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!