Fivesquares Development, Maurice Walters Architects, Inc., and LandDesign honored at the Design Excellence Awards for outstanding achievements in architecture, urban planning, and residential design in Montgomery County.
BETHESDA, Md. – The Montgomery County Planning Department, a division of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), unveiled the recipients of the seventh biennial Design Excellence Awards during the event Celebrate Design 2025 on October 16 at the Marriott International Headquarters in Bethesda. An impartial panel of distinguished design and development experts recognized two projects with Design Excellence Awards, and one with a Merit Award, showcasing the pinnacle of Montgomery County’s architectural, urban, and housing design. This year’s Celebrate Design event is a collaborative effort with Montgomery Planning’s Design Excellence Awards program and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Potomac Valley Chapter to honor superior designs in the county and surrounding region.
“The Design Excellence Awards remind us how intentional design can enrich the daily lives of our residents,” stated Montgomery Planning Board Chair Artie Harris. “From bustling downtown areas to tranquil green spaces, these projects illustrate how architecture and urban planning can unite individuals, nurture community spirit, and showcase Montgomery County’s vibrant diversity.”
“Achieving design excellence transcends aesthetics; it involves creating spaces that are inclusive, resilient, and closely tied to the community,” remarked Montgomery Planning Director Jason K. Sartori. “The projects recognized this year align with the core values of Thrive Montgomery 2050, promoting sustainable development, equity, and a strong sense of neighborhood identity.”
“We are excited to celebrate the 2025 awardees, whose projects exemplify the power of collaboration among designers, developers, community members, and our planning team,” expressed Design Excellence Project Manager and Innovation Lead, Paul Mortensen. “Each entry highlights a noteworthy commitment to quality, from the overall structure to the intricate artistic details that enhance the community fabric of Montgomery County. We also extend our gratitude to AIA Potomac Valley for their ongoing support in acknowledging design leadership.”
Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart, along with Councilmembers Andrew Friedson and Laurie-Anne Sayles, State Senator Sara Love, and District 16 Delegates Marc Korman, Teresa Woorman, and Sarah Wolek, as well as District 18 Delegates Aaron Kaufman and Jared Solomon, presented the awards during the ceremony.
2025 Design Excellence Awards Winners
Strathmore Square – Fivesquares Development with WMATA and Strathmore
The prestigious Gwen Marcus Wright Design Excellence Award was awarded to Strathmore Square this year. This transit-oriented, mixed-use development seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing residents to engage harmoniously with nature. At its heart lies a 1.25-acre central park connected by a network of shared streets and pathways, facilitating access to neighboring communities and a variety of amenities like the Strathmore Center and Rock Creek Park. Ultimately, Strathmore Square aspires to be a lively, multi-generational urban hub rooted in culture, nature, and public transit.
The Sophia – Maurice Walters Architects, Inc., David M. Schwartz Architects, Inc., and Duball, LLC (developer)
This year’s Design Excellence Award for Exceptional Housing was conferred to The Sophia in Bethesda. The units are expertly designed, featuring well-planned communal spaces that enhance the overall living experience. This development is celebrated not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its positive contribution to the streetscape and urban environment. It stands as a timeless architectural piece, drawing on the valuable lessons of the past while catering to contemporary living needs.
7200 Wisconsin Avenue Plaza – LandDesign (landscape architects) and JBG Smith (property owner)
This year, the jury established a Merit Award for Placemaking, awarded to the 7200 Wisconsin Avenue Plaza in Bethesda. This exceptional redevelopment of a central public space exemplifies how well-conceived designs can enhance public areas through creativity and care. It successfully intertwines the diverse needs of its users with artistic flair, making the most of a challenging site.
2025 Design Excellence Awards Jury
The independent jury for the 2025 Design Excellence Awards is comprised of nationally recognized leaders in architecture, landscape architecture, planning, and urban design:
- Duncan Lyons (Jury Chair), RIBA – Principal at Gensler
- Uwe Brandes – Brandes Partners, LLP, Director of Georgetown University’s Urban and Regional Planning Program
- Colleen Healey, AIA – Colleen Healey Architecture, LLC
- Kate Ries, ASLA – President of Clinton+Ries Landscape Architects
- Michael Watkins, FAIA, FAICP – Michael Watkins Architects
For further information on the jury members and their qualifications, please read more.
For any inquiries, please contact Paul Mortensen at paul.mortensen@montgomeryplanning.org or call 301.495.4523.
About Design Excellence
Montgomery County seeks to cultivate neighborhoods, public areas, and buildings that exhibit the highest standards of design to reflect our community’s vitality and maintain a competitive edge in the region. Exceptional architectural design that enhances a bustling public realm of streets and communal spaces is essential for creating comprehensive, thriving communities. As available land for development diminishes, and density grows in our urban centers, the emphasis on outstanding public spaces becomes even more critical. These development challenges underscore the urgent need to create attractive, safe, and sustainable venues for living, working, and leisure. Design excellence serves as a vital strategy for drawing diverse residents, businesses, and visitors to our county. To uplift design quality across the region, the Montgomery County Planning Department has initiated a comprehensive Design Excellence initiative, focusing on inspiration, collaboration, and transparency.
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