“This building revitalizes the downtown core and provides a contextual response to a complex architectural challenge. The project provides landscaped open areas and a gateway to the downtown.”

“A clean, minimalist structure, detailing makes the pavilion float...important to the execution of the project.”

“The design portrays a strong sense of movement, with materials and color on point for a Transit Station located in an arts and cultural district.”

“In looking for the answer regarding how to design an urban detention facility that holds its own amid a growing vibrant city core, this facility is it. There are few obvious indicators of its function from the outside. It has an unusual window screening approach, making it very interesting to study.”

“The alternating levels of balconies and curtain walls create different planes that provide relief from the facade. These well-resolved interactions between volumes allow for the integration of a natural, organic feel to the forms that match the project’s intent to bring gardens up throughout the building.”

“This building revitalizes the downtown core and provides a contextual response to a complex architectural challenge. The project provides landscaped open areas and a gateway to the downtown.”

“The building has a very enigmatic presence, probably a necessity for such an occupancy. Perhaps post 9-11 pressure for secrecy precluded the presentation of interior views thus limiting the architect’s communication. The plans do give some idea of how traditional bureaucratic organization of spaces is handled on the various floors. The case for this project was not helped by some rather unfortunate exterior photographs. And yet the harmonic forcefulness of the form itself and its excellent proportions, reminiscent of some of the better works of Golusov, Lissitzky and other Russian Constructivists of the 1920s, were most convincing. It requires great creativity to make a “silk purse out of a sow’s ear” and secure government facilities present an extremely difficult problem to solve in an architecturally satisfying manner. This project advances that frontier.”

“For a public building, very nice transparent form, security not compromised. Good for Buffalo, nice recognition to the city.”

“The design uses strong indoor/outdoor connections and simple articulation of form to achieve a comforting and cohesive residential rehabilitation environment. Organized around a landscaped courtyard, the three simple single-story elements are punctuated by roof monitors and folded plate canopies, generating a rich human scale.”

“ The design makes a bold statement in the scale of the canopy, monumental column, and stairs at the building entry. The scale and detailing of these elements serve to establish a signature identity for the courthouse. The use of a variety of sun-screening strategies brings a layer of interest and character to the canopy and building skin. The plan is clear and responsive to the program and site, and security elements are successfully integrated into the architecture of the facility.”

“...an impressive space with a carefully crafted renovation.”

“Preservation and adaptive re-use projects are all too often only driven by literal and meticulous preservation of the 'existing.' In this project, the repair of the old and the introduction of the new are juxtaposed with particular skill and beauty. The gossamer and butterfly-like structures of the new acoustical ceiling offers a contemporary pattern and perfect foil to the Byzantine tile and detail of the original building.”

“The respect for the original architecture is clear, and the lightness of the gesture helps to create the soaring feeling in the space. The technology becomes the new ornament in an old ornamented space.”

“Focusing upon functional and visual flexibility, the lighting design operates with simplicity. Exterior luminaries enhance the steeple, dome, rose windows and entries, while reflections from stained glass windows of the dome decorate the acoustic panels in daylight. The theatrical lighting system includes balcony and side archway trusses. Original chandeliers in the upper reception area were restored, supplemented with track lighting, while fluorescent sources illuminate the lower lobby.”

“Very creative! A beautiful space - well thought out, with great lighting and excellent planning of balcony and stage location.”

“This is a state-of-the-art mental health program where patient dignity is important in psychiatric treatment. The design . . . does an absolutely fantastic job of taking a half-million square feet into a residential scale. ”

“The important aspects of this project are rigorous, classic, and timeless, but are contemporary in execution…this is a good example of the ‘skin building’ genre in that its design promises lots of surprises.”

“An exceptional building – accomplishing the goal of capitalizing upon a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a positive image and new gateway to the region.”

“A significant achievement in response to site context and program. Public spaces treated with abundant daylight lend a community aspect to police services. The complex multifunction program is clearly organized, and the massing and architectural execution display a timeless building concept, an appropriate completion to the civic center.”

“Blade-like glulam arches combined with an ingenious, high profile and daring use of a timber resource currently under threat.”

“Innovative use of the discarded pine-beetle-killed wood integrates the spanning system with the mechanical systems and creates an elegant roof that still manages to feel intimate for a large span structure. The building’s structural design permits an effective amount of perimeter daylighting to support interior functions”

“... the tower has a beautiful sculptural form, displaying a contemporary interweaving of disparate strands. The effect is reminiscent of delicate bamboo scaffolding.”

“A distinctive complex that weaves a story of healing, well-being, and dignity, the Arizona State Hospital is a cutting edge facility that represents a new paradigm in mental health facilities. ”

“The courthouse creates a symbolic corner within downtown Las Vegas. Its giant articulated column is a powerful totem that will no doubt become a signature in a city of signs and symbols. In addition to symbolizing a federal presence, the building responds to its urban surroundings, establishing a design precedent for large-scale public buildings.”

“This work has spurred economic development, increased heritage awareness and tourism, revitalized the community, and helped unveil the beauty of the area's rich architectural and cultural heritage...”

“The border station celebrates vernacular building traditions of both sides of the border, recalling the festive atmosphere of outdoor markets. There is a beautifully modulated quality of light inside.”

“Good project inside and out. Consistency and organization flows throughout the project. Very nice balance of solid and transparency - the mix of sloped and cube forms - provides great interest for a very large building. Nice views into activity spaces and nice distinction of uses with split-level entries. Great to see Gold LEED® certification - huge challenge on this building type!”

“...creative solutions to difficult challenges posed by building in an operational airport.”

“Every aspect of the approach to all key issues was very evident and utilized in every detail. Multiple issues have been addressed and done so with style. The quality of the external facades is indeed a pleasure to behold; this is translated into the interior with the same commitment to detail. The design team faced a tremendous challenge in bringing together multiple agencies under one roof. With each agency having its own agenda and protocols, the design team is to be congratulated on producing a superb building.”

“BU's new Fitness and Recreation Center is the product of talent and experience applied with great passion. It's one of the best facilities in the country and fits well architecturally in its urban context. Definitely an award winner.”

“A wonderfully executed, complex project. Nice design continuity between the diverse spectator, athletic & recreational components. The arena and fitness center sit comfortably next to one another, each retaining its own image without sacrificing function or aesthetics.”

“...for its curved and inclined shapes, expressing lightness and brilliance, through long, clear spans.”

“Excellent restoration!...sensitivity to the original design while meeting the program...innovative design in acoustical panels, seating and lighting.”

“A spectacular project...the project team did an outstanding and sensitive job in restoring the fabric of the building while blending old and new components to provide a modern-day facility.”

“This urban detention center manages to establish a strong civic presence in an extremely difficult project type. The designer has skillfully assembled a complex series of discreet programmatic volumes and the contrasting scales of concrete masonry and precast concrete provide further articulation through changes in scale and detail, while emulating desert colors.”