The 2025 Excellence in Design Awards Program was a great success! We thank AIA Cincinnati for jurying our awards this year.
The ceremony was hosted at the Engineers Club at the Garrett-Jacobs Mansion.
AIA Baltimore presented the awards and honorable mentions in the following categories: Good Design = Good Business, Social Equity Award, Residential Design Award, Excellence in Design Award, Excellence in Design Detail Award, Excellence in Sustainable Design Award, The Michael F. Trostel, FAIA Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation, and the Grand Design Award.
Good Design = Good Business Award
Now in its 19th year, the Good Design = Good Business Award honors architects and clients who best utilize good design to help companies and organizations achieve their goals. This award recognizes projects where design excellence elevated project outcomes to benefit the business, institution, or community which it serves. It awards exceptional collaboration.
The 2025 jury included Caroline Moore, Wexford Science + Technology; Laura Thul Penza, AIA Member Emeritus, Penza Bailey Architects; and Jennifer Vey, Greater Baltimore Committee.
Experiencing historical landmarks through design has the ability to bring a sense of community and unity to all visitors. This was central to the design challenge behind the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center at Niagara Falls State Park: meet the needs of over nine million individuals from all over the world in a space that complements one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes. The new visitor center provides basic amenities, elevates the experience with interpretive content, and facilitates meaningful connections to a place, all in an elegant, quiet form that enhances without distracting from its natural setting. Through a design collaboration with local historians, residents, and Indigenous communities, GWWO Architects created a gateway to the Falls that allows visitors to ‘choose their own adventure’ selecting from direct, restorative, or educational pathways from the structure’s amenities to the Falls. The jury agreed that this project perfectly addressed all of the limitations of the prior structure and now offers visitors a contemplative, welcoming, and relaxing experience at one of the world’s busiest tourist attractions! The jury predicts that an improved visitor experience will attract more people to engage with the Falls, thereby supporting and uplifting the local economy.
Turning the focus inward and examining “good business” through the lens of the employee experience, the jury opted to also honor Gensler’s interior architecture of the T. Rowe Price Headquarters with a Good Design = Good Business Award. From the outset, the design process was heavily collaborative, involving over 130 employees, which signaled a strong emphasis on user-driven design. The results confirm T. Rowe Price’s mission to attract and retain top talent and mark a departure from the standard company headquarters. The design of the new professional campus intentionally accommodates diverse work styles, elevates ‘social collisions’, promotes in-person and industry connection, and supports the physical and mental wellbeing of employees throughout the workday. According to the jury, this project “hits the mark” and exemplifies T. Rowe Price’s major investment in the city of Baltimore.
In recognition of Whitney M. Young’s speech at the AIA National Convention 56 years ago, and in partnership with the Neighborhood Design Center established that same year in 1968, AIA Baltimore and NDC jointly developed a Social Equity Award in 2018 to honor the shared 50th Anniversary.
Whitney M. Young challenged architects to address issues of diversity and social responsibility. It was also clear to many architects that the top-down approach of urban renewal was not working and that the better way forward was an inclusive, community-driven approach to design. Well-designed places enhance healthy cultural and democratic life in our neighborhoods. Everyone deserves access to good design.
The Social Equity Design Award recognizes community-driven projects that advance the health, social justice, environmental sustainability, and the true character of a place by creating design that honors the people who live, work, worship and do business there.
The 2025 Social Equity Awards Jury included Arjun Hosakere, ReBUILD Metro; Kathy Speicher Melluish, AIA, GWWO Architects.
What does a skilled architect do when handed the assignment of renovating an iconic mid-1970s building with deep cultural memories following decades of vacancy? Exercise restraint and let it shine in all its late modern grooviness. The design solution for the Poppleton Recreation Center focused on maintaining the structure’s architectural identity and incorporating the voiced needs of the community. Twopoint Studio’s collaborative design process included active engagement by community members throughout and informed design decisions including program needs, access and security, and even the artwork. To Poppleton and the surrounding communities, the impacts of both an inclusive design process and simple design moves are immeasurable as this recreation center reclaims its role as a beacon of connection, wellness, and pride in southwest Baltimore.
