These are the 2018 AIA Tennessee Design Award winners

Thirteen projects have been selected as the 2018 winners in AIA Tennessee's annual Design Award program. The jury, chaired by Craig Kronenberg, principal at Chattanooga-based Hefferlin + Kronenberg Architects, chose the top buildings from a field of 98 entries this year. 

Memphis firm archimania came out swinging, securing four Merit Awards as well as the top honor, the Award of Excellence, for Ballet Memphis, which the jurors called "enigmatic" and a "home run".

From the Ballet Memphis project description: "The civic-oriented facility is an extension of the Company’s mission. With large windows and public courtyards, the building contributes to the already thriving urban district. Formerly a hotel with parking in the front, the new site design inverts the original scheme. The building is designed to engage the public in movement, culture, and connection to the community. It houses rehearsal space for the professional company, a dance school for over 200 children, and community dance and pilates classes. The largest rehearsal studio also doubles as a performance venue.

"The copper screen sits at the historic street edge—enhancing the urban experience within an entertainment district—while complying with current city codes and setbacks. The building’s façade offers opportunities for the community to participate in the organization, via exterior courtyards, retail experiences, and a café, and a costume shop featuring a display window/mini-performance place."

Merit Awards went to the following projects:

• Memphis Business Academy, Memphis by Self + Tucker Architects
• Lanier Farm Park, Memphis by archimania
• The McIlwaine Friendship Pavilion, Knoxville by Sanders Pace Architecture
• Poplar Foundation + Pyramid Peak, Memphis by archimania
• House for Five, Memphis by designshop, pllc
• Elkmont Brewery, Knoxville by McCarty Holsaple McCarty

• A Step Ahead, Memphis by archimania
• Design Miami Pavilions, Chattanooga by Branch Technology & SHoP Architects
• Tennessee College of Applied Technology Murfreesboro at Smyrna Campus/Nissan Training Center, Nashville by Tuck-Hinton Architects
• The Flying Squirrel, Chattanooga by Tinker Ma, formerly Cogent Studio
• Alfred Williams & Company, Nashville by Hastings Architecture Associates, LLC
• Patterson Condo, Memphis by archimania