Reflecting on 2024: Three Lessons That Still Resonate /  by Rick Schneider

As Principal, I’ve come to realize that true leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about empowering others to thrive and contribute, fostering collaboration rather than simply giving direction.  True leadership creates collaborative environments where diverse contributions are valued and everyone has a voice.  As we close out 2024, these three lessons continue to resonate with me.

  • Clear communication is key. Whether working with clients, stakeholders, or our team, open and honest communication is the foundation for successful projects. Even when delivering tough news, it’s crucial to be direct, manage expectations, and come prepared with solutions—always with a positive attitude focused on learning and growth.

  • Embracing technology and change is essential. As we push for sustainability, the ability to track real-time design decisions is invaluable. Investing in both the right software and ongoing professional development for your team is key to staying ahead.

  • Lastly, celebrate all wins—big and small. From pen to paper to built projects, the journey is long and often challenging. Take time to celebrate the milestones along the way, whether it’s through studio happy hours, working from new coffee shop locations, or simply acknowledging the progress we’ve made as a team.

Here’s to continued growth, collaboration, and success in the year ahead!

Rick Schneider, FAIA, LEED AP

Welcome Angel to the ISTUDIO Team /  by Rick Schneider

ISTUDIO is thrilled to announce the addition of Angel to our team! A graduate of the University of the Philippines with specialized training in tropical architecture, Angel brings a fresh perspective and a deep understanding of design that embraces both functionality and sustainability.

Angel’s love for exploring cities and their connections to people inspires her work. Favorites like Intramuros in Manila, Hue, and Valencia shape her thoughtful and innovative design approach.  Beyond her professional talents, Angel has a love for food—both eating it and creating it! During the pandemic, she perfected the art of making Neapolitan pizza at home, combining precision and creativity in a way that mirrors her architectural philosophy.

We’re excited to have Angel on board and look forward to the incredible contributions she’ll bring to ISTUDIO!

ISTUDIO's 2024 Year in Review: Celebrating Milestones and Building Community /  by Rick Schneider

As the year draws to a close, we are reflecting on an extraordinary 12 months marked by award-winning projects, the grand opening of a high-profile headquarters, team growth, and contributions to sustainability. Here’s a look at some of the highlights that made 2024 a year to remember.

Award-Winning Projects

This year, ISTUDIO earned recognition from some of the most prestigious industry organizations for their innovative and impactful designs:

  • SARA National Awards: Celebrated projects included Kingman Island Environmental Education Center, Marvin Gaye Recreation Center, and Powell Elementary School.

  • AIA Baltimore: The Arboretum Community Center and Kingman Island Environmental Education Center received honors.

  • AIA DC: Van Ness Elementary School garnered accolades - particularly for designing for resources.

  • AIA Maryland: The Arboretum Community Center shined once again.

  • NY SARA: Arboretum Community Center continued its streak of excellence.

  • Architizer A+ Awards: The Arboretum Community Center earned another top prize, showcasing its universal appeal and design significance.

  • ULI Washington: The Arboretum Community Center is recognized as a project finalist for Institutional Architecture.

Grand Opening of the HSEMA Headquarters

A major milestone this year was the grand opening of the HSEMA Headquarters, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to emergency management and public safety. The event was attended by none other than President Joe Biden, marking a moment of immense pride for the studio. Director of HSEMA Chris Rodriguez said, “the new Emergency Operations Center is the next evolution of [our] mission. The new facility offers dedicated spaces for our partners and programs like Protect DC, and significantly increases our ability to make informed, thoughtful decisions to protect our residents and visitors.”

Photo from DC HSEMA X Account: https://x.com/DC_HSEMA/status/1808242225526030811

AIA National Conference Contribution

The team at ISTUDIO hosted an Open Firm Night at the AIA National Conference and led an Arboretum Community Center Tour. These events highlighted the studio’s commitment to engaging with the architectural community and sharing the stories behind their groundbreaking projects - including DC goverment’s first mass timber project.

