The Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects honored 12 member projects with Awards for Excellence in Architecture November 2 in Richmond. A seven-member panel, chaired by North Carolina architect Frank Harmon, FAIA, selected the winners from a field of 124 submissions representing the state's five AIA chapters. The awards were presented in conjunction with the Virginia Foundation for Architecture.

Honorees and excerpts from the project descriptions and the jury's comments follow:

Honor Awards

Richmond Ballet, by BCWH, Richmond. The conceptual theme, "the ballet factory," informed this renovation of a four-story industrial warehouse…The renovation opens the studios to views of the James River and Richmond's downtown. "We liked this project because the original building had not been lost in the addition, which is so often the case."

Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, Washington, D.C., by Leo A. Daly, Washington, D.C. Dramatic forms inspired by those found in traditional church architecture come together to create this new education and cultural center. "The materials really help to reinforce a sense of permanence, with the stone base, copper cladding, and plaster work."

Unitarian Universalist Church, Winchester County, Va., by James William Ritter Architect, Alexandria. The design of this church stemmed from the modest budget and the generous size of the Shenandoah Valley site.

Greenville Residence, Greenville, Va., by SMBW Architects, Richmond. The unbuilt project conceives of a quiet residence that melts into a valley between the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains. Arranged around an overscaled stone wall that serves as an axis parallel to the landscape's ridges, the interior and exterior spaces will open to sweeping views of the mountains from a home assembled using regional materials and techniques.

Merit Awards

Farmhouse Addition, Lovettsville, Va., by Robert M. Gurney Architect, Alexandria. Rather than mimicking the original white, Federal-style farmhouse, the architect created a marked contrast with the color and modern lines of his addition.

Williamsburg City Square, by Carlton Abbott and Partners, Williamsburg. The jury said the architects create a unifying public space. "The green spaces are just as important as the architecture. Without them, this wouldn't have been anywhere nearly as successful."

Wilson/Glazier Residence, Washington, D.C., by BMK, P.C.—Architects, Alexandria. This 1960s house was extended to turn the deck into a greenhouse, the carport into a garage, and the front door into a striking sheltered entrance.

Exterior Elevator and Stair, Richmond, by Glave & Holmes Associates, Richmond. The architects designed the steel elevator and stair to reflect the original metal work of a former industrial site that is now the home of the Richmond Civil War Center. The design allows visitors to weave in and out of the remaining brick walls without obstructing views of the James River.

1779 Church Street, Washington, D.C., by David Jameson Architect, Alexandria. The architect transformed a neglected 1860 rowhouse into a spacious, well-lit living space.

Our Lady of the Visitation Church, Darnestown, Md., by Kerns Group Architects, Alexandria. A rhythmic series of dormers shoots skyward, mimicking the spire of the bell tower, while on the inside, the dormers appear to have been carved from the ceiling, creating more skyward motion and infusing the sanctuary with light.

Goodview Elementary School, Bedford, Va., by Spectrum Design, P.C. Roanoke. The school is expandable to suit a growing student body, designed to provide security while allowing access for after-school events, and wired for the digital age.

Huis JCMZ, Chevy Chase, Md., by Studio27 Architecture, Washington, D.C. The jury commended the proposed design for this 3,000-square-foot renovation as a "nice clear resolution of a plan."

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.