KPS Group projects have been recognized with more than 125 awards and accolades from peer, community, and client groups
We’re proud of the reputation we’ve earned for outstanding design and innovative solutions that enhance the client’s competitive advantage – and honored by the accolades our work has received from peer, community, and client groups.
The Pizitz
Above, the Pizitz – a LEED® Certified building recognized for its key role in the revitalization of downtown Birmingham – has been lauded by over a half-dozen local, regional, and national organizations for outstanding achievements in design, sustainability, urban renewal, adaptive re-use, and historic renovation. These include:
Merit Award, Birmingham AIA | Development of Excellence Award, Urban Land Institute | Finest Realization of Historic Building Potential, Real Estate Forum + Globe Street | Gold Award + Sustainable Project of the Year Award, ICSC National Design & Development Awards | Southeast Region Best Renovation/Restoration, Engineering News Record | National Best Historic Project, Marvin Windows Architects Challenge
Other KPS Group projects that have been recognized for design excellence include:
St. Mary’s on the Highlands Episcopal Church
St. Mary’s on the Highlands Episcopal Church (above) received a Merit Award from AIA Alabama in 2022. Creating connections between functional areas and preserving the character of this historic church were the two key concerns for this renovation and addition. The new Randolph Memorial Hall (left) features a warm stone and slate exterior and large metal windows that bathe the parish hall in natural light while capturing views of Red Mountain. Elevating the new room above grade allowed the urban church to provide a motor court, porte-cochère, and entrance that connects to all levels of the facility. The new glass connector perched atop an existing stone arcade (right) links the church’s sanctuary with Christian education and the new fellowship hall and provides a central elevator with half-stops to make all levels of the church accessible, while a metal sculpted angel watches over those who enter the new columbarium garden walk and into different functions of the church complex.
Most recently, KPS Group’s design for the renovations and additions at St. Mary’s on the Highlands Episcopal Church in Birmingham received a Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects | Alabama Chapter.
Bakers Row
Bakers Row (above) received both an Honor Award from AIA Birmingham and a Merit Award from AIA Alabama. This adaptive re-use in Birmingham’s Parkside revitalization district transformed a former bread factory into a vibrant office building, honoring the building’s “bones” by maintaining its original sawtooth clerestory windows and industrial feel. Three flour silos remain, serving as reminders of the 1930s building’s history as the landmark Merita Bakery.
Avondale Park and the Southern Progress Headquarters
The renovations and additions to Avondale Park received a Merit Award from ASLA Birmingham. With a reimagined amphitheater, new ballfields, custom designed entry, and new fountain featuring Birmingham’s beloved “Miss Fancy,” Avondale Park has been hailed as a catalyst for the Avondale neighborhood’s revitalization. (above left)
The Southern Progress Headquarters received Honor Awards from the Alabama, Georgia, and Gulf States Regional chapters of the AIA, and in 2018 was the first building to be recognized with the AIA Alabama’s 25-Year Award for buildings that have stood the test of time and continued to set standards of excellence for architectural design and significance. The building leans into its natural landscape, expressing Southern Progress’ philosophy of “enlightened use of the land.” (above right)
19th Judicial District Court and Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
The 19th Judicial District Court of Appeals in Baton Rouge received a Merit Award from AIA Birmingham and a Rose Award from AIA Baton Rouge, and was featured in the Retrospective of Courthouse Design 2001-10. Sited in a downtown redevelopment area and anchoring a government mall with a dynamic mix of historic and contemporary buildings, the 10-story building respects its Baton Rouge context and judicial function with clean lines, transparency, and traditional roots. (above left)
The Ruffner Mountain Nature Center received an Honor Award from AIA Alabama, the Southeast Wood Design Award, and the Conservation Development Award from the Cahaba River Society; and was named Green Project of the Year by the Birmingham Business Journal. This LEED® Gold building was designed to be a lesson in sustainability for the thousands of schoolchildren who visit each year. (above right)
Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts
The Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts at the University of Alabama Birmingham received a Merit Award from AIA Alabama. KPS collaborated with design architect Randall Stout FAIA of Los Angeles, CA to realize the vision for what would be his last project. (above)
Contact
Jasper Cornett AIA | jcornett@kpsgroup.com