Maine Architects celebrate at the 2017 AIA New England Award program.
From left to right: JT Loomis, Amy Loomis, Matt Elliott, T. Scott Teas, Pamela Hawkes, Jesse Thompson, Judy Johnson, Matthew O’Malia, and Riley Pratt.

AIA Maine extends congratulations to Scattergood Design of Portland, GO Logic of Belfast, Elliott + Elliott architecture of Blue Hill, and Kaplan Thompson Architects of Portland for their recognition at the 2017 AIA New England Design Awards program.

Submissions to the competition were accepted from New England firms for projects located anywhere in the world, and from firms outside New England for buildings located in the region. These Maine firms represented four out of 25 winning projects chosen among a field of 275 entries.

The jury consisted of chair, Sameer Kumar, AIA, LEED AP, Director of Enclosure Design at SHoP, New York; Rashida Ng, Chair of Architecture Dept. and Assoc. Professor at Temple University; and, Mark Sanderson AIA, Principal, DIGSAU, Philadelphia.

The jury started with a matrix of judging characteristics but those were quickly put aside to discuss what they felt was really important about each project. Important issues included: did the project demonstrate its sense of purpose; did it read at a depth of scales; and did it show control of a particular architectural language? The question of style did come up and the jury grappled with what their style bias might be. In the end they decided that, irrespective of style or beauty, the recognized projects all exhibited some aspect of practice that is important today – they solved a problem in a way that either advanced design technology, design thinking, or design practice.

Honor Award
Milembe Secondary School Science Labs, Misungwi District, Tanzania
Scattergood Design, Portland, ME

Jury Comments: The jury found this to be first and foremost, a very handsome piece of architecture, skillfully assembled with respect for its immediate environment. A well-integrated use of passive systems and local materials help control the costs, both initial and recurring. Above all, the social purpose of the project and the care that the design team brought to it is highly commended. We would like to acknowledge the diversity in practice and the contexts in which we choose to build.

Honor Award
Wellesley Residence, Wellesley, MA
GO Logic, Belfast, ME

Jury Comments: The simple forms and crisp detailing on the interior are a delight to observe however, we found that the strongest aspect of this project is in its strategy to deal with the 2-car garage. This project really takes on the challenge of addressing the typical suburban garage and the non-pedestrian friendly arrival it imposes on the house. The successful achievement of a highly energy efficient, eclectic, and livable home sets this project apart from several of its peers. This project proves for us that genius can emerge out of and live in the commonplace everyday life.

Citation Award
Bayside Anchor Apartments, Portland, ME
Kaplan Thompson Architects, Portland, ME

Jury Comments: This was one of the most hotly debated projects among the jury! We appreciate the taking on and successfully executing the challenge of Passive House in an affordable housing project. We also get that Passive House lends itself to a box, though it was hard to get over the green!

Citation Award
House on an Island, Great Cranberry Island, ME
Elliott + Elliott architecture, Blue Hill, ME

Jury Comments: We were impressed by how humble and livable this house is… That courtyard, created by moving the porch away from the living space, is remarkable. The resulting outdoor deck, is both private and intimate.

The full slate of award winning projects can be found on the AIA New England website: aianewengland.org/design-awards/2017-design-awards

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Four Maine Firms recognized at the 2017 AIA New ENgland DESIGN AWARDS