Seattle’s architectural excellence received national recognition as several of the city’s landmark projects earned top honors at the 2025 American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Awards. The winners showcase Seattle’s growing prominence in sustainable, civic, and human-centered design.
Key Recognition:
Among the honorees, the Colman Dock Ferry Terminal, designed by NBBJ, was named one of the best works of contemporary architecture in the United States. The AIA praised it as a model for civic design, highlighting its integration of public space, tribal heritage recognition, and multimodal connectivity.
Sustainability & Education:
Three other Seattle-based projects were included in the AIA COTE Top Ten, the profession’s highest honor for sustainable design:
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The Bush School New Upper School by Mithun — the nation’s first Salmon Safe school and the largest Passive House-certified campus in the Western U.S.
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Wagner Education Center at the Center for Wooden Boats by Olson Kundig — equipped with manual vents and windows that allow natural airflow control.
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Founders Hall at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business by LMN Architects — UW’s first mass timber building, designed for low-carbon performance and collaborative learning.
Healthcare Innovation:
The Center for Behavioral Health and Learning at UW Medicine, designed by SRG + CannonDesign, earned a Healthcare Design Award for its human-centric approach to patient well-being and sustainable infrastructure.
Broader Impact:
These accolades underscore Seattle’s status as a national leader in sustainable architecture, combining environmental innovation with a deep understanding of community and place.
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