2020 AIA Wisconsin Design Awards Announced
Published: May 18, 2020
Eight building projects have been recognized for excellence in architectural design by the 2020 Design Awards program of AIA Wisconsin, the state society of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
This year’s award-winning architecture includes projects located in Egg Harbor, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Racine and Sacramento. The awards recognize the design of new buildings and civic spaces as well as the rehabilitation and redevelopment of historic structures. The projects vary in type and scale – from a small art gallery to a city entertainment district, from an historic hotel to a small new resort, from a high-performance fire station to a vibrant addition to a community center, and from affordable urban infill housing to the redevelopment of an old mill and factory.
The building projects demonstrate the power of architecture to positively affect the environments in which we live, work, gather, explore and relax. This year’s design awards program incorporates the national AIA “Framework for Design Excellence” that outlines criteria for sustainable, resilient and inclusive architecture. The framework inspires architects to design projects for integration, equitable communities, ecology, water, economy, energy, wellness, resources, change and discovery.
The common thread running through all eight award-winning projects is that they were designed by architects who are members of AIA Wisconsin. A distinguished jury of architects from outside Wisconsin recognized the projects after carefully reviewing 65 entries. The 2020 Design Awards jury included the following architects: April Hughes, AIA, with HPZS, Chicago; Steve Raike, AIA, with Lake Flato Architects, Austin; and Angel Suarez, AIA, with Perkins & Will, Coral Gables.
The three projects and architects selected to receive Honor Awards for overall architectural design excellence include:
Gallery and Studio, Racine, designed by Johnsen Schmaling Architects, Milwaukee – a delightful new two-story art gallery and studio helping to trigger a small renaissance in the heart of downtown.
Egg Harbor Lodge, Egg Harbor, designed by Johnsen Schmaling Architects, Milwaukee – four contemporary guest suites in a crisp low-slung building overlooking the shoreline in Door County.
Milwaukee Bucks Entertainment District, Milwaukee, designed by RINKA, Milwaukee – a remarkable urban transformation featuring a public plaza, dining and entertainment venues and an all-season beer garden.
The five projects and architects selected to receive Merit Awards for excellence in particular aspects of architectural design include:
D Street Housing, Sacramento, California, designed by Johnsen Schmaling Architects, Milwaukee – beautiful urban infill housing designed to revitalize a neighborhood being rediscovered by young families, students and artists.
Hotel Northland, Green Bay, designed by Kahler Slater, Milwaukee – an authentic restoration of an iconic building that weaves historic architecture with contemporary design to create a boutique hotel.
Oshkosh Community YMCA, Oshkosh, designed by Kahler Slater, Milwaukee – a seamless addition that transforms an outdated facility into a vibrant community center in the heart of the city.
Madison Fire Station 14, Madison, designed by OPN Architects, Madison – a new high-performance fire station that creates a space for employees in high-stress jobs to relax, socialize and connect with nature.
Garver Feed Mill, Madison, core and shell designed by SmithGroup, Madison and Phoenix, and tenant improvements designed by The Kubala Washatko Architects, Cedarburg – a former feed mill and sugar beet factory creatively redeveloped to house local food producers and craftspeople in a vibrant community space.
The annual AIA Wisconsin Design Awards program represents the highest recognition given for excellence in architectural design by the state’s professional society of architects. The 2020 AIA Wisconsin Design Awards will be presented to the architects, building owners and contractors at a special awards celebration to be held later this year.
Middleton architect Josh Johnson, AIA, chaired AIA Wisconsin’s 66th annual Design Awards program. With over 1,500 individual members, AIA Wisconsin is the state society of the American Institute of Architects, representing architects in private practice, business, industry, government and education. Founded in 1911, AIA Wisconsin is dedicated to advancing architectural design through leadership and advocacy.
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