AIA New York State celebrates architectural excellence with 2024 design awards

Albany, NY The American Institute of Architects New York State (AIANYS) has revealed the recipients of the 2024 AIANYS Design Awards. AIANYS is the state component of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is composed of 13 statewide chapters representing over 9,500 architecture professionals. Since 1968, these awards have honored exceptional architectural projects – from local landmarks to international collaborations – designed by licensed and registered architects practicing in New York State. 

Twenty-nine projects received recognition across 14 categories, including Adaptive Reuse/Historic Preservation, Commercial/Industrial, Institutional, Interiors, International, Pro Bono Projects, Residential, Small Firms, Unbuilt, and Urban Planning and Design. Citations, Merit Awards, and Honor Awards were bestowed upon the most outstanding submissions. 

The West Natick Fire Station #4 in Natick, MA won an award in the “Institutional” category. Tecton Architects, P.C. in Hartford, CT was the Architect of Record while H2M architects + engineers, who have offices in Troy and Long Island, provided the firematic design.

The 2024 Design Awards jury comprised Jury Chair Terry Welker, FAIA, architect and sculptor at Welker Studio, and visiting assistant professor, architecture, and interior design at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio; Jamie Ober, AIA, principal at Lenhardt Rodgers Architecture + Interiors and 2025 AIA Pennsylvania resident-elect; and David Viana, assistant vice president, community relations & subsidiary administration at Empire State Development. Peter Arsenault, FAIA, was the facilitator. 

From among the 29 award-winning projects, the jury selected the "Best of the Best," which will be revealed at a virtual awards ceremony on February 6. 

"I am deeply impressed by the exceptional quality and ingenuity demonstrated in this year's submissions," said Welker. "They are clear evidence of how caring and dedicated New York architects are to the cause of design excellence and place making. These projects reflect a profound understanding and commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the unique cultural contexts in which they are situated. They are a testament to the power of design to positively impact our communities and shape a more vibrant future." 

AIANYS 2024 president Willy Zambrano, FAIA, said, "The AIA New York State Design Awards are a testament to the extraordinary talent and dedication of our state's architects. These awards celebrate their innovative spirit and their ability to create spaces that enrich lives and inspire communities. I extend my sincerest congratulations to all the esteemed recipients." 

The recipients will be honored and the award levels will be revealed at a virtual award ceremony on Thursday, February 6.