Garvin Design Group wins AIASC’s 2019 Firm Award, Design Award for Adaptive Reuse
September 30, 2019
Local architecture firm recognized for contribution to profession and community
Columbia’s Garvin Design Group received two awards at the American Institute of Architects’ South Carolina (AIASC) 2019 Design Awards on Thursday, September 26th. The recently completed Central Energy project on the Bull Street campus won a Merit Award for Adaptive Reuse. Garvin Design Group itself won AIA SC’s prestigious Firm Award.
Central Energy is the Bull Street redevelopment’s latest rehabilitation project. Its adaptive reuse transformed the utilitarian facility that once provided power to the entire Bull Street campus. The building now serves as a home for Downtown Church and as an event venue and gathering space for the wider community. AIASC’s Design Award for Adaptive Reuse/Historic Preservation recognizes thoughtful interventions or restorations that create a synergy between old and new construction. The awards selection committee particularly noted the sense of energy communicated by the building’s creative adaptive reuse.
The Firm Award is the highest honor that AIASC can bestow upon a South Carolina architectural firm. It recognizes a firm’s significant body of work and/or service that has made a lasting influence on the practice of architecture in the state. Firms must be at least 15 years old to be eligible for the award. AIASC has only conferred the Firm Award 12 times in the 26‐year history of the award. Garvin Design Group’s nominators lauded the firm’s longstanding commitment to the revitalization of Columbia, the local community, and the advancement of architecture as a profession.
“We are beyond honored to receive the Firm Award,” said Scott Garvin, the firm’s President. “We are grateful to have worked with so many amazing clients and exciting projects that have positively impacted communities around the state. I am most proud of the incredible people that I am blessed to work with every day – they make work fun.”
About Garvin Design Group
Celebrating its 16th anniversary this year, Garvin Design Group offers comprehensive planning and design services for a variety of project types and sizes. From master planning and programming to interior upfits and new construction, the firm strives to provide client‐ driven design solutions throughout South Carolina. The firm of 18 people has completed more than $900,000,000 worth of projects since its founding in 2003.
