Contact: Carl Nathe

“Creating design integration, or synergy, is the key objective of this accelerated learning environment that has evolved from the traditional studio format... In this entry, students engaged in community-based projects from programming to schematic design and design development.”

- David Mohney
dean of the UK College of Design

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 2, 2004) -- Students and faculty in the School of Architecture of the University of Kentucky College of Design have earned the school a pair of prestigious awards from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

NCARB 2004, held recently in Portland , Oregon , drew entries from architecture schools across the nation, with UK being the only college or university to receive more than one award.

The UK entry, “The Comprehensive Project: A Practice-based Studio,” was one of only five entries to be awarded a $7,500 cash prize.

“Creating design integration, or synergy, is the key objective of this accelerated learning environment that has evolved from the traditional studio format,” said David Mohney, dean of the UK College of Design. Mohney added, “In this entry, students engaged in community-based projects from programming to schematic design and design development.”

Another UK entry, “Breaking Ground: Partnership and Process as Design Strategy,” earned honorable mention from the national jury panel, comprised of deans of leading collegiate architectural programs and other professionals.

According to former NCARB president Peter Steffian of the University of Massachusetts , “The NCARB prizes recognize excellence and innovation when bringing together architectural education and practice.”

Mohney pointed with justifiable pride to the honors earned by students and faculty from UK . “This reaffirms the strength of the faculty and students in our program, and illustrates the inspiration which they bring to one another. It demonstrates the development of creative exploration, professional skill, and social awareness needed by an architect to enhance the places where we live, work and play.”

An entry from Oklahoma State University was awarded the top overall prize in this year’s NCARB competition.