Quackenbush Architects + Planners Wins AIA SC Award

COLUMBIA, SC – Quackenbush Architects + Planners earned an Adaptive Reuse/Renovation Merit Award for the repurposing of a mid-twentieth century retail building into a contemporary office space for locally-owned financial services firm Abacus Planning Group. The award was presented by the American Institute of Architects South Carolina at their 2015 Design Awards Celebration.

The design recycles a 1965 “International Style” retail/warehousing structure, perceived to be nearing the end of its useful life, into a renewed part of the community fabric. The renovation preserves the exterior envelope and steel structure, organizing the expansive open space on the interior into public and private zones. The open plan supports goals of collaboration, osmosis learning, team building, and analytic work, while the private zones ensure confidentiality of conversations and information. To support goals of providing enhanced day-lighting and views, a new light monitor is inserted above the main spine of the building and new windows are added along the secondary street elevation. Foot and road traffic have complete transparency to the new space, which enhances the firm’s image as open, friendly advisor.

“A thoroughly convincing renovation,” remarked jury chair Todd Walker FAIA, upon presenting the award. “Crisp, modern, and straightforward – exactly the right response for this mid-century modern building.”

The Abacus Planning Group renovation is part of Quackenbush Architects’ continually growing portfolio of award-winning projects. Previously, the renovation has received an Honor Award from AIA Greater Columbia and an Award for Adaptive Reuse from the Historic Columbia Foundation.

Quackenbush Architects + Planners

Quackenbush Architects + Planners is a full-service architecture and planning firm located in Columbia, SC. The firm specializes in educational, institutional, civic, and commercial projects. Its services span from building design to land planning to interior design. The firm’s portfolio includes projects for universities, cities, colleges, government agencies, school districts, and private clients. The team’s work reflects commitment to innovation, sensitivity to our regional context, and the richness that comes from collaboration with our clients and the community.