The Residential Design Awards returns to our Excellence in Design Awards Program with a separate jury consisting of local leaders within residential architecture and design. This award promotes and publicizes excellence in residential architecture throughout Central Maryland.
Our 2025 Residential Design Award Jury included Rob Brennan, AIA, brennan + company architects; Kelly Cantley, Bozzuto Construction Company; Brent Sturlaugson, Morgan State University School of Architecture and Planning.
While often used synonymously, there is a distinction between the words house and home, the former referring to the physical structure and the latter embodying an emotional connection between person and place. With this in mind, the jury selected the project that best demonstrates that an award-winning house can also be a home through thoughtful design driven by the wants, needs, and tastes of the occupant. Originally slated for demolition, this home underwent an impressive transformation that exemplifies the principle that renewal and reuse of existing buildings is the most sustainable form of design. By preserving and reimagining the original structure, the project not only minimized environmental impact but also honored the building’s history and context. The design introduces increased porosity, creative apertures, and new exterior cladding and roofing. Clean interiors and ample natural lighting allow the homeowner’s art collection to take center stage while the bucolic landscape plays a supporting role due to open site lines and ample windows. Stevenson House by PI.KL Studios is proof that renewal is possible through design.
AIA Baltimore’s Excellence in Design Awards recognizes outstanding architectural design by AIA Baltimore members and AIA members with projects in AIA Baltimore’s region. Built and unbuilt projects submitted by AIA members are judged by a distinguished jury of AIA architects.
In response to AIA’s commitment to climate action, AIA Baltimore, and the other Maryland AIA chapters adopted new awards criteria in 2020 utilizing the AIA Framework for Design Excellence for Design Award submissions. Comprised of 10 principles and accompanied by searching questions, the Framework seeks to inform progress toward a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment.
As part of the entry process, entrants were asked to respond to the 10 principles to demonstrate how the project design achieves outcomes for each measure.
The goal is to promote the sustainable design work of our members and to support AIA’s resolution for Urgent and Sustained Climate Action.
Our 2025 AIA Baltimore design awards jury was comprised of accomplished architects from Cincinnati, Ohio who have been recognized for their exemplary design, and for their service as educators within the profession of architecture.
The jury included Jessica Glorius-Dangelo, MA Design; Jeremiah Hahn, Luminaut; Angela Mezzi, GBBN; Michael McInturf, MMA; Vince Terry, Moody Nolan.
Excellence in Design Awards, Honorable Mentions
Recognizes projects that demonstrate a level of design that exemplifies superior achievements in most aspects.
The Glen Arm Railroad Station, a Baltimore County Historic Landmark built in 1909, is notable as one of the last surviving examples of a rural train station with late Victorian style details such as wooden shingles and large eave overhangs with decorative brackets. While this project, weighing in at just 810 square feet, was the smallest entry this year, jurors felt this one did a great job within its scope and has incredible potential as a local recreation and tourism destination.
The Woodlands Stewardship Education Center stands as a beacon of sustainability nestled within the serene canopy of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Fairfax County, Virginia. This project was praised for its exceptional sustainable efforts. The facility’s role in educating the community about sustainable and resilient design was highlighted as a key strength with a potential for lasting impact in the community and beyond.
The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Welcome Center offers a new interpretive gateway to Niagara Falls by replacing a cramped and outdated existing facility with expanded exhibition and community spaces, visitor orientation, and outdoor observation areas. The new sustainable building offers an immersive experience both inside the building and out. The project was praised for its thoughtful and elegant design, which enhances the visitor experience without overshadowing the natural beauty of Niagara Falls. Jurors appreciated the building and site design, noting how the architecture contributes to a welcoming and contemplative atmosphere.
Jurors admired how the design is thoughtfully integrated with the landscape, using meta and micro symbols that unfold through movement and time, creating a layered interpretive experience. The site orientation and terrain were clearly considered, allowing the architecture to respond organically to its environment. The project was a jury favorite among unbuilt submissions, praised for its complexity and its powerful engagement with the social impact of history education.
