2020 Design Awards Jury
(con’t. from main page) It is also clear that many projects, though not recognized with formal awards in this deliberation, are working hard and driven by their service to communities, both urban and rural, often through the lens of gathering, education and artistic expression. We were impressed by the thought behind many of these projects in trying to take design interventions of all scales and transform urban and rural community impact. We also greatly appreciated the careful infusion of design innovation within some cases exceptionally tight budget constraints - we calculated the cost per foot on several projects with one example at $26/SF, a vapor thin financial framework that still reflected clear innovation and creativity. These kinds of constraints in budget, time and even scale can often produce remarkable results, and often are the most compelling narratives. We also appreciated the balance of historic and contemporary design tensions that were evident in the program and the client demands on several projects - it is a daunting task to try to weigh function, form and clarity of concept in projects that look forward while trying to honor some aspect of the past, and there are many success stories in this mix with that regard. We encourage the larger design community of AIANH to continue exploring and to not be afraid to test new waters of innovation and creativity as you craft solutions for your collective clients. Continue to expand the wonderful sustainability aspirations embedded in many of these designs. Push the potential of the unbuilt, and of the small - blur the line of how buildings and landscapes are defined and experienced and allow design to positively influence your clients and communities in ways that are both needed and unexpected. Thank you to all for allowing us to be a part of your design thinking, it was an honor to take part in this year’s awards.
Dawn Mcconaghy
AIA // LEED AP BD+C // Tokul Design
Dawn began her career at residential design firms in the Boston area. After relocating to the Pacific Northwest, she worked at Mithun for six years, managing large-scale, multi-use projects for diverse stakeholders, community groups, and municipalities. From there, Dawn moved to Olson Kundig for six years, guiding residential projects from inception to built form, including several in the Northeast. In 2019, she founded Tokul Design. With 22 years of experience, the development of solid technical and detailing skills, and the ability to guide clients throughout the design process, Dawn makes thoughtful design accessible to clients with projects large and small in both scale and budget.
Dakota Keene
Principal ASLA // LEED AP BD+C // Mithūn
Dakota designs thoughtful, sustainable landscapes which benefit communities and clients. She focuses on cultural and educational projects that inspire participation and public dialog. Dakota’s projects evoke historical and natural influences—from the ethnobotanical gardens at the Suquamish Museum, and abstract references to traditions and relationship to the land at Wanapum Heritage Center, to site planning and immersive visitor experience design with stormwater for the Washington Park Arboretum Environmental Education Center. She has served on the Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks Executive Board, Washington Chapter of the ASLA, Homeless Place of Remembrance Committee and as a member of the Stewardship Council for The Cultural Landscape Foundation.
Kozo Nozawa
Architect // Olson Kundig
Kozo Nozawa has nearly twenty years of experience in project design and delivery. Since joining Olson Kundig in 2013, he has worked primarily on single-family residential projects across America, and hospitality projects in Seattle, New York, and China. Having begun his career as a cabinet/furniture maker, Kozo’s strong base in both craft and technical construction continues to inform his work. In award submissions, he reviews for a high level of quality in craft and design, as well as a considered approach to the execution of design concepts. Kozo believes good design is sensitive to its site and integrated with its context, whether natural or urban.
Brendan Connolly
Partner AIA // NCARB // LEED AP BD+C // Mithūn
Brendan creates innovative and sustainable built environments for educational and corporate clients. From conceptual development through construction, his work combines artful design with technical rigor. His national portfolio spans higher ed and K-12 academic projects, including student housing, cultural facilities, and corporate workplaces, which feature high-performing sustainable buildings and landscapes. With extensive experience in deep green projects like net zero energy and Living Buildings, Brendan’s passion for integrated thinking and collaboration help meet client aspirations and goals. A lecturer and member of the Professional Advisory Council of the University of Washington College of Built Environments, he also serves on the AIA Seattle Board of Directors.