Welcoming New Team Members

The studio expanded its talented team with the addition of two new members:

  • John, who joined earlier this year, has already made a significant impact.

  • Angel, whose official introduction will roll out in January, promises to bring fresh energy and ideas to the team.

Commitment to Sustainability

This year, ISTUDIO was proud to be recognized as a DOEE DC Sustainable Business Member, reinforcing our dedication to environmentally responsible practices and green design solutions.

Looking Ahead

As our team celebrates the achievements of 2024, we are energized and refocused for the year ahead. With an ever-growing portfolio of impactful projects, a strong team, and a focus on sustainability, the future looks bright.

Here’s to another year of building, innovating, and inspiring!

SARA Awards Kingman Island with National Prize /  by Rick Schneider

The Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) is a dynamic professional organization comprising of registered architects, united by the guiding principle, “Architect Helping Architect.” ISTUDIO is proud to announce that the Kingman Island Environmental Center has received a SARA National Merit Award. We are deeply honored to be recognized by our peers in the architectural community for this achievement.

The awards panel noted, “The Kingman Island Environmental Education Center intertwines with adjacent ecosystems, mimicking natural flows and exhibiting their processes as teaching moments for children and adults alike.”

Welcome John to the ISTUDIO Team /  by Rick Schneider

ISTUDIO is thrilled to announce the addition of John to our team. A Washington, DC native, he brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to our studio. With a deep passion for the outdoors and urban environments, John’s work is centered on how architecture can foster healthy communities and meaningful connections with nature.

John joins us following time spent on the West Coast, where he honed his expertise and developed an appreciation for architecture’s role in shaping vibrant, sustainable communities. Beyond his professional accomplishments, John brings a few intriguing and fun facts to the table: in junior high, he memorized the entire “I Have a Dream” speech. His favorite food is the classic Southern dish, spoon bread, and he cites Yellow Cafe in Union Market as his favorite cafe interior for design inspiration.

AIA Baltimore’s Honors Arboretum Community Center with 2024 Excellence in Design Award /  by Rick Schneider

ISTUDIO is proud to announce that the Arboretum Community Center has been honored with AIA Baltimore’s 2024 Excellence in Design Award! This recognition underscores our commitment to creating thoughtful, impactful, and innovative spaces that enrich communities. We celebrate this achievement with our exceptional partners, the DC Department of General Services and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, whose shared dedication to sustainability, inclusion, and design excellence continues to inspire our work.Together, we are committed to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for all DC residents. This project exemplifies our unwavering dedication to innovation, sustainability, and design excellence. It reflects our passion for crafting spaces that are not only visionary but also profoundly impactful for the communities they serve. As we look ahead, we remain energized to continue pushing boundaries and delivering projects that inspire and elevate the human experience. Stay tuned for more transformative designs as we build a brighter future together!

The Arboretum Community Center exemplifies innovative design, sustainability, and community collaboration. As D.C.'s first mass timber building, it revitalizes a historic field house, merging preservation with cutting-edge technology to create a net zero-ready recreational space. The gym, built with cross-laminated timber, captures carbon and saves 134 metric tons of CO2, while green roofs, rainwater retention, and energy efficiency measures enhance sustainability. Community engagement shaped the design, doubling the field house's capacity with features like a half-court gym and outdoor amphitheater. The project honors the past through seamless integration of historic and modern elements, setting a new standard for sustainable, inclusive community spaces.

Kingman Island Environmental Center Wins 2024 Design Award from AIA Baltimore /  by Rick Schneider

ISTUDIO is proud to announce that the Kingman Island Environmental Education Center has received an Honorable Mention at AIA Baltimore’s Design Excellence Awards, recognizing our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and outstanding design. We’re excited to keep pushing boundaries and crafting visionary, impactful spaces in the future!