The project was praised for its elegant and sensitive design strategies that foster a healing environment, balancing the safety needs of behavioral health care with a non-institutional aesthetic. Jurors appreciated the form and exterior detailing, especially elements that provide solar protection and enhance the building’s aesthetic. The submission package was well received, with clear graphics and diagrams that helped convey the design intent. One juror called it a “loss leader,” suggesting that the level of care and investment reflects a deep institutional commitment to patient wellbeing.
The new University Center Complex towers were seen by the jury as a solid move, especially given the steeply sloped terrain along the Hudson River. Jurors appreciated the inclusion of green roofs, rain gardens, and native plantings, elements that integrate natural systems into the students’ day-to-day lifestyles, provide teaching opportunities, and outwardly express environmental design to the student population. The University Center Complex’s site design and ground-level conditions were also praised and were seen as contributing positively to community impact.
Jurors appreciated that Thurgood Marshall is prominently honored through curated public spaces that tell his story, reinforcing the building’s symbolic importance on an HBCU campus. The scale of the project allowed the new towers to create a fulcrum at this intersection and a new signature gateway to this corner of campus. Jurors took note especially of the buildings’ edges and the materiality while acknowledging the difficulty of judging projects like this, which often operate under tight budgets and public scrutiny—especially at institutions where spending on design can be politically sensitive.
Jurors described this project as well done and well designed, noting that although it has large proportions and scale, there was careful attention to select architectural details. Jurors appreciated the comprehensive integration of all AIA Framework for Design Excellence categories, using them as a starting point for design thinking rather than an afterthought. Strong sustainability strategies were highlighted, including carbon-conscious design, green roofs, and thoughtful site planning.
Glasshouse was praised for going above and beyond pro forma requirements, especially in tackling the challenges of a brownfield site renovation. Jurors found the design compelling, with one noting it was a personal favorite. The submission demonstrated strong sustainability strategies, including public amenities and achieving NGBS (National Green Building Standard) certification. The team was recognized for taking the AIA Framework for Design Excellence seriously, using it as a tool to drive impact rather than just checking boxes. Jurors acknowledged the complexity of multi-family housing, especially on a brownfield site, and appreciated the effort to incorporate socially impactful elements and subtle nods to Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage.
Taking advantage of its prominent brownfield redevelopment site as a gateway to the Inner Harbor, the design for the new T. Rowe Price offices provides a distinctive global headquarters for the Baltimore-based business. The exterior design was viewed as simple and clean, with particular appreciation for the glass detailing and window composition, including an intriguing off-center moment. Jurors offered strong praise for the connection to the waterfront, including the walking trail and the building’s role in revitalizing a brownfield site. The project was commended for its integration with the natural environment and efforts in site remediation, contributing positively to the surrounding community. Jurors highlighted the project’s community impact, especially through its public-facing amenities and thoughtful site design that enhances access to the harbor.
Designed to promote cross-pollination among fields, the building combines highly technical environments like robotics and AR/VR labs with open, flexible spaces that encourage spontaneous collaboration and synergy among students and faculty from diverse programs. The project was praised for its subtle but well-executed details, especially the colorful canopy that climbs the side of the building and the fins, which help establish a distinct design language. Jurors described the architecture as deliberate without being overdone, calling it a “sleeper”—a quietly strong submission. This project stood out for its quiet sophistication, thoughtful equity strategies, and strong environmental performance—earning admiration for both its design and its values.
Jurors praised the building’s emphasis on design for wellbeing, noting that the spaces support people in showing up as their “best selves.” The lobby and greenspace were highlighted as inviting and well-executed, contributing to a positive user experience. The building’s form and subtle glazing details were appreciated, with jurors noting an effort to do something interesting with the shape, even if understated. 100 Forge was celebrated for its holistic approach—blending environmental stewardship, wellness-focused design, and architectural refinement into a cohesive and impactful project.
