A diverse group of projects have been recognized for Excellence in Architectural Design by the Kentucky Society of Architects (AIA Kentucky), a chapter of The American Institute of Architects. Awards presented and their recipients are:
HONOR AWARD – Additions/Renovations/Restoration: greater than $5M
University of Kentucky College of Design – Lexington, KY
Architect of Record: K. Norman Berry Associates Architects, PLLC with Jeanne Gang + Studio Gang Architects
Owner: University of Kentucky
Jury Comments:
“This project displays the skill of a mature design team which chose clarity of concept as the key to articulation. The historic building is restored to a useful and pleasant open interior rendered in white with operable windows and an unobtrusive mechanical system. Interventions within and outside of the building are indicated both in deep grey color and through graceful curves culminating at a heroic ‘Maker Marquee’ canopy.”
HONOR AWARD – New Construction: greater than $25M
Echo Trail Middle School – Louisville, KY
Architect of Record: JRA Architects
Owner: Jefferson County Public Schools
Jury Comments:
“Clever allegorical whimsy brings this composition to life through a reinterpretation of ‘rural vernacular.’ Stable forms built of robust materials and set quietly in the clearing allows the playful articulation to unfold as we approach.”
HONOR AWARD – New Construction: greater than $10M and less than $25M
Lexington Public Library Marksbury Family Branch – Lexington, KY
Architect of Record: Champlin | EOP Architects
Owner: Lexington Public Library Foundation
Jury Comments:
“Exuberant and engaging, this is a public library that beckons the public to enter. Playful forms, bright lights and vibrant colors make this a building for an active community. The plan supports the forms through open approachable spaces easily navigated for a variety of uses by a wide audience. This is a modern building speaking to the relevance of a public library in our communities.”
MERIT AWARD – New Construction: less than $10M
Nami – Louisville, KY
Architect: WorK Architecture + Design
Owner: Winebrenner Capital Management
Jury Comments:
“Nami is interior architecture at its most inviting. The volumes, textures, colors, and one can imagine aroma, draw the guest ever inward. Describing the spaces in section is most instructive. Guests enter from the sidewalk into a tall greeting space which intrigues the public with activity and sets a minimalist container which appreciates the cast concrete frame of the building above. Moving deeper into the interior brings the visitor into ever more intimately scaled spaces as the details and textures become richer. The artistry and craftsmanship of the central stair is an engaging encounter along the way.”
MERIT AWARD – Additions/Renovations/Restoration: greater than $5M
Angel’s Envy Distillery and Visitor Center – Louisville, KY
Architect: Joseph and Joseph Architects
Owner: Louisville Distilling Company, Angel’s Envy Distillery
Jury Comments:
“This remarkable tour de force spanning almost a decade displays a commitment to this significant historical landmark and houses a thriving retail engine for the community. This is a structure of significant scale with multiple uses built over time, but the enduring materials are utilized in a harmonious fluid composition.”
MERIT AWARD – Additions/Renov./Restorations: less than $5M and New Construction: less than $10M
University of Kentucky Cooper House – Lexington, KY
Architect: Lord Aeck Sargent Planning & Design
James Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits – Lexington, KY
Architect: Joseph and Joseph Architects
Owner: University of Kentucky
Jury Comments:
“The composition of these buildings creates a setting greater than the sum of the parts.
The Cooper House is a beautifully detailed 1880’s building carefully restored to serve as a welcoming visitor center. The building received ‘just the right amount’ of renovation and reinterpretation. A restored historic stair is featured along with broad jambs and base boards. The notable expansion of a modern meeting and event space on the north side sets the stage for the other buildings in the composition.
The James Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits places two complimentary structures in the composition. Rendered in metal and stone, these buildings express permanence and a relationship to each other in this grouping of buildings. Through tall glass panels we get a glimpse inside of each to see the core of their purpose and invite us to venture in.
The arrival sequence, flow of parking, and use of pavers all help to hold this group of buildings together and elevate the whole.”
CITATION – Additions/Renovations/Restoration: greater than $5M
Louisville Water Tower and Museum Restoration – Louisville, KY
Architect: K. Norman Berry Associates Architects
Owner: Louisville Water Company
Jury Comments:
“Clearly a landmark worth saving. The Louisville Water Tower and Museum speak of a time when public works were truly celebrated, and the restoration of these features was lovingly carried through. The adaptive use of the space as a museum draws visitors to engage in the honorable mission of this facility and revel in the engaging historic details.”
CITATION – Additions/Renovations/Restoration: greater than $5M
North by Hotel Covington – Covington, KY
Architect: WorK Architecture + Design
Owner: VR Group
Jury Comments:
“This is a substantial undertaking in scale and complexity. Faithfully restored, these significant buildings will serve the community as landmarks for many more years. The structures knit together functionally and aesthetically around a magical central atrium. The penthouse level sets respectfully back from the historic façade and creates a modern rooftop place to enjoy the vista.”
CITATION – Small Project Award: less than $2M
Logan Street Market – Louisville, KY
Architect: Foxworth Architecture, PLLC
Owner: Logan Street Market
Jury Comments:
“Playfulness and delight elevate this modest building into a cheerful and colorful community builder. We’re drawn into the market and one can immediately imagine the sounds and smells of this vibrant social space. The clever addition of the mezzanine offers additional sidewalk direct venue space and an internal vantage point to enjoy the energy within.”
People’s Choice Award – Additions/Renovations/Restoration: less than $5M
Bardstown Bourbon Company Louisville Experience – Louisville, KY
Architect: Joseph and Joseph Architects
Program Statement:
“The Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBC) Louisville Experience offers a multi-functional destination, featuring retail, a bar, a bottle shop, and an educational classroom. The open and spacious floor plan, featuring movable retail displays, allows for flexible furniture arrangements and a variety of event types. This adaptable and engaging space, located in the heart of downtown's second-busiest area, offers a truly immersive brand journey. The BBC Experience promises to educate, entertain, and leave a lasting impression. This captivating space not only showcases the Bardstown brand but also serves as a bridge to Kentucky's rich bourbon history, inspiring visitors to embark on a future adventure to Bardstown itself.”
THE JURY
The Wisconsin-based jurors met via Zoom on June 16 and reviewed the 28 entries received for this year's program. The jury members were:
David Black, AIA (Jury Chair)
