Recognizing Leaders in Exceptional Design, Environmental Excellence and Tree Preservation

On Tuesday, Feb. 27, the Board of Supervisors celebrated leaders in design, environmental excellence and tree preservation, who are creating a sustainable and well-designed county that is welcoming to the diverse needs of residents.

Exceptional Design

The James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards recipients were recognized for their commitment to design excellence that enhances the experience for visitors to each site. The winners represent works of architecture that combine green building practices with outstanding site design.

The honor award was given to the G+G House for shaping the home into the site and landscape including environmental sensitivity. The honor award was also given to Capital One Hall, whose project was noted to be an exceptional urban design, with a complex program that makes it both a placemaking destination and a catalyst for future development. The merit award went to the Residence at Colvin Run and Spring Mill House for their careful integration landscape features and creative use of natural materials.

Fairfax County established the Exceptional Design Awards in 1984 to recognize achievement in the total design of a building and its site. The awards aim to raise awareness of outstanding planning and design projects among design professionals and the general public. The design awards program is sponsored by the Board of Supervisors and administered by the county's Department of Planning and Development in cooperation with the county's Architectural Review Board and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Awards are granted in three categories: honor, merit and honorable mention. A jury of design professionals, including architects, selected the winners.

Environmental Excellence

Each year, the Environmental Excellence Awards recognize individual county residents, county employees, and organizations or businesses who advance or support the county’s environmental goals and policies, dedicate personal time and expertise beyond their normal fiscal and civic responsibilities, and demonstrate leadership within the community.

The 2023 Environmental Excellence Awardees include a high school senior combatting climate change through environmental stewardship, a small business working to reduce plastic waste, a condo association safeguarding green spaces for its residents, and three county employees advancing sustainability practices.

Friends of Trees

The Friends of Trees Awards honored three individuals, two non-profits, one development and two schools for their dedication to helping the public understand the importance and benefits of trees, promoting the preservation and expansion of the urban forest and for protecting trees in Fairfax County.

Since 1999, the Friends of Trees awards has highlighted exceptional, outstanding and innovative tree conservation actions in Fairfax County that meet one or more criteria: to protect and preserve existing trees and associated habitats, to increase the urban tree canopy and its related habitats, to educate and inspire people to plant more trees and properly maintain them, and to convey an understanding of the value and benefits of trees. Developers who go “above and beyond” county requirements to preserve and protect trees and associated habitats are also eligible for these awards.