AIA Grand Rapids 2024 Honor Awards Celebration Program

AIA Grand Rapids

2024 Honor Awards

Table of Contents

AIAGR CHAPTER PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE AIAGR BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024 AIAGR SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS • Natalie Musielski, KCAD • Ashlynn Tower, University of Michigan AIA MEDAL FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE • Ian Wardowski, KCAD YOUNG ARCHITECT AWARD WINNER • John Rizor, AIA STUDENT PROJECT DESIGN AWARD WINNER • Kyle Sutton, KCAD UNBUILT CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AWARD WINNER • Progressive Companies INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AWARD WINNER • Progressive Companies RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE AWARD WINNER • North House Architects SUSTAINABILITY DESIGN AWARD WINNER • Integrated Architecture BUILDING AWARD WINNERS • Progressive Companies • GMB Architecture+Engineering • Mathison | Mathison Architects PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER • Progressive Companies STUDENT PROJECT DESIGN AWARD ENTRY • Ian Wardowski, KCAD

UNBUILT CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AWARD ENTRY • Paradigm Design INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AWARD ENTRY • Lott3 Metz Crutcher RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE AWARD ENTRY • Mathison | Mathison Architects SMALL COMMERCIAL DESIGN AWARD ENTRY • Integrated Architecture BUILDING AWARD ENTRIES • GMB Architecture+Engineering • GMB Architecture+Engineering • GMB Architecture+Engineering • AMDG • Mathison | Mathison Architects • Integrated Architecture • Integrated Architecture AIAGR CHAPTER SPONSORS AIAGR EVENT SPONSORS

AIAGR Board President

When I pronounce the word ‘future,’ the first syllable already belongs to the past. This line from Nobel Prize-winning poet Wislawa Szymborska has followed me, striking the right tone as we reflect on the past year and look ahead. It speaks to all that has come before us, while also reminding us how swiftly time moves.

Stepping into the role of president was daunting, especially following our centennial celebration.

The year 2024 marked the beginning of our second century, and I felt the weight of that legacy. Fortunately, I was supported by both the past and present: a strong foundation laid by my predecessor, Steven Romkema, with a newly established strategic plan, and the invigorating ideas of our talented board of directors, who have led our chapter forward with purpose.

Architecture is not easy. Placing a building on this earth—especially one like the projects we celebrate tonight—is no small feat. It requires creativity, leadership, technical expertise, strategic problem-solving, attention to detail, and a visionary spirit. It takes a client who inspires a team to rise to the occasion, and every member

of that team must bring their talents to bear on the task at hand.

These projects share a common thread; they resonate with presence, coherence, and atmosphere. They understand their context and balance a sense of weight—or lightness—with purpose and delight. It’s inspiring to see how they incorporate simplicity, proportion, and materiality—how they turn a corner, connect to the ground, and reach for the sky. They move us.

As I pass the torch to our next president, Anne Doornbos, I am confident that she will guide us into the future with the same dedication and vision that have always defined our chapter.

Wislawa Szymborska’s words remind us that each moment carries the echoes of the past, and the future unfolds with every step. Together, we stand at the threshold of our next century, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Let’s continue to build on our legacy, create spaces that inspire, and shape a future that celebrates the enduring spirit of architecture.

The best is yet to come.

President’s Message

Tod Stevens, FAIA, LEED AP, NCARB

Board of Directors

PRESIDENT

CHAPTER DIRECTOR

Tod Stevens, FAIA, LEED AP

Marie Arrington, Assoc. AIA, NOMA

Progressive Companies

VICE PRESIDENT

Anne Doornbos, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

CHAPTER DIRECTOR

Sarah Carter, Assoc. AIA

Tower Pinkster

CHAPTER DIRECTOR SECRETARY

Sean Costello, Assoc. AIA, CPHC, LEED AP

Ben Franceschi, AIA

Diekema Hamann Architecture & Engineering

Mathison | Mathison Architects

CHAPTER DIRECTOR TREASURER

Michael Belisle, AIA, LEED AP

Joe Harmon, AIA Fishbeck

The Design Forum, Inc.

CHAPTER DIRECTOR PAST PRESIDENT

AIAGR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Pamela Danckaert, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP

Steven Romkema, AIA, IIDA, NCARB, FITWEL

Matthew VanSweden, Allied AIAGR, LFA, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C Progressive Companies

Fishbeck

CHAPTER DIRECTOR AIA MICHIGAN DIRECTOR

Eric Biller, AIA, LEED AP, CDT Progressive Companies

Jenny Waugh, Allied AIAGR Grand Rapids Chamber

KCAD Natalie Musielski (DenBesten) is a graduate student at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University. Natalie has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Sustainability from Ferris State University. She is passionate about sustainability and the positive psychological effects designed spaces can have on people. Her community involvement made her a top choice for this award.

