AIA Chicago recognizes high quality architecture with their annual Design Excellence Awards

The Chicago chapter of the AIA has announced its annual Design Excellence Awards. Thirty-three projects were honored for their design ingenuity across four different categories, which include Distinguished Building, Divine Detail, Interior Architecture and Unbuilt FORWARD—a newly added category that recognizes architectural design for projects that will not see completion but put a focus on relevant social, cultural and environmental challenges, as well as technological innovations that will drive the architecture profession into the future.

"Each year, we are proud to honor Chicago architects who continue to meet ever-changing project demands with progressive approaches," said AIA Chicago Executive Vice President Zurich Esposito. He added that this year's winners—which included Studio Gang's University of Chicago North Residential Commons and STL Architects’ The French International School—"not only pay homage to rich architectural traditions but also address evolving global and cultural shifts with diverse and innovative solutions." 

Take a look at the winners below. 

↑ Category—Distinguished Building, Honor Award: Legacy Charter School, Lothan Van Hook DeStefano Architecture

↑ Category—Distinguished Building, Honor Award: Lycée Français de Chicago, The French International School, STL Architects

↑ Category—Distinguished Building, Honor Award: Plumber's Local 130 UA Training Center, Gensler

↑ Category—Distinguished Building, Honor Award: Unity Temple, Harboe Architects

↑ Category—Distinguished Building, Honor Award: North Residential Commons, Studio Gang

↑ Category—Distinguished Building, Honor Award: Washington/Wabash CTA Station, EXP

↑ Category—Interior Design, Honor Award: Optimo, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

↑ Category—Divine Details, Honor Award: Landing Pit Trellis at Midtown Athletic Club, DMAC

↑ Category—Divine Details, Honor Award: Park Plaza Synagogue, Epstein—Principal Designer, Andrew Metter FAIA

↑ Category—Unbuilt Forward, Honor Award: Engineering Company Headquarters, HDR

↑ Category—Unbuilt Forward, Honor Award: Astana Arts Center, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture

↑ Category—Unbuilt Forward, Honor Award: Elgin Laundry, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP