Portland, ME – Residential architectural firm Whitten Architects was awarded three honors by the American Institute of Architect (AIA)’s Maine and New Hampshire chapters.
The firm’s Loon Lake Retreat project, located in Freedom, N.H., earned both the Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture for “Single Family Residential” by AIA Maine and the Honor Award for Excellence in Architectural Design by AIA New Hampshire.
Inspired by the traditional Japanese aesthetic, Wabi Sabi, this project centered on the acceptance of the imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete in nature. Whitten architect, Tom Lane, led the Whitten Architects team on the project.
“Our clients challenged us to think deeply about how a home can be suited to a particular place and unique people. As a team of collaborators, we welcomed the challenge and were inspired by designing with Wabi-sabi in mind,” says Lane.
Damariscotta River View Cottage
Whitten Architects’ Damariscotta River View Cottage project, located in Boothbay, Maine, received the Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture for “Renovation and Adaptive Reuse,” representing a complete transformation that showcases comfortable coastal Maine living. Associate Principal Jessie Carrol led the Whitten Architects team on the project.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for our work on River View as it’s a project I am personally very proud of. Not only does this serve as an incredible before and after case, but it was a complete pleasure collaborating with these clients,” says Carroll.
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Annually, AIA Maine sponsors a juried review of Maine architecture to recognize the important and diverse work of Maine architects. The jurors are nationally recognized peers who, after reviewing and critiquing the entries, select outstanding projects for recognition. Out of 56 total submissions, the jury ultimately chose 15 projects representing categories including Single Family Residential, Institutional & Commercial, Renovation & Adaptive Reuse, Small Projects under $250,000, and Student.
Annually, AIA New Hampshire sponsors a juried review of New Hampshire architecture to recognize the important and diverse work of architectural design in the state. The jurors are nationally recognized peers who, after reviewing and critiquing the entries, select outstanding projects for recognition.
“Our studio approach at Whitten is one of continual collaboration with site-specific design and the client’s lifestyle at the heart of every project we take on,” says Rob Whitten, founder and principal.
