Two HED Projects Named Finalists for AIA Chicago Awards

The Judy and Stanley Frankel Detroit Observatory Addition and The Conservatory Apartments are recognized for design excellence and decarbonization.

CHICAGO, September 15, 2026 — Two HED projects have been named finalists in AIA Chicago’s 2026 Design Excellence Awards.

The Judy and Stanley Frankel Detroit Observatory Addition, completed for the University of Michigan, is a finalist for a Design Excellence Award in the Small Architecture category. The Conservatory Apartments, designed with Interfaith Housing Development Corporation, is a finalist for the Decarbonization Award.

“This year’s finalists reflect the full range of what Chicago architects do, from the design of an intimate backyard cottage to the complexities of a corporate headquarters in China,” said AIA Chicago’s Executive Director Jen Masengarb Assoc AIA. “Our architect members are carefully listening to clients’ needs, shaping civic infrastructure, advancing decarbonization, and designing with communities, not just for them.”

The Design Excellence Awards (DEA) recognize projects of all scales, from Architecture Extra Small to Extra Large, and Interior Architecture Small to Large. The Divine Detail Award honors details that enhance the project’s design concept through craftsmanship, technology, and/or material choices.

 

The Judy and Stanley Frankel Detroit Observatory Addition

The 8,000-square-foot project renovates and expands the University of Michigan’s historic Detroit Observatory in Ann Arbor. New meeting spaces and an entry courtyard create additional opportunities for gathering, learning, and discovery while supporting the continued use of one of the university’s most significant historic places.

The project reflects HED’s valued relationship with the University of Michigan and a shared commitment to preserving the observatory’s legacy while preparing it to serve new generations.

 

The Conservatory Apartments

The Conservatory Apartments provides 43 units of affordable and supportive housing within a 24,950-square-foot development in Chicago. Created with Interfaith Housing Development Corporation, the project is the first affordable housing development in the city to achieve Passive House certification.

Its recognition as a Decarbonization Award finalist underscores the project’s rigorous approach to energy performance and its broader significance: demonstrating that affordable housing can pair long-term environmental responsibility with thoughtful, dignified places to live.

 

“Each of these projects respond to very different needs, yet both demonstrate a shared commitment to design excellence,” said Bernard Vilza, AIA, Design Discipline Leader at HED. “They show how thoughtful design can honor history, advance environmental performance, and create lasting value for the people and communities each project serves.”

All finalists will receive either an Honor Award or a Citation of Merit at Designight 2026, AIA Chicago’s annual awards celebration, on October 1 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park.

HED is grateful to the clients, partners, and project teams whose care and collaboration made both projects possible.

 

About AIA Chicago

With a membership exceeding 3,500 individuals—including licensed architects, architectural designers, and a broad network of industry partners and students—AIA Chicago is one of the largest and most influential local chapters of The American Institute of Architects in the country. AIA Chicago’s mission builds on the city’s architectural legacy by advocating for the profession, sharing knowledge among members, and partnering with communities. The chapter fosters a culture of design excellence for equitable, sustainable places and spaces.

AIA Chicago offers lectures and continuing education courses; specialized, issue-specific Knowledge Communities; advocacy for architects; and help for consumers looking for an architect.

AIA Chicago is the local Chicago chapter of The American Institute of Architects. Based in Washington, D.C., the AIA has been the leading professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners since 1857. Learn more by visiting AIAChicago.org.

 

Source note: Portions of this release, including the award descriptions, quotation from Jen Masengarb, and “About AIA Chicago” boilerplate, are reproduced from AIA Chicago’s August 20, 2026, announcement with permission.