By Melody Harclerode
Despite an improving economy, many architectural firms face a soft demand for their services due to cutbacks in private and public spending for new and renovation projects. To compete for some fewer projects, companies are often pressured to lower their design fees. Thankfully, many architectural firms continue to create high-quality work reflecting their company mission and the wishes of clients.
This fall, firms located in the state of Georgia submitted more than 90 entries to the Georgia chapter of the American Institute of Architects for the AIA Georgia 2012 Design Awards. The submissions were judged by a jury of distinguished architects featuring Andrew Metter FAIA, David Brininstool AIA, and Peter Landon FAIA on the basis of creativity, design excellence, and innovation beyond the current trends of form and image making. At a December ceremony on the Atlanta campus of SCAD, the jurors issued design awards to twelve projects, including these five projects in the city of Atlanta and their architects:
Benjamin E. Mays High School in southwest Atlanta by Perkins+Will represents the ingenuity of architects to create an inspiring learning campus with a dramatic, yet cost-efficient renovation of an existing school rather than a complete demolition.
Tribute Lofts by Surber Barber Choate Hertlein Architects adds vitality to Freedom Parkway with its interesting sculptural forms, range of exterior materials, and well-placed mix of residential and retail spaces on a small 1.55-acre site.
D.M. Therrell High School in southwest Atlanta from Perkins+Will shines with its transformation from an inefficient setting of dreary and internalized buildings to an open campus with light-drenched buildings framing an exciting new courtyard.
Georgia Tech Carbon Neutral Energy Solutions Lab (CNES) by HDR Architecture illustrates the leadership role of architects with energy conservation by designing attractive “net-zero” buildings that result in zero net energy consumption and zero carbon emissions annually.
Nancy Creek Guesthouse & Pool by Phillip Babb, Architect complements a mid-century home in Buckhead with the placement of a freestanding 800 square feet guest house as a beautiful backdrop for a large swimming pool, terrace for entertaining and lawn for playing ball.
The AIA Georgia awards recipients illustrate that challenges, such as a difficult site and complex project goals, can inspire architects to achieve design excellence. Talented architects can be magnificent problem solvers working diligently with clients, building users and even neighborhoods to insure a successful and satisfying design.
For more information about the local and out-of-state winners visit, aiaga.org.
Melody L. Harclerode, AIA, a local architect and former Board Member of the Atlanta Urban Design Commission, promotes the power of architecture and design as a Board Member of the Atlanta chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Principal of Harclerode Architects (harc-arch.com).