Ashlynn Tower

Scholarship Recipients

Natalie Musielski

University of Michigan Ashlynn Tower, a senior at U of M, is an active member of the AIAS. This past summer, Ashlynn gained professional experience during an internship at Mathison | Mathison Architects in Grand Rapids. Reflecting on her academic and professional journey thus far, Ashlynn shares, “I love architecture as a profession because it merges creativity with logic in a way that allows us to shape spaces that affect people’s daily lives.” Ashlynn’s community involvement, top academic record and excellent references were key reasons she was selected for this scholarship.

Each year, AIAGR awards a scholarship, made possible through generous donors, to emerging professionals to assist in continuing their architectural education.

Originally from the east side of Michigan, Ian moved west to attend Ferris State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture and Sustainability. He then completed his Master of Architecture degree from Kendall College of Art and Design here in Grand Rapids.

Ian’s interest in architecture started in high school, working as a contractor’s assistant during the summer, gaining experience in everything from electrical to plumbing, framing, demolition, and much more. Throughout college, he interned for a few local firms, including Mathison|Mathison Architects most recently, before joining the team full-time as an Architectural Designer. Ian was drawn to MMA after experiencing our collaborative nature firsthand, and because he felt his values aligned with MMA’s mission.

The award for students in architecture began in 1914 by the AIA. Today, more than 100 schools annually submit the name of one graduate of a BArch, MArch, or DArch program who displays “general excellence” throughout their academic career.

AIA Medal for Academic Excellence

Ian Wardowski

Progressive Companies John Rizor is an Architect at Progressive Companies, serving local organizations within the firm’s community-based projects studio. John earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Ball State University and has worked in various industries, including architecture, contracting, real estate, and design editorial with ArchDaily and Design Bureau magazines.

In addition to the practice of architecture, John is also deeply invested in his community. John serves as Executive Director of ACE West Michigan, as Past President of the AIAGR, as Chair of Progressive Companies’ Community Involvement Committee, as board member of Cascade Township’s Construction Board of Appeals, as Adjunct Professor of Architecture for KCAD of FSU, as an alumnus of the Grand Rapids Chamber’s Leadership Grand Rapids Class of 2022, and as an alumnus of Progressive Companies’ Leadership Academy. John’s work has been recognized at the local, state, and national level, with myriad design awards and his recognition as a National Outstanding Mentor Award by ENR magazine. John is a published author and recognized leader in the AEC industry.

On a personal note, John is a resident of Spring Lake, enjoys international travel, and spends his free time engaging in outdoor activities with his wife, daughter, and son.

Young Architect

John Rizor, AIA, NCARB, CDT, WELL AP

Awarded for proficiency and exceptional accomplishments in the profession and community to someone licensed fewer than 10 years.

WINNER STUDENT PROJECT DESIGN AWARD

KYLE SUTTON | KCAD COLDBROOK PUMP STATION - ADAPTIVE REUSE

WINNER STUDENT PROJECT DESIGN AWARD

KYLE SUTTON | KCAD COLDBROOK PUMP STATION - ADAPTIVE REUSE GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN A century-old pumping station on the Grand River is being repurposed into a vibrant, downtown riverwalk, and neighborhood amenity. Aligning with Grand Rapids’ Master Plan, the proposal incorporates flexible, inexpensive spaces for startups, a food and produce market for the burgeoning neighborhood, and capitalizes on huge open spaces to create the largest climbing facility in Michigan, highlighted by a climbing surface that breaks through the existing structure.

The surrounding land is converted to a natural area with meandering paths, direct access to the river, and supporting local ecology.

WINNER UNBUILT CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AWARD WINNER

PROGRESSIVE COMPANIES URBAN SEEDSCAPES | DETROIT, MI

WINNER UNBUILT CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AWARD WINNER

PROGRESSIVE COMPANIES URBAN SEEDSCAPES In Detroit, Urban Seedscapes, our vision for the Zero Waste Education Center (ZWEC), reimagines community empowerment. This Living Building is a catalyst for transformation, turning every scrap into a resource and every moment into a lesson of regeneration. Inspired by the natural world, it embodies community, creativity, and circular thinking. Urban Seedscapes invites all of Detroit on a journey of discovery and action, sparking a movement towards a regenerative future. More than a zero-waste center, it connects the present to a future where waste is obsolete, fostering relentless optimism through immersive experiences and hands-on learning.

