AIA Rochester presents Design Excellence Awards

The Rochester chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) held its 2013 Design Excellence Awards Gala on June 1st at the Memorial Art Gallery. Nine projects designed by local architects received accolades. In the Citation Award category were the Rochester Public Market Master Plan by PLAN Architectural Studio and T.Y. Lin International Group, Edge Architecture Office (Interiors) by Edge Architecture, and Gates Volunteer Ambulance by HBT Architects. Merit Awards went to the Kevin I. Sullivan Campus Center addition/renovation at Medaille College by Chaintreuil Jensen Stark, and DePaul Neighborhood of the Arts Apartments by SWBR Architects. Design Awards were presented to Raymond F. LeChase Hall at the University of Rochester by Bergmann Associates in association with SHW Group, and The Alternative School for Math and Science by HUNT Engineers & Architects. The Grand Design Award went to BARNagain by In.Site: Architecture. BARNagain is a residence in Lima, New York which incorporates reused materials from a family barn and is the first certified LEED Platinum home in the region. Mayor Thomas S. Richards presented the Mayor's Award to architectural design and consulting firm Passero Associates for Bridge Square, which transformed an old building into a vibrant, mixed-used space and enhanced the historic character of the structure. "We take pride in—and make it a priority to preserve Rochester's rich heritage and our landmark buildings; so we thank Passero Associates for saving this building and contributing to the vitality of the Cascade District and the city," said Mayor Richards. "The innovative design and environmentally-friendly features make Bridge Square a suitable project for the Mayor's Award." Winners of individual AIA Rochester honors were also recognized. James B. Durfee, AIA, 56, of Mendon accepted the 2013 AIA Rochester Medal of Distinction, the highest award conferred upon an outstanding architect by his or her peers. Jason Streb, Associate AIA, 27, of Rochester received the Emerging Architect of the Year Award. Jules Chiavaroli, AIA, 61, of Pittsford, accepted the Past President's Medal for his service in 2012.