Delaware buildings recognized for excellence in architectural design | Business

A varied array of architects with work running the gamut of typologies — from exemplary civic work and single-family housing to an outdoor amphitheater — were recently recognized as AIA (American Institute of Architects) Delaware Design Awards recipients.

“Together, the work demonstrates how design excellence contributes to contemporary life no matter the site of a project, its use, or the income of its users,” AIA Delaware representatives said.

An Honor Award, the highest level Design Award, recognized The Food Bank of Delaware Milford Branch, which was designed by Becker Morgan Group to provide an inviting presence, to engage the community and promote the Food Bank’s mission: “to inspire hope in our communities by providing food to nourish Delawareans, while collaborating on long-term solutions to hunger and poverty.”

That project was joined by nine Merit and Citation recipients. Projects encompass private homes; the transformation of former horse stables into a non-profit community event space; vibrant civic, and institutional spaces; and more.

“It was a privilege to serve as jury chair for the AIA Delaware Design Awards,” said Drew Hohenwarter, AIA, president-elect of AIA Central Pennsylvania. “The jury was inspired by the range and depth of submissions, which reflected a strong commitment to design excellence, environmental responsibility and community engagement.

“We saw projects that demonstrated restraint and clarity, others that embraced bold innovation, and many that thoughtfully responded to their context, whether urban, rural, or coastal. Across all categories, the work was marked by a high level of craft, sensitivity to users and a clear architectural vision. We commend all the honorees for elevating the profession and contributing meaningfully to the built environment.”

In addition to the Honor Award for The Food Bank of Delaware Milford Branch, Becker Morgan Group Inc., the recipients of AIA Delaware Design Merit Award were:

• Freeman Arts Pavilion Box Office & Entry Pavilion (Selbyville), SEA Studio LLC;

• Appoquinimink Library (Middletown), Perkins & Will, in association with Tetra Tech;

• It’ll Deux (Bethany Beach), SEA Studio; and

• One Back (Bethany Beach), SEA Studio.

Citation Award were made for:

• Urban Artist Exchange Outdoor Amphitheater (Wilmington), Architectural Alliance Inc.;

• FinTech Innovation Hub (Newark), MGA Partners LLC;

• Harrington Library (Harrington), Becker Morgan Group;

• Salt Ayres (North Bethany), SEA Studio; and

• Creek House (Bishopville, Md.), Jonathon Selway Architects.

“AIA Delaware is dedicated to serving its members, and uniting all architecture professionals in the design of a more just, equitable and resilient future through advocacy, education, and political action. The organization represents the interests of architects and allied professionals in Delaware.”

Founded in 1932, the AIA Delaware is a state component of the American Institute of Architects. For more information, visit www.aiadelaware.org.