Situated at the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers, Kingman Island Environmental Education Center celebrates the connection between the built environment and nature. The design addresses ecological challenges from riparian land conversions, promoting a symbiotic relationship between human settlements and natural cycles. Passive heating, cooling, and innovative wastewater treatment through constructed wetlands and a "Living Machine" restore habitats, while sustainability is enhanced by green roofs, stormwater management, and solar energy. Thoughtfully organized into landforms surrounding natural plazas, the center integrates seamlessly into its landscape, embodying harmony and sustainability. 

The Kingman Island Environmental Education Center exemplifies ISTUDIO’s vision for the future—where architecture not only meets the needs of today but also fosters a deeper connection between people and the planet. We are honored by this recognition and remain dedicated to designing spaces that inspire, innovate, and positively impact communities and ecosystems.

Van Ness Elementary Wins AIA DC Award for Innovative Design /  by Rick Schneider

Van Ness Elementary students immerse themselves in nature’s cycles, exploring hands-on learning in the school’s rooftop curriculum gardens. Photo by ISTUDIO Architects.

Van Ness Elementary School has officially gone green – and we’re not just talking about the curriculum gardens!  The school has been honored with the AIA DC Citation Award for Designing for resources, recognizing its outstanding commitment to sustainability and innovative design that fosters student engagement with nature.

 

The school's expansion integrates outdoor spaces that encourage students to explore and engage with their natural surroundings. From playing on the Green adjacent to native plantings, to growing their own plants in curriculum gardens, Van Ness students interact with nature at multiple levels and locations across the site. These spaces are thoughtfully designed to promote hands-on learning and discovery, ensuring that nature plays a central role in the educational experience.

 

ISTUDIO worked closely with DC Public Schools (DCPS) and the Department of General Services (DGS) to design a future-ready building. The new wing of Van Ness Elementary School is designed to accommodate additional floors, supporting the future growth of the school while maintaining a focus on resource-efficient construction and operation. This award highlights Van Ness Elementary School’s role as a leader in sustainable education design, creating a space where students thrive both academically and environmentally.

 

"Van Ness Elementary School's expansion is an investment in the future. Doubling the capacity of the school's Pre-K program while integrating sustainable features throughout the design not only provides a engaging learning environment, but is an invaluable economic opportunity for the community," said Senior Architect Daniel Blair.

Read the feature in ArchitectureDC Annual Design Awards Issue here, on page 24.

Maryland AIA Recognizes Community Impact /  by Rick Schneider

We couldn’t be happier that the Arboretum Community Center has received the Honor Award for Institutional Architecture from the Maryland Chapter AIA. The first Mass Timber project for the Washington DC Government, this facility was designed with the AIA Framework for Design Excellence in mind.

Jury comments from last night’s ceremony include:

“A small project with a significant community impact.

…a standout example of thoughtful design and community integration.

…it sets a precedent for sustainable construction in the area.”

The annual AIA Maryland Excellence in Design awards program recognizes excellence in architectural design by AIA Maryland members and, AIA members working in Maryland. AIA Maryland chapter’s goal is to inspire sustainable, resilient and inclusive design and to support AIA's commitment to climate action.

DC Emergency Operations Center's New Headquarters Welcomes President Biden and Mayor Bowser /  by Rick Schneider

ISTUDIO’s new Emergency Operations Center in the nation’s capital hosted some notable figures last week – including President Joe Biden and Mayor Muriel Bowser. Our team designed this vital 44,000 sf facility in support of the DC Homeland Security mission to ensure the safety and wellness of Washington, D.C residents.

President Biden meets with HSEMA's team at the Emergency Operations Center.

The new design focuses on advanced technology integration, sustainability, and flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing demands of emergency management. Our approach focused on wellness as a central design principle, ensuring that those working around the clock, 365 days a year, have dedicated spaces for rest, rejuvenation, and readiness to safeguard the safety and well-being of the nation's capital. This commitment guarantees that the Headquarters will not only meet but surpass the expectations of those dedicated to public service during critical times.

President Biden and Mayor Bowser engage in a roundtable discussion in the press briefing room.

