This year’s James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards recipients include a new park, a distinctive workplace and uniquely designed homes. They are being recognized for their commitment to design excellence that enhances the experience for people visiting each site. A jury of design professionals selected awardees in three categories: honor, merit and honorable mention.
The Honor Award went to two projects. Capital One East Park is recognized for its exceptional integration of recreation, landscape architecture and environmental design, featuring innovative stormwater management and natural rain gardens. River House, a private residence, is recognized for its architectural excellence and contextual site design that draws inspiration from historic regional precedents.
The Merit Award goes to three projects. The Pedersen Family Foundation Office is recognized for creating a distinctive workplace environment centered on biophilic design and employee wellness. The Split Influence House is recognized for its sensitive modernization and expansion of a mid-century modern residence while preserving its original architectural character and footprint. The Upper Lake House is recognized for an elegant lakeside renovation that maximizes natural light and lake views while minimizing environmental impact on the surrounding landscape.
Honorable Mentions go to JW Marriott, for its ambitious mixed-use design, distinctive massing and architectural contribution to a high-density transit-oriented hub; and Mount Vernon Rec Center, for the successful modernization of a vital community facility on a challenging site, featuring an inviting new entry and central climbing wall.
Since 1984, the awards program celebrates exceptional planning and design projects, sponsored by the Board of Supervisors and administered by the Department of Planning and Development in collaboration with the Architectural Review Board and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Awards recipients will be celebrated at the 2026 James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center.
To see more details about each award recipient, visit the James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards website.
Photo credit: KOMPAN
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