The American Institute of Architects Seattle chapter on Nov. 10 honored architects and their project teams from across Washington State for projects exemplifying best examples in a broad array of sectors from single- and multi-family residential, to civic, to commercial.

Award-winning projects, which were announced at Benaroya Hall, demonstrated the agility, inventiveness and foresight architects bring to their work in this era of change – improvising and reacting quickly to new constraints, and going above and beyond to improve the built environment, according to the AIA.

“These projects truly epitomize not only the best of what is possible here in Washington, but also what our colleagues are trying to achieve across the country,” said event moderator Elizabeth K. Meyer, University of Virginia. “We found the work inspiring and thought-provoking.”

Of the 175 submittals to the 2009 AIA Seattle Honor Awards, four received HonorAwards, five received Merit Awards, three received Commendations, and one received a Citation for their work.

The four Honor Awards went to:

Wing Luke Asian Museum, by Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen. Jurors were unanimously impressed, noting that “this remarkable renovation defines architecture in a very holistic and sustainable way – remembering its past while projecting its possibilities into the future."

Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, by Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects. "This well-crafted, LEED Gold certified public project was a stand out because of its deep connection to its environment, distinguished by the ecological systems operating across building and landscape." Jurors described the project as a “vivid learning laboratory."

Grand Teton Visitor Center, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. This Wyoming project was described by jurors as a significant asset to the future of our national park service. “The national park is the star, but somehow this building really holds its own – it is a timeless fit for that site.”

Vancouver Convention Centre West expansion, by LMN. Describing the design as “the way a convention center should be done,” the jurors were impressed with how the project relates to the city and the water, as well as the inclusion of sustainable elements such as the green roof which “feels more like a rooftop park.”

Five projects received Merit Awards. They include: Topline Corporation Headquarters by NBBJ; North Beach Residence, by Heliotrope Architects; Waipolu Gallery by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson; Hinoki House by Rex Hohlbein Architects; and Safari Drive by The Miller|Hull Partnership.

Commendations were awarded to: Conrad Prebys Music Center, University of California, San Diego by LMN; Novelty Hill Januik Winery, by Mithun, and Future Factory Upgrades by DLR Group.

One “Envisioned” project received a Citation: Biodata by zeroplus stave.

Overall, jurors were impressed with the high quality of award submittals. The three-person jury included Nigel Dancey, RIBA Foster + Partners, London; Mark Rios, FAIA, FASLA, Rios Clementi Hale, Los Angeles; and Teddy Cruz, eStudio Cruz, San Diego. The event was moderated by Elizabeth K. Meyer, FASLA, University of Virginia. Co-chairs for the 2009 AIA Seattle Honor Awards were Don Miles FAIA of ZGF Architects and Shannon Nichol of Gustafson Guthrie Nichol.