2022 AIA Design Awards
On December 1, at the AIA Bucks County Chapter’s annual meeting at the Plumsteadville Inn, Raphael Architects was honored to receive two design awards.
The firm was presented with the 2022 Small Project Award, with Project Manager Peg MacDonald accepting the award from AIA Bucks County President, Mairi Schuler. This Newtown, PA project included an addition and a transformation of unused attic space into a home office and outdoor living space.
“Newtown Home Office is a small gem hidden behind a fairly typical residential structure in a fairly typical residential neighborhood. It very skillfully speaks to the increasingly prevalent condition of remote work, and the tension between commercial activities in a residential setting. Considering commonalities, the project incorporates materials that are ‘of the house’ and integrates them in a way that makes it clear this is something different. The stair façade and its relationship to the rear garden is striking and modern yet appropriate for the use….and the existing house. While small in stature, this design has large impact. I particularly enjoyed how it contributes to the growing dialogue about “office” and “home” and the appropriate expression of each in a singular structure. This is a very deserving Chapter Small project Awardee.” — William Spack, AIA Guest Juror
The surrounding courtyard, garden walls, and plantings were critical to create the calm private patio. Peter Fernandez, President of Carter Van Dyke Associates, designed the exterior landscape elements. Linda McManus Images captured the essence of the addition and renovations for the improvements. Scott B. Lesser, Custom Builder, LLC built the well crafted construction improvements.
Pictured are: Project Manager Peg MacDonald and Mairi Schuler, President AIA Bucks County
Raphael Architects also received the 2022 Honor Award for the design of a light-filled, spacious modern farmhouse in Solebury Township. Linda Szpak, Raphael Architects Project Architect and Interiors Architect Gretchen Ginnerty accepting the award for the firm.
“Modern Farmhouse is an excellent example of all-new construction that skillfully nods to the vernacular without being literal. It is strength through simplicity. Pure gabled forms define distinct program uses, unified through color and unrelentingly consistent detailing – which borders on sparce but in fact lends an unexpected sense of elegance to the home’s interior. Many Architects talk of “connections” to their surroundings but often don’t fully deliver. Modern Farmhouse truly “walks-the-walk” with expansive glass planes – particularly in the great room – creating an axial transparency that allows the outside to visually pass-through the plan. To this end, the exterior wall of the yoga room is also a delight. This an excellent example of appropriate residential design that respects regional traditions while clearly creating something unique and ‘of its time’. It is much deserving of a Chapter Honor Award.” — William Spack, AIA Guest Juror
Founded by Michael Raphael, AIA, LEED AP, Raphael Architects is located in historic Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Through 36 years in business, the firm has built a reputation for designing innovative buildings for both complex and straight-forward challenges.