New York City SARA Awards Mass Timber Project /  by Rick Schneider

ISTUDIO was honored to receive our first design award from the SARA New York City chapter. The Arboretum Community Center was cited for a Merit Award. On June 11th, 2024 SARA NY hosted the annual Design Awards Gala at The View at the Battery in Manhattan, New York. Over 200 architects, contractors, and vendors convened to connect with each other to celebrate and to honor design achievements in architecture.

visit for more about the 2024 DESIGN AWARDS — SARA NY

ISTUDIO Sparks Creativity at Open Firm Night for AIA Conference /  by Rick Schneider

ISTUDIO Architects hosted an unforgettable evening for AIA National + AIA DC as part of the Open Studio Tours. The event was a vibrant mix of live music, engaging discussions and good food, bringing together industry leaders in celebration of innovation and collaboration in the field of architecture. 

 

Leaders enjoyed live tunes from the talented Virginia Tech WAAC band while savoring delicious bites provided by Agora.  The evening was filled with insightful discussions ranging from master planning municipal agency campuses for future growth, the joy of students growing veggies in their curriculum garden classrooms, and the evolution of sustainability from a lofty goal to the fundamental baseline for every project.

 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors: Cosentino, Shaw Floors, and Symetri. Your partnerships were instrumental in making the night a resounding success.

Mass Timber Project Highlighted at AIA Conference /  by Rick Schneider

On Wednesday, June 5th, 2024, ISTUDIO Architects, in collaboration with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and GCS Sigal, hosted an engaging and informative tour for the AIA National Conference at the Arboretum Community Center – DC government's first mass timber building. Principal Rick Schneider, along with Tanja Werner and Sara Al Khatib, teamed up with Peter Nohrden of DC DPR to guide 47 attendees through the center. The tour highlighted the multifaceted challenges of revitalizing historic structures to meet modern community needs while adhering to budgets and sustainability goals. They also explored the innovative integration of mass timber construction to achieve net-zero readiness and adhere to construction timelines.

According to GCS Sigal, the project came together "like tinker toys." Attendees enjoyed exploring the building and its surrounding playfields and gardens, gaining insight into how the design team creatively balanced historic preservation guidelines with contemporary architectural expansions. The tour showcased the harmonious blend of old and new, illustrating the future of public development.

ISTUDIO Architects would like to extend a big thank you to the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and AIA National for the opportunity to showcase net-zero readiness and the merits of mass timber construction during the national conference.

Tour DC's FIRST Mass Timber Community Center /  by Rick Schneider

The Arboretum Community Center is the first of its kind in the nation’s capital. Mass Timber in the form of CLT and GLT was used as a design tool to get closer to Carbon Net Neutrality for a net carbon reduction of 30% while also bringing warmth to the gymnasium. Biophilic design is intertwined with strategies like daylighting, passive design, natural ventilation, solar power, and stormwater management to deliver a high-performance building that is ready to meet Net Zero Energy requirements.

2.00 LUs/HSW/GBCI/RIBA For more info on this event visit AIA.

Van Ness Elementary Wins AIA|DC Award /  by Rick Schneider

Van Ness Elementary School with its rooftop curriculum gardens and outdoor classroom was cited at the annual AIA|DC Design Awards. The gardens + classroom are a nice way to enliven on often overlooked space, especially in urban areas where square footage is at a premium. Perforated metal panel wraps the exterior stair, extending up to fold over the stair to provide shade for the rooftop classroom. It’s a great place for STEM lessons that utilize the curriculum gardens.

For more about the school click here.

Arboretum Selected for AIA Nat'l Tour /  by Rick Schneider

We’re honored to be selected to represent Washington DC with a tour at the AIA Conference in June. The Arboretum Community Center is one of the city’s first mass timber projects - and the first for DC Dept of General Services. Come hear about how the project went together “like tinker toys” in the words of the builder. Stay tuned for details on the date and time.

2023 Recap: Looking Back and Giving Thanks /  by istudio

Our studio looks back with gratitude on the meaningful work we accomplished in 2023 and the recognition that came with it. We celebrated another birth in January and added to the studio team in June. Some highlights: