Maynard architectural firm recognized for design excellence

Studio InSitu Architects Inc., a local architectural firm in Maynard, was recognized by AIA, the American Institute of Architects, for design excellence in AIA's New England Design Awards.

The firm received both a Citation Award and the Best of Chapter Award for the Masonic+Button Studio Apartment in Northampton.

The jury cited the architect's use of a savvy geometric economy to create a grand "public" space and reveal the hidden beauty of the former factory building and its place within the city of Northampton. The studio apartment reveals the architect's innovative response to constraints of space and employed a flexible design suitable for a private residence and the hospitality market. The smart-and-small trend is timely as suburban planning boards in Massachusetts are relaxing restrictions on in-laws units.

InSitu's principal architect, Tim Hess, was honored to be recognized among larger and more established firms whose work was also recognized during the awards dinner at DCU's Clubhouse at the new Polar Park baseball stadium in Worcester. Projects that were celebrated ranged from libraries, a Chicago skyscraper, to a New York airport. Only six private residences were cited — just two of them in Massachusetts.

Ongoing projects for Studio InSitu include award-winning private residences but also larger commercial and mixed-use projects and public placemaking initiatives for municipalities and businesses. Promoting "holistic sustainable placemaking at all scales," the firm's local projects include creating Azucar's Tapas Bar's outdoor parklet as well as its interior, renovation of live music hall, Sanctuary and creating a legacy proposal to replace Maynard's "Basin" parking lot with a new town common.

For information, visit http://studioinsitu.com for a visual portfolio of award-winning designs.