OWNER: GREEN LIVING SCIENCE

WINNER INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AWARD

PROGRESSIVE COMPANIES AMWAY TREEHOUSE | ADA, MI

WINNER INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AWARD

PROGRESSIVE COMPANIES AMWAY TREEHOUSE The TREEHOUSE is a project about workplace collaboration.

It is a unique centralized area in a large manufacturing campus for employees to physically connect with others, something that has become more difficult in a mixed presence world. It is a project which connects the workplace to health and well-being, accommodating a variety of workstyles to cater to different people’s physical and mental needs. It connects office work to nature through materiality and plant life, connects to sunlight through expansive new windows, and connects to human mood and emotion through creating interior spaces that are both enlivening and contemplative.

CONSTRUCTION: ROCKFORD CONSTRUCTION OWNER: AMWAY CORPORATION

WINNER RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE AWARD

NORTH HOUSE ARCHITECTS FALLENLEAF RESIDENCE | HOLLAND, MI

WINNER RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE AWARD

NORTH HOUSE ARCHITECTS FALLENLEAF RESIDENCE Fallenleaf is an artful modern addition to a 19th-century home in Holland, Michigan’s Waukazoo Woods. Designed for an older couple, the project emphasizes aging in place and connection to the landscape. The addition snakes around several old-growth trees, and combines solid facades for privacy and glazed walls to frame forest views. A subtle glass volume acts as an extension of the dining room while gently bridging the historic home with the added contemporary primary suite and library. The addition’s three volumes are unified by a distinctive flat roof with deep overhangs that frame indoor-outdoor environments and form a courtyard garden.

CONSTRUCTION: BERGHUIS CONSTRUCTION INTERIOR DESIGN: DESIGNWORKS INTERIORS

WINNER SUSTAINABILITY DESIGN AWARD

INTEGRATED ARCHITECTURE BELKNAP PLACE | GRAND RAPIDS, MI

WINNER SUSTAINABILITY DESIGN AWARD

INTEGRATED ARCHITECTURE BELKNAP PLACE USGBC LEED Gold Certified Belknap Place is a new 3-story, 50-unit apartment building nestled in the historic Belknap Lookout neighborhood of Grand Rapids that provides an equitable mix of affordable and market-rate residential units.

Belknap Place incorporates neighborhood-centric design to not impose on the current neighborhood dynamic. The design maintains the neighborhood character and scale on the site. First-floor units are walk-up-style with porches and individual entries. Various building materials were used on the façade, including brick, metal, and composite panels, to create a modern feel to a traditional style.

CONSTRUCTION: PIONEER CONSTRUCTION OWNER: PK DEVELOPMENT GROUP & THIRD COAST DEVELOPMENT

WINNER BUILDING AWARD

PROGRESSIVE COMPANIES SECCHIA PIAZZA | GRAND RAPIDS, MI

WINNER BUILDING AWARD

PROGRESSIVE COMPANIES SECCHIA PIAZZA The new Secchia Piazza at Grand Rapids Community College transforms an existing outdoor roof terrace into an enclosed, multi-use event space. The new room is part of the Secchia Culinary Institute and an extension of its teaching restaurant, whose renovation was also part of the project.

The Piazza’s name honors the donor’s Italian heritage and indicates the room as a place for students and the community to gather in celebration—accompanied by views of the city and the kaleidoscopic patterns of light cast by the project’s principal feature, a conical, colored glass skylight.

CONSTRUCTION: GRANGER CONSTRUCTION OWNER: GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

WINNER BUILDING AWARD

GMB GRANDVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL | GRANDVILLE, MI

WINNER BUILDING AWARD

GMB GRANDVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL Surrounded by a dense tree canopy and natural existing wetlands on all three sides, the new Grandville Middle School positions itself to take advantage of these natural elements, providing learning opportunities that are both welcoming and engaging. With an emphasis on enhancing the social-emotional learning and development of middle school students, the design was able to incorporate intentional collaboration spaces that encourage relationship building and promote nature rich learning with hands-on opportunities. Bringing the community together around a non-traditional extra-curricular program such as Robotics allowed many parents the opportunity to see first-hand what education in the 21st century can look like.

CONSTRUCTION: OWEN-AMES-KIMBALL CO. OWNER: GRANDVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

WINNER BUILDING AWARD

MATHISON | MATHISON ARCHITECTS EASTERN KILLE DISTILLERY | ROCKFORD, MI

WINNER BUILDING AWARD

MATHISON | MATHISON ARCHITECTS EASTERN KILLE DISTILLERY Eastern Kille Distillery earned unprecedented demand for their authentic spirits and quickly outgrew their original tasting room and production space. Architecturally, the conceptual goal was to create a unified building form that would bridge the tasting room and visitor experience with the distilling production / aging process. The facility allows Eastern Kille to expand their reach to the greater West Michigan area and beyond, while creating a unique, tailored presence that matches their growing brand.

