2025 AIA WV
Design Award Winners
Citation for Achievement in Architecture
Clear Mountain Bank Suncrest Branch
Firm Name: Mills Group
Owner: Clear Mountain Bank
General Contractor: March-Westin
Other Consultants: Allegheny Design Services, CTL Engineering
Project Location: Morgantown, WV
Notes from the Jury:
The jury praised the project for its thoughtful response to site constraints, turning challenges into opportunities through a clear and effective design concept. The building's circulation path leverages the natural topography to create a distinctive drive-thru experience, setting it apart from conventional bank branches. The material palette was noted for its sophistication, and the project’s proximity to the road was skillfully used to enhance its visibility—acting as an architectural billboard, especially at night, through the seamless integration of signage and branding.
Citation for Achievement in Architecture
Tygart Hotel Rehabilitation
Firm Name: Mills Group
Owner: Woodlands Development Group
General Contractor: Woodlands Development Group, Stonemile Group
Other Consultants: Harper Engineering, Allegheny Design Services, Seal Engineering
Project Location: Elkins, WV
Notes from the Jury:
The jury commended the project for its respectful preservation of the original hotel’s character while introducing a thoughtfully layered and contemporary interior design. Through the careful use of color, texture, and materials, the renovation strikes a harmonious balance—creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels vibrant yet composed.
Clendenin Elementary
Merit Award for Achievement in Architecture
Firm Name: ZMM Architects + Engineers
Owner: Kanawha County Schools
General Contractor: Wolf Creek Contractors
Project Location: Clendenin, WV
Notes from the Jury:
The jury highlighted the project’s strong connection to its community, history, and local industry—most notably reflected in the shed roof forms that echo the surrounding landscape and the exposed structural elements referencing regional oil and gas production. A durable material palette of dark CMU, stone, and metal is thoughtfully balanced with warm wood tones. The interior layout is well-organized, featuring a variety of spatial scales linked by a clear circulation path. Ample natural light, outdoor views, and thoughtful design choices create a bright, engaging, and focused learning environment.
Merit Award for Achievement in Architecture
Jackson County Animal Shelter
Firm Name: Silling Architects
Owner: Jackson County Commission
General Contractor: Grae-Con Construction
Other Consultants: Harper Engineering, SMBH, Terradon Corporation
Project Location: Cottageville, WV
Notes from the Jury:
The jury applauded the project’s thoughtful reinterpretation of traditional agricultural forms into a clean, modern design. The cantilevered gable roof and asymmetric lobby glazing create a welcoming and balanced entry. The floor plan is clearly organized, effectively separating public and staff areas. The use of color and glazed CMU adds playful, distinctive touches to an otherwise restrained and durable material palette—with the jury even wondering if the color choices were inspired by how animals perceive their environment.
Merit Award for Achievement in Architecture
Martinkat Gatehouse
Firm Name: jma-studio
Owner: Chris & Melissa Martinkat
General Contractor: N/A
Other Consultants: N/A
Project Location: Mt. Clare, WV
Notes from the Jury:
The jury praised the project’s sleek, minimal design for its clarity and elegance. The refined roof form and exposed trusswork subtly define the entry sequence while enhancing the sense of arrival. By incorporating work and storage areas into the design, the structure achieves a presence beyond that of a typical entry gate. A restrained and thoughtful material palette further reinforces the project's refined simplicity.
Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture
Honor Award for Excellence in Craftmanship
Stargazing Cabins
Firm Name: ZMM Architects + Engineers
Owner: Kanawha WV Division of Natural Resources
General Contractor: Wolfe’s Excavating, LLC
Project Location: Bruceton Mills, WV
Notes from the Jury:
The jury commended this project as a thoughtful and well-executed reinterpretation of the classic A-frame mountain chalet. Repeating cabin forms are carefully arranged along the slope to create a cohesive campus while preserving privacy and maximizing individual views. The use of durable, cost-effective materials is both restrained and well detailed. Warm wood interiors paired with generous glazing give the cabins a glowing, lantern-like presence, further enhanced by the subtle and clever integration of lighting within the taper of each A-frame eave.
Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture
Southampton County Courthouse
Firm Name: Silling Architects
Owner: Southampton County Board of Supervisors
General Contractor: Heartland Construction
Local Architectural Partner: Glavé and Holmes
Other Consultants: Draper Aden Associates, Lynch Mykins, 2RW Consultants, France Enviromental
Project Location: Courtland, VA
Notes from the Jury:
The jury praised the project for its seamless integration of new additions with existing structures, noting that the transitions are so skillfully executed they’re nearly indistinguishable from the exterior. The complex circulation needs of public, staff, and individuals in custody are thoughtfully addressed through clear, effective planning. While the new elements are distinctly contemporary, they enhance and honor the historic character of the original building.
Meet the Jury:
JURY CHAIR
Michael Gwin
Principal
Rothschild Doyno Collaborative
JUROR
Mel Ngami
Associate
GBBN - Pittsburgh
JUROR
Darren Lloyd
Vice President, Principal
Moss Architects
JUROR
Eli Gutierrez
Architect
Rothschild Doyno Collaborative