4909 Auburn was noted for its impressive sculpted massing, articulated through a series of simple geometric forms, which not only softens its visual presence but also establishes a vertical rhythm that mirrors the architectural cadence of the city. The jury also noted the cut-out window expressions that add visual interest and contribute to the building’s unique architectural character and top-tier execution. Jurors valued the integration of green roofs and the restoration of urban fabric and natural habitats, showing sensitivity to both human scale and site context. The project was seen as contributing some community benefit, particularly through its environmental strategies and thoughtful urban integration.
This project was praised for its sensitivity to lighting, creating a warm and balanced environment that supports wellbeing. Jurors admired the thoughtful consideration of the “whole person”, especially in contrast to typical office spaces that can feel impersonal or antagonistic. The design includes people-friendly solutions that make coming to work attractive, promoting comfort, connection, and productivity. The T. Rowe Price Headquarters was celebrated for its holistic approach to workplace design—balancing sustainability, architectural elegance, and a deep commitment to human experience.
This annual award, new in 2025, honors a singular project that showcases that impactful design is not directly proportional to project budget. With the ever-changing value of the dollar, and the perpetual need for a project to do more with less, AIA Baltimore wants to award projects that create successful spaces without excessive spending. Only built works will be considered for this award.
For the first time since its 1998 expansion, the Jewish Museum of Maryland undertook a significant renovation of its front-of-house areas. The project reimagined the visitor experience and repositioned the museum as a dynamic, inclusive cultural destination. Jurors admired how the portals reinforce the idea of a “living museum”, suggesting a dynamic, evolving relationship between the museum and its community. The project was celebrated for being an organic part of the community, with architecture that expresses this connection clearly and powerfully.
This award seeks to recognize projects that are exemplary representations of one or more of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence principles. This award will examine the project against each principle in regard to the criteria and focus topics. Only built works will be considered for this award.
The reimagined Minnie Howard Campus of Alexandria City High School scored highly for its Net Zero energy goal pursued through strategies including photovoltaic panels and a daylight-optimized building form. Strong appreciation was shown for its commitment to equity. Jurors acknowledged the effort to elevate the architectural quality beyond the typical school building and especially appreciated the layered façade. The project was praised for encouraging a holistic interpretation of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence, going beyond sustainability to address broader social and community impact.
This award is given to projects that bear an exceptional aspect, detail, or specific design feature that the jury feels represents excellence deserving of specific honor.
Jurors responded positively to the overall aesthetic of this residential renovation project, with one noting, “I would live there,”—a strong endorsement of its comfort and appeal. The project benefits from a beautiful setting, natural light, and a well-designed rooftop space, contributing to a sense of openness and luxury. The stair detail, floating landings, and vanities were highlighted as standout features that elevate the interior design.
The Michael F. Trostel, FAIA Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation
This award is given to a project demonstrating exceptional standards in restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, addition or sensitive new construction in a historic environment.
The jury appreciated the clever adaptive reuse and strong connection to historic structures, noting that the project honors what was already present. The new architecture was praised for being sleek and expansive, with glazing that allows it to stand out while still integrating with the site. A strong architectural rhythm and datum help define the relationship between old and new elements. The project was commended for elevating utilitarian structures and creating a cohesive landscape experience.
100 Forge is a landmark building for life science research. Located in Watertown, Massachusetts, this state-of-the-art, nine-story building includes 165,600 square feet of space including laboratory and office space designed for cutting edge research. The landscape design was seen as a major strength, with outdoor spaces that connect to the Charles Riverfront through walkways and trees, enhancing both community access and ecological value. The project successfully transforms a former brownfield site [2025 must be the year of the brownfield remediation projects], demonstrating thoughtful remediation and environmental sensitivity. Jurors praised the building’s emphasis on design for wellbeing, noting that the spaces support people in showing up as their “best selves.” The lobby and greenspace were highlighted as inviting and well-executed, contributing to a positive user experience. The project incorporates strong sustainability strategies, including solar energy, views to the exterior, and frit-patterned glazing that balances daylight and energy performance. The building’s form and subtle glazing details were appreciated, with jurors noting an effort to do something interesting with the shape, even if understated. 100 Forge was celebrated for its holistic approach—blending environmental stewardship, wellness-focused design, and architectural refinement into a cohesive and impactful project.
