ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 2025

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) St. Louis Chapter hosted its 2025 Design Awards at COCA, celebrating outstanding achievements in architecture and design across the region. The event brought together architects, designers, and community members for an evening of recognition, connection, and inspiration. Guests enjoyed catering by The Social Affair and gathered to honor projects that demonstrate design excellence, innovation, and community impact.

The 2025 jury was chaired by Maija Kreishman, Principal at Michael Hsu Office of Architecture in Austin, Texas. A native St. Louisan, Kreishman brought both national perspective and a deep local connection to the jury’s deliberations.

Among this year’s honorees, AP,A received an Honor Award in the Small Projects category for Garden Room. The project was recognized for its refined detailing, thoughtful spatial composition, and strong connection between architecture and landscape. The jury commented:

“The Garden Room transforms an underutilized city lot into an elegant retreat that feels deeply integrated with its setting. The design beautifully compliments the historic home in bringing the vernacular slate roofing tile and roof shape to the refined sculptural form of the addition. Every detail reflects restraint and purpose, creating a compact yet elegant retreat that feels deeply integrated with its garden setting.”

AP,A was trilled to receive this award alongside the project owners as well as project collaborators, Arbolope Studio, who served as landscape architect.

This year’s event marked the conclusion of four-year tenure for Adriana, who served as Co-Chair of the AIA St. Louis Design Awards from 2022 through 2025. Under her leadership, the program has highlighted a wide range of architectural work throughout the St. Louis region, from small-scale interventions to large civic and institutional projects, She’s especially proud of the transformation of this event into what is has become today - a true party and lively celebration which brings together the chapter’s membership year after year.

Particularly exciting for the 2025 Awards was a first time collaboration between AIA St. Louis and St. Louis Design Week, aligning tow of the city’s most significant design events to celebrate creativity across disciplines. The partnership expanded the awards program’s reach and underscored the shared mission of promoting design as a vital force in shaping the cultural and physical fabric of St. Louis.