Summary: Five building projects were recently recognized by the Kentucky Society of Architects (AIA Kentucky) for Excellence in Architectural Design. One Honor Award, three Merit Awards, and one Citation were presented Oct. 2 at AIA Kentucky’s annual convention in Covington. AIA Kentucky also presented seven Awards of Recognition recognizing outstanding service to AIA Kentucky and the profession of architecture in Kentucky.

Honor Award

Project: Mason Lane Farm Operations Facility
Architect: De Leon & Primmer Architecture Workshop
Project Location: Goshen, Ky.

Jury comments: “There is an economy and beauty in the execution of these simple farm structures that transforms them into something much greater. While the project’s palette is disciplined and limited to ordinary construction methods and off the shelf materials, the execution of these materials at the detail level is exquisite. The design focuses on a few distinct material moments, such as the bamboo lattice wall, while keeping the overall forms and organization of the complex simple and purposefully utilitarian.”
Photography by De Leon & Primmer Architecture Workshop.

Merit Award

Project: Student Union, Northern Kentucky University
Architect: Omni Architects
Project Location: Highland Heights, Ky.

Jury comments: “The placement of the building on a major circulation path is used to great effect, both activating the building and giving form to the pedestrian’s experience. Programmatic uses take advantage of the site’s sloped topography. Subtle shifts in massing, material articulation, and sunlit circulation areas give the building interest and character. It is well organized without being static. The LED lit tower creates an interesting and interactive new icon for the campus.”
Photography by Frank Doering.

Merit Award

Project: Frazier International History Museum
Architect: K. Norman Berry Associates Architects PLLC
Project Location: Louisville

Jury comments: “There is great clarity between the existing historical structure and the newly inserted elements within. Careful introduction of multi-story volumes and transverse openings within the original structure successfully transforms the old warehouse structures into new institutional and public space. The sectional and volumetric experiences within the building are very intriguing and enhance the visitor’s understanding of the space and program. The display of art and artifact is tasteful and understated, fitting in to the overall material language of the building while distinguishing itself as modern.”
Photography by Chris Fieldhouse, Photographer.

Merit Award

Project: Everett House
Architect: De Leon & Primmer Architecture Workshop
Project Location: Louisville

Jury comments: “The building fits into its historical neighborhood without being referential or stylized. While it uses the elements of the surrounding historical preservation district--like double hung windows and painted lap siding with contrasting trim--the interior palette and organization is open, light filled, and contemporary. Use of natural and artificial light is extraordinary. The space indeed glows like a lantern.”
Photography by De Leon & Primmer Architecture Workshop.

Citation

Project: Twisted Salon
Architect: Architectural Artisans, Inc.
Project Location: Louisville

Jury comments: “The simple gesture of adding a modern cube to provide a commercial presence to address the street transforms the entire composition. Both the addition and the interior remodel of the existing residential structure create a very clear and powerful volume. Subtle moves like the yellow painted ceiling give clues to the simple architectural intent. A great example of how a clear architectural idea can be executed with minimal investment or development complexity.”
Photography by Tom Gnadinger.

Awards of Recognition

AIA Kentucky also presented seven Awards of Recognition recognizing outstanding service to AIA Kentucky and the profession of architecture in Kentucky.

Distinguished Firm Award

EOP Architects, Lexington, Ky.

Distinguished Service Award

Steven A. Eggers, AIA, K. Norman Berry Associates Architects PLLC, Louisville.

Thomas E. Lett III, AIA, Thomas E. Lett PSC, Lexington, Ky.

John Russell Groves Citizens Laureate Award

State Representative Rocky Adkins, 99th House District/Majority Floor Leader, Kentucky General Assembly, Sandy Hook, Ky.

Sherry Hempfling, executive director, The Boone Conservancy, Inc., Burlington, Ky.

Honorary Membership

William Blair Scott, Jr., architectural historian, Lexington, Ky.

Allied Professional Award
Gary Meeker, CSI, Pella Windows & Doors, Commercial Division, Louisville