2011 AIANH Excellence in Architecture Awards
The AIANH Excellence in Architecture Awards Program was instituted in 1983 for the purpose of providing public and professional recognition for architectural projects of design excellence by New Hampshire architects. Each entry is judged on the following criteria: overall design excellence including aesthetics, clarity, creativity, appropriate functionality, sustainability, building performance, and appropriateness with regard to fulfilling the client's program. Scroll below to see the 2011 results.
Thanks to our Awards Program sponsors: Spaulding Brick and Charron Inc. (representing quality lighting manufacturers like Litecontrol, elliptipar and Delray Lighting).
Past Design Award Winners:
2008 | 2009 | 2010
Other Awards Programs:
The Clint Sheerr Award for Excellence in New Hampshire Architecture
25-year award
Intern/YA Competition
Press:
NHBR online review with photos
2011 Design Awards
Honor Award
New Mexico House, Arroyo Seco, NM
Architect: Richard M. Monahon, Jr. AIA Architects, Peterborough, NH
Builder: Doony and Jamie Leeson
Jurors Comments:
Great plan/spatial organization with entry courtyard; strong fit into environment; great integration of traditional and contemporary forms. The interiors present an atmosphere that anyone would enjoy.
Photo: Duffy Monahon
Honor Award
Lake Island Camp, New Hampshire
Architect: Albert, Righter & Tittmann Architects, Boston, MA
Contractor: KMAC Builders
Juror Comments:
Lively, striking branch/origami interior framing; intimate environmental placement; wow chimney! The plan exhibits a kinetic energy, which suggests that the two buildings are ‘escaping’ from the orthogonal constraints of the deck
Photo: Peter Vanderwarker Photography
Honor Award
Idexx Laboratories, Westbrook, ME
Architect: Lavallee Brensinger Architects, Manchester, NH
Construction Manager: Pizzagalli Construction
Juror Comments:
Great plan integrating old and new; 'biocourt' very successful; provides year round focal point and calming environment, a welcome relief to what could be an overwhelming interior space.
Photo: Joseph St. Pierre
Merit Award
Cottage Renovation, New London, NH
Architect: Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC, New London, NH
Builder: Old Hampshire Designs, Inc.
Landscaping: db Landscaping, LLC
Juror Comments:
Understated, simple, cost effective renovation. Excellent use of limited space. Restrained and authentic in use of materials and details. In some ways, this is the most appealing project …. maybe it speaks to the desire for simplicity in all of us.
Photo: Great Island Photography, LLC
Merit Award
Historic School House, Ashland, NH
Architect: Samyn-D’Elia Architects, P.A., Ashland, NH
General Contractor: Milestone Engineering and Construction, Inc.
Juror Comments:
Overall a superb restoration/preservation of both historic detail and space. Well executed. Well-detailed. We could not find fault with any part of the restoration.
Photo: John W. Hession
Recognition, Unbuilt Architecture
Jerusalem Peace Monument Complex
Jan Sawka and Bart Sapeta AIA
Juror Comments:
Passion and poetry… who could argue with this concept? Story well articulated. A strong concept – well presented.
People's Choice Awards: Residential
Cottage Renovation, New London, NH
Architect: Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC, New London, NH
Builder: Old Hampshire Designs, Inc.
Photo: Great Island Photography, LLC
People's Choice Awards: Non-Residential
Alpine Clinic, Franconia NH
Architect: Samyn-D’Elia Architects, P.A., Ashland, NH
Photo: John W. Hession
2011 Honorary Members
Bob Thoresen was recognized for his outstanding work and dedication in transforming Portsmouth, NH, to a vibrant coastal community. Bob began the transformation when he was the City’s Planning Director in the 1970s. His vision for a revitalized Market Square was the impetus for the dramatic investment by the real estate community in not only the waterfront, but the entire downtown area as well. He established the first Historic District in the City’s history, and co-authored the visual guidelines for the District that are followed to this day.
Following his tenure as Planning Director, Bob established The Thoresen Group, a development firm that has continued to reinforce the urban fabric and principles that now characterize Portsmouth, through several infill and renovation projects in the downtown area. His sensitivity to the unique qualities that have made Portsmouth a major destination for people from all over the country, is evident in the success of his development projects.
Thoresen’s work in Portsmouth has been recognized nationally, and he has served as a consultant to many communities throughout the northeast and the south that are trying to emulate his success here. His work as a preservationist is well documented, and he has served on a variety of local and national boards as a result.
His stewardship has been responsible for a higher public appreciation of design and in enhancing awareness of the built environment.
Carolyn Isaak, Executive Director of the AIANH Chapter, was given her honorary membership in recognition of her service to the Chapter and to the architectural community. Since 1999, she has worked closely with AIANH members and its Board of Directors to increase the visibility of architects in the state and to broaden the public’s understanding of architecture and the value of good design. Under her tenure the AIANH Chapter has developed new elementary, middle, and high school volunteer programs; increased continuing education opportunities for professionals; directed a community-based consensus building initiative; organized six regional conferences on Integrated Design / Integrated Development; built a broader program for Interns and Young Architects that includes a yearly competition; created a 501(c) 3 charitable arm, the NH Architecture Foundation; and strengthened the Annual Design Awards program.
2011 Awards for Outstanding Service
Bruce Hamilton AIA was presented with an Outstanding Service award for his contributions over many years. He served on the Board of Directors for six years holding the offices of Past-President, President, President-Elect, and Vice-president, and as a Director. He has chaired the AIANH Education Committee for the entire time of his tenure, and plans to continue on this committee.
As the leader of the Education Committee, Hamilton was instrumental in growing and developing, as well as instructing, the various Learning by Design Programs that it conducts in schools around the state, such as the elementary programs "Shoebox Clubhouse," "Box City," and community walking tours; the Introduction to Architecture program and Bridges and Structures for middle schools; and the AIANH High School Design Competition.
The AIANH Learning by Design programs engage children in architectural awareness and design projects with architects and designers; support educators who engage children in interdisciplinary, curriculum-based architectural awareness projects; and give children the opportunity and skills to communicate ideas about their built and natural environments.
Hamilton regularly attends and has presented at the Architecture + Design Education Network (A+DEN) conferences in Chicago. He is beginning his second year on the AIA National Education Committee, and is on the Advisory Council of the Keene State College Architecture program, working closely with the architecture department there to help enrich the program. He also regularly attends student design reviews and has worked with the staff to develop a graduate course for teachers who are interested in bringing architecture and design-based projects into their classrooms.
Hamilton is owner and principal of Bruce Ronayne Hamilton Architects in New Ipswich, NH.
Outstanding Service Awards are given to those members who have gone "above and beyond" in their service to AIANH and to the built environment in New Hampshire.
AIANH 2011 Design Awards Jury
James A. Sterling AIA
James A. Sterling Architects, Portland, ME
Ellen Belknap AIA
SMRT Architects, Portland, ME
Walter Arsenault AIA
Fraser Matson Architecture & Planning, Falmouth, ME