Four exceptional projects by northern Indiana architects received top honors at the 2024 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Northern Indiana Design Awards, AIA Indiana announced today.

“It’s clear that our talented members are positively changing the built environment for their clients and the communities they serve,” said Jason Shelley, executive director of AIA Indiana. “The creative and thoughtful approach they apply to their work takes the needs of their clients into consideration while incorporating the unique elements of the spaces and places around these structures. I’m so proud of what they have accomplished and the impact they have, for the better, on our communities.”

The winners were chosen from 15 submissions by a jury from the AIA Iowa Chapter. The following projects and awards were announced:

Honor Award – New Construction

(Project cost greater than $5 million): Greensburg Fire Station No. 1, designed by DLZ Indiana LLC. This $9.2 million, 21,000-square-foot structure prioritizes firefighter safety and efficient facility operations.

Citation Award – Preservation/Adaptive Reuse/Renovation

‍Elkhart General Hospital 6th Floor Flexible Unit, designed by Creative Design Solutions, Inc. The project transforms a medical-surgical unit into a flexible, future-ready facility adaptable to post-COVID needs.

Merit Award – Preservation/Adaptive Reuse/Renovation

‍St. Joseph County Public Library Addition and Renovation, designed by Arkos Design and Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP. The renovation modernized the existing 116,500-square-foot library, improving the patron experience and enhancing community engagement.

Citation Award – Interior Architecture‍

(Project cost less than $5 million): Social Engagement Center, designed by DLZ Indiana LLC. This innovative space at DLZ’s South Bend headquarters fosters employee engagement, teamwork, and camaraderie.