U.S. architecture firm VMDO discusses winning two AIA Architectural National Awards through its use of SketchUp and dedication to collaborative and sustainable design.
Thurston Hall final section perspective
VMDO has been propelled into the national spotlight, winning the AIA Architectural National Awards back-to-back in 2023 and 2024. It joins the ranks of stars like Gensler, who lead the category for design originality and exploration.
Andres A. Pacheco is the lead designer for both award-winning projects, Lubber Run Community Center (2023) and GW Thurston Hall (2024). He credits his success to his design exploration process, which involved using SketchUp as a presentation and iterative tool to express his creative ideas.
While both projects have won awards, the design process for each was decidedly different, with one focused on community buy-in and the other on winning the design competition among other architects. However, what they both have in common is strong presentation visuals and outside-the-box design solutions that require open-minded exploration, speed, and flexibility.
If you want a chance to win prestigious recognition like VMDO, Andres A. Pacheco credits these keys to success with getting you on the path to achieving them.
Community building with easy-to-understand presentations
The Lubber Run Community Center won the AIA Architecture National Design Award in 2023. Featuring a net-zero energy design and a landscape-focused approach to the surrounding park, the community center offers a holistic response to an urban challenge — creating a public space that is greater and greener for residents. The 50,000-square-foot building uses 43% less energy per square foot when compared to the regional baseline for recreation buildings.
