2026 Award Recipients Photo Gallery
Department of Planning and Development Alert:
ARCHITECT: Gordon
OWNER: Capital One
CATEGORY: Recreational
YEAR COMPLETED: 2025
PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelly Offerman
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT: Providence
DESIGN AWARD JURY COMMENTS: Capital One East Park received an Honor Award for its exceptional integration of recreation, landscape architecture, and environmental design. The jury was highly impressed by the thoughtful planning that creates a welcoming destination for users of all ages and abilities. A network of pathways, gathering spaces, play areas, and seating elements provides a variety of experiences while maintaining a cohesive overall design. Jurors specifically highlighted the innovative incorporation of stormwater management features, rain gardens, and natural landscapes that contribute both environmental benefits and visual interest. The park demonstrates outstanding attention to circulation, connectivity, and flexibility, encouraging both active and passive use. Through its blend of imagination, sustainability, and community-focused design, the project rises above a typical recreational space and establishes a model for future public parks.
ARCHITECT: MODE 4 Architecture, PLLC
OWNER: Private Residence
CATEGORY: Residential
YEAR COMPLETED: 2023
PHOTOGRAPHER: Anice Hoachlander, Hoachlander Davis Photography
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT: Mount Vernon
DESIGN AWARD JURY COMMENTS: The jury selected River House for an Honor Award because it exemplifies excellence in architecture, site design, and contextual integration. The residence draws inspiration from historic regional precedents, particularly the George Washington Gristmill, through its thoughtful use of stone, massing, and material expression. Rather than dominating the site, the building is carefully terraced into the bluff, allowing it to respond gracefully to topography while maximizing river views. The balance between stone, glass, landscape, and hardscape creates a composition that feels both contemporary and timeless. Jurors particularly appreciated the way the structure is broken down into smaller volumes that reduce its perceived scale and strengthen its relationship to the surrounding environment.
ARCHITECT: HLR Architects – A Sandbar Architecture Company
OWNER: N/A
CATEGORY: Commercial Interiors
YEAR COMPLETED: 2025
PHOTOGRAPHER: HLR Architects - A Sandbar Architecture Company
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT: Dranesville
DESIGN AWARD JURY COMMENTS: The Pedersen Family Foundation Office earned a Merit Award for creating a distinctive workplace environment centered on wellness, comfort, and biophilic design. The jury was particularly impressed by the innovative integration of natural elements throughout the interior, including a prominent green wall, interior tree, and unique salt room. These features work together to create calming spaces that support both creativity and well-being. Jurors praised the thoughtful use of materials, soft forms, and carefully selected finishes that transform an unconventional floor plan into a cohesive and inviting environment. The project demonstrates exceptional attention to human experience while maximizing the potential of the available space. By blending wellness-focused amenities, natural materials, and elegant design solutions, the office establishes a memorable workplace that feels both functional and inspiring.
ARCHITECT: Cook Architecture
OWNER: Private Residence
CATEGORY: Residential
YEAR COMPLETED: 2025
PHOTOGRAPHER: John Cole Photography
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT: Mason
DESIGN AWARD JURY COMMENTS: The jury recognized Split Influence House with a Merit Award for its thoughtful transformation of an existing mid-century modern residence. The project successfully expands and modernizes the home while preserving the character, geometry, and architectural language that define its original design. Jurors praised the seamless integration of the addition, the careful selection of materials, and the innovative use of exposed structural elements to maximize daylight throughout the interior. Natural wood finishes, high ceilings, and generous glazing create warm and welcoming living spaces that feel connected to their surroundings. The renovation demonstrates how modest interventions can achieve significant architectural impact without overwhelming the existing site. By respecting the original footprint and thoughtfully enhancing functionality, light, and livability, the project serves as an excellent example of sensitive residential renovation.
ARCHITECT: studio.CLA
OWNER: Private Residence
CATEGORY: Residential
YEAR COMPLETED: 2024
PHOTOGRAPHER: Kate Wichlinski, Architectural Photography
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT: Hunter Mill
DESIGN AWARD JURY COMMENTS: Upper Lake House received a Merit Award for its successful reinvention of an existing lakeside residence while maintaining a strong connection to its unique setting. The jury appreciated how the renovation preserved the primary structure and existing footprint, minimizing environmental impacts and allowing mature trees and landscape features to remain intact. The redesigned home captures natural light and lake views through carefully placed glazing and improved interior organization. Jurors noted the effective use of materials, including warm wood elements that help unify the composition and create a welcoming entrance. By enclosing underutilized spaces and enhancing the relationship between interior and exterior environments, the project significantly improves functionality without compromising the character of the site. The result is an elegant and well-executed renovation that celebrates both architecture and landscape.
ARCHITECT: WDG Architecture
OWNER: Comstock
CATEGORY: Commercial
YEAR COMPLETED: 2025
PHOTOGRAPHER: Courtesy of Comstock: BGX Tech
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT: Hunter Mill
DESIGN AWARD JURY COMMENTS: The jury awarded an Honorable Mention to the JW Marriott for its ambitious mixed-use design and its contribution to a prominent transit-oriented location. Jurors appreciated the project's departure from the conventional glass tower typology using distinctive massing, articulated facades, and architectural elements that help break down the building’s overall scale. The complex successfully integrates hotel, residential, retail, and hospitality uses into a cohesive development. Particular praise was given to the interior spaces, including the highly regarded Simon Room, which demonstrates a strong commitment to design quality and visitor experience. While some concerns were expressed regarding the elevated plaza and pedestrian connections at street level, the jury recognized the project's architectural sophistication, visual interest, and effort to create a landmark destination within an evolving urban environment.
ARCHITECT: Ritter Norton Architects
OWNER: Fairfax County Park Authority
CATEGORY: Recreational
YEAR COMPLETED: 2025
PHOTOGRAPHER: Tom Holdsworth
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT: Mount Vernon
DESIGN AWARD JURY COMMENTS: The Mount Vernon Rec Center was recognized with an Honorable Mention for the successful modernization of an important community facility on a challenging site. The jury acknowledged the complexity of accommodating significant program improvements while responding to difficult topography and existing site constraints. Jurors appreciated the redesigned entry sequence, which establishes a strong sense of arrival and creates a dramatic transition from exterior spaces into the interior. The renovated facility introduces inviting gathering areas, improved recreational amenities, and a compelling central climbing wall that serves as a focal point within the building. While some concerns were expressed regarding material coordination on portions of the exterior, the jury agreed that the project represents a substantial improvement over the original structure and provides significant benefits to the surrounding community.