CONSTRUCTION: WOLVERINE BUILDING GROUP OWNER: EASTERN KILLE DISTILLERY

WINNER PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

PROGRESSIVE COMPANIES AMWAY TREEHOUSE | ADA, MI

WINNER PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

PROGRESSIVE COMPANIES AMWAY TREEHOUSE The TREEHOUSE is a project about workplace collaboration.

It is a unique centralized area in a large manufacturing campus for employees to physically connect with others, something that has become more difficult in a mixed presence world. It is a project which connects the workplace to health and well-being, accommodating a variety of workstyles to cater to different people’s physical and mental needs. It connects office work to nature through materiality and plant life, connects to sunlight through expansive new windows, and connects to human mood and emotion through creating interior spaces that are both enlivening and contemplative.

CONSTRUCTION: ROCKFORD CONSTRUCTION OWNER: AMWAY CORPORATION

ENTRY STUDENT PROJECT DESIGN AWARD

IAN WARDOWSKI, KCAD SUBURBAN FUTURES: ENVISIONING A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MODEL FOR DETACHED, SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES

ENTRY UNBUILT CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AWARD

PARADIGM DESIGN SWING AND SERVE BISTRO | LOCATION: TBD (PROTOTYPE)

ENTRY INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AWARD

LOTT3 METZ CRUTCHER WOODROWS DUCKPIN BOWLING | GRAND RAPIDS, MI

ENTRY RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE AWARD

MATHISON | MATHISON ARCHITECTS CAMP MADRON RESIDENCE | BUCHANAN, MI

ENTRY SMALL COMMERCIAL DESIGN AWARD

INTEGRATED ARCHITECTURE EAST GRAND RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL BOAT HOUSE | EAST GRAND RAPIDS, MI

ENTRY BUILDING AWARD

GMB CALVIN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS | GRAND RAPIDS, MI

ENTRY BUILDING AWARD

GMB HUDSONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL | HUDSONVILLE, MI

ENTRY BUILDING AWARD

GMB WEST OTTAWA STADIUM | HOLLAND, MI

ENTRY BUILDING AWARD

AMDG ARCHITECTS AUTOCAM MEDICAL | KENTWOOD, MI

ENTRY BUILDING AWARD

MATHISON | MATHISON ARCHITECTS GIN GIN’S | GRAND RAPIDS, MI

ENTRY BUILDING AWARD

INTEGRATED ARCHITECTURE D.A. BLODGETT - ST. JOHN’S | GRAND RAPIDS, MI

ENTRY BUILDING AWARD

INTEGRATED ARCHITECTURE OTTER AIR SERVICES | GRAND RAPIDS, MI

Chapter Sponsors

PLATINUM CORPORATE CHAPTER SPONSORS

GOLD CORPORATE CHAPTER SPONSORS

Belden Architectural Elements

Paradigm Design

Builders Exchange of Michigan

Spalding DeDecker

Catalyst Partners

West Michigan Lighting

Consumers Concrete Driesenga & Associates Fishbeck JRA Food Service Consultants Lakewood Construction Pioneer Construction Progressive Companies Soils and Structures

Thank you to our annual AIAGR Chapter sponsors!

Triangle Associates

SILVER CORPORATE CHAPTER SPONSORS ABD Engineering & Design Custer Rockford Construction VK Civil - Vriesman & Korhorn Civil Engineers

AFTERGLOW RECEPTION SPONSORS

Fishbeck

Integrated Architecture Lumbermen’s + LP SmartSide

PROGRAM UNDERWRITER SPONSORS

Mathison | Mathison Architects

Michigan Architectural Foundation

Millies Engineering Group + Hanbury

Progressive Companies

Wolverine Building Group

PRODUCER SPONSORS

CORPORATE TABLE SPONSORS

Custer Paradigm Design COCKTAIL RECEPTION SPONSOR TowerPinkster DINNER SPONSOR AMDG Architects FRIEND OF AIA GRAND RAPIDS Belden Architectural Elements GMB

Mathison | Mathison Architects Rockford Construction Spark 43 Architects STUDENT TICKET SPONSORS Builders Exchange of Michigan Spark 43 Architects

2024 Honor Award Event Sponsors

PREMIER PRESENTING SPONSOR