improving upon it.
Stove Works | Elemi Architects | Chattanooga
Restoration & Renovation
Jurors remarked that this project is an example of a high-impact – budget conscious renovation moment; it was good to see an example of converting an abandoned building into a variety of spaces. The program and project felt like a unique, master planned, community-building, and placemaking exercise. Use of skylights, gallery walls etc. and impressive and chic finishes – display a passion for bringing something back into use.
Tower Ventures | LRK | Memphis
Interior Design
Jurors felt the design offered a nice very precise insertion into existing spaces that flowed into a cohesive spectrum between old and new. Saw harmony to the elements and rawness of space, graffiti, wrought iron, furniture selections and views across the atrium.
Montgomery Bell Academy H. Frank Burkholder Wellness Center | HASTINGS | Nashville
Interior Design
Jurors felt the central atrium space was a particularly strong design element of the project – with pixelated trees and floating birds adding special points of interest. Overall the designers delivered consistency and interest within a muted and elegant palette of color and materials.
Belly Acres | archimania | Memphis
Interior Design
Jurors felt that the designers presented a clear idea and ran with it. A bit weird, definitely unique and overall pushed the envelope on playful design. The pink tractor added fun and whimsy. Liked that they tried to do something very different.
Edge Motor Museum | designshop | Memphis
Interior Design
Jurors commented on the clear delineation between what was old and new and liked the clarity of this. Not an easy project to do or do well. The cars on display in the facade is a beautiful expression of the building’s purpose.
Main & Clay | Smith Gee Studio | Louisville, KY
New Construction
Jurors felt this design did a great job in terms of weaving a new structure into an existing streetscape, thus improving the overall community. Did a lot well, and recognition should be given for reusing sites through a well arranged and straightforward design.
Wiseacre Brewery | LRK | Memphis
New Construction
Jurors responded strongly to the incorporation of art and architecture – felt like the designers were having fun with this project and it shows. The building comes alive at the corner with its transparency, lighting and artwork. It really pops both during the day and at night. The architecture creates a transformative and interesting juxtaposition to surrounding buildings. It could have easily been another big box or another traditional brewery – but chose to defy expectations.