AIA Indiana

The restoration of an 1875 Gothic chapel and the renovation of the Indianapolis Museum of Art were among projects throughout the state recognized for their designs. Architects for the two projects received Honor Awards at the: AIA Indianapolis 2007 Excellence in Architecture awards.

CSO Architects designed the $2 million restoration of the Crown Hill chapel, which re-opened in 2006. The Gothic design included an addition of a large vestibule, a custom-built pipe organ and landscaping that extends to the 34th Street gate.

“This restoration/addition is a very successful example of how additions can be delicately designed. The project allows the celebration of the history of the existing building, while accommodating modern needs,” according to comments from the judges, Doug Garofalo, David Brininstool and Patricia Saldana Natke, all architects from Chicago.

Browing Day Mullins Dierdorf Architects designed the $74 million expansion of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, adding 140,000 more square feet and giving the museum a dynamic new entrance. Judges called the design a “poetic balance,” and praised the designers’ use of natural daylight and the harmonious blending of the existing building with the new addition.

The American Institute of Architects Indianapolis Chapter hosts the excellence awards every other year to recognize its members for their work.

“Architecture plays a vital role not only in the design of a single building, but also in helping shape communities,” said Kevin Koenig, chairman of the 2007 Excellence Awards.

AIA Indianapolis has more than 400 members from Central Indiana. The organization exists to be a voice of the architecture profession, serve its members, advance their value and improve the quality of the built environment.