FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Penny Fletcher
(804) 655-6101
pfletcher@branchmuseum.org
Public Information
(804) 655-6055
Branchmuseum.org
Introducing Recipients of the 2019 Virginia by Design Awards
RICHMOND, VA March 25th, 2019 — The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design proudly introduces 2019 Virginia by Design Winners. The awards have been determined by a panel of judges with expertise in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, art and art history. The awards will be presented at a gala brunch, Saturday, April 27, 9 am-12:30 pm at The Branch.
“The Virginia by Design Awards celebrate the very best efforts in design in the Commonwealth,” says The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design Executive Director Penny Fletcher. “We are particularly pleased that the continuing theme seen in all the awards is a celebration of design for the public good. All Virginians benefit from the creative and often groundbreaking work seen in these projects and the work of these architects and designers.”
Virginia by Design recognizes the best efforts of designers or visionaries in Virginia who, by profession or avocation, have made creating, preserving, and enhancing design in Virginia a notable endeavor, which elevates the power of design. The awards specifically highlight excellence in design, visionary thinking, patronage and the transformative role of design in shaping the built environment.
Design Achievement Award — this award is for a corporation or institution for utilizing design as a strategic tool in their mission and consistently exhibiting ingenuity and insight in relating design to quality of life.
Honoree: The
Valentine
The Richmond museum known as The Valentine has been collecting,
preserving and interpreting Richmond’s history for more than 100 years. During
its recent renovations, design became the strategic tool used to facilitate The
Valentine’s mission as reflected in the visitor experience.
The Valentine reflects and interprets the broad issues and diverse communities that define the history of Richmond and its surrounding counties. Their use of their design collections to connect to contemporary themes and issues reflect their continuing ingenuity and insight that enhance their visitors’ experience.
Honorable Mention: Christopher Newport University
Christopher Newport University (CNU) has utilized design as a strategic tool within their mission to provide educational and cultural opportunities that benefit many in the Commonwealth. The University’s Master Plan has been developed as a strategic design tool to enhance the campus and the educational and cultural opportunities available to students, community members, and residents of the Commonwealth.
Emerging Designer — this award honors a designer, not yet licensed or professionally certified, who demonstrates an exemplary level of excellence in design execution and a dedication to advancing the discipline.
Honoree: Alec Yuzhbabenko, Assoc. AIA
Alec Yuzhbabenko is an Associate Design Principal at Hanbury Architects in Norfolk, Virginia. He has been cited for his collaborative spirit in the constant pursuit of challenge and excellence. His contributions to the profession and the industry exceed his years. As a consummate team member, he brings a broad spectrum of skills to the design table – architectural design, graphic design, presentation, communication, and much more – so that creative thinking happens on numerous levels simultaneously. Yuzhbabenko is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Virginia Tech with a Bachelors in Architecture.
Prize for Public Interest Design — the prize is for a creative project that has transformed its surroundings, whether a setting, neighborhood or community. It is for an individual or entity responsible for shepherding the project within Virginia. The jury awarded two 2019 Prizes for Public Interest Design.
Honoree: Potomac River Water Transportation Framework Plan, Michael Winstanley, AIA, AICP
The Potomac River Water Transportation Framework Plan is a comprehensive master plan outlining a water-based transportation network on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers for commuters, tourists and the federal government (defense and civilian evacuations) in Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland. The plan includes inter-modal connections to the existing land-based public transportation system. Providing alternative means of transportation that is efficient, economical and environmentally friendly is essential to both quality of life as well as a thriving economy. Water transportation also provides yet another means to evacuate civilians during major events either man-made or natural.
Honoree: Monroe Park Conservancy, the City of Richmond, and Alice Massie
The Monroe Park Project has truly transformed its surrounding neighborhood and the City of Richmond. It is a project exemplifying visionary thinking that has transformed its environment and provided a fitting rebirth for one of Richmond’s oldest and most significant public spaces. The renovations bring new life, new amenities, and modern infrastructure to Monroe Park. Renovations honor the Park’s history while creating a dynamic welcoming and safe place for all Park visitors to enjoy. In the words of Style Weekly architecture critic Edwin Slipek, “This project raises the level of architectural design excellence and civic pride in the lower Fan District and Western edge of downtown by a remarkable degree.”
Vision in Design Honor — the honor recognizes a visionary thinker such as an educator, author, critic, curator, preservationist or designer who has had a profound impact or influence on design education, theory, practice or public awareness.
Honoree: Peter Culley, RIBA, ARB, CPHC
Peter is the creative leader and founder of Spatial Affairs Bureau – an architecture, landscape, furniture, and product design studio, with offices in London, Los Angeles, and Richmond. He retains an overarching design role on each project. While recognizing the overall design vision that Culley brings to all of his work, the jury particularly recognized his visionary work in Virginia. The proposed BridgePark project offers an inspiring vision for the City of Richmond. In addition, Culley also represented Rich Mather Architects as the project manager throughout the transformative redesign of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts building and campus. Culley is also a committed educator, as an instructor in architecture schools, but also through taking projects into elementary and high schools to encourage important discussions with young people. Great vision includes planning for those who may someday follow and be inspired to provide their own vision.
For more information about the Virginia by Design Awards or images of the winning work, please contact Penny Fletcher, Branch Museum Executive Director at 804-655-6101 or pfletcher@branchmuseum.org.
The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design is located at 2501 Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia’s historic Fan District. The Branch is a not-for-profit organization that inspires current generations to appreciate, support and create exemplary architecture and design. The Branch is dedicated to the advocacy and stewardship of our rich regional heritage and invites the public to envision a world enriched by architecture and design. The Branch is open to the public Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Learn more at www.branchmuseum.org.
###