The AIA Mississippi Design Awards
The AIA Mississippi Design Awards seek to elevate the quality of architecture and encourage excellence by recognizing and honoring the distinguished work of AIA-Mississippi members. A jury of independent architects, educators, critics, and planners from outside Mississippi convened virtually to select this year’s winners.
31 projects were submitted for this year’s review. These projects and the architecture firms that designed them represent the exceptional work of AIA Mississippi members and architects practicing in Mississippi. In total, 12 winners were selected for recognition. Each project was evaluated on its individual merits and awards were given in three categories: Honor Award, Merit Award, and Honor Citation. Honor Awards represent the highest level of distinction and are reserved for projects that exhibit overall design excellence. Merit Awards are designated for projects that exhibit distinguished achievement in design. Lastly, Honor Citations were given to projects that are worthy of recognition because of their design quality. Each winning project was chosen for its design quality, response to its context and community, innovation, thoughtfulness, and technique.
The jury was impressed with the extensive variety of projects this year that highlighted the incredible creative talent in the State of Mississippi. Each entry showed great thought through sophisticated form making,inventive material selection, and intentional siting. The jury noted the clarity of ideas and the storytelling that was done both through the work as well as through the presentations.
Other jury comments included appreciation for intelligent use of natural light, thoughtful melding of old and new, and, most importantly, deep respect and consideration for the communities and people these buildings serve. Furthermore, the entries show great care towards addressing our increasing environmental concerns. From elevating buildings due to floodwaters and rising tides, renovating and revitalizing structures in order to curb excessive waste, and selecting ecologically friendly materials, these projects show that intelligent, beautiful design can make a bold difference in mitigating the impact of climate change. These innovative designs not only respond to the pressing environmental issues of our time but also inspire a more responsible and sustainable approach to construction and development.
AIA Mississippi also recognized individuals from the community that have made contributions or demonstrated significant support to the practice of architecture. These awards include the Friend of Architecture Award, Emerging Professionals Award, Education Commendation, Lifetime Achievement Awards, Firm Award, Samuel Mockbee Award, and People’s Choice Award.
AIA Mississippi would like to thank this year’s sponsors who have made this special event possible. Their generous support enables AIA-Mississippi to host the awards and recognize the contributions of AIA Members to the profession of architecture:
Platinum Sponsor - Mississippi Concrete Association and Cherokee Brick
Gold Sponsors - Old South Brick, Andercorp, and Codaray Construction
Silver Sponsors - Soprema, Kingspan, S5 Construction, MMC, Will & Pierce Agency
