When Anthony Costello watched the devastation of homes and buildings collapse after an earthquake in Haiti, he wanted to understand why. So, he traveled to the country to learn about its building practices. Since his first visit in 2010, Costello has been to Haiti more than 26 times to learn and help develop methods to make buildings stronger and to design Our Lady of Perpetual Help Orphanage Village Campus in Plaine de Nord.

This has been a work of passion for the Muncie architect and Ball State University architecture professor, who worked alongside his students to make the orphanage and safer building practices a reality. The American Institute of Architects Indiana (AIA) presented him with the first-ever Humanitarian Award last week. Costello also received the Distinguished Hoosier Award from Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb.

The Distinguished Hoosier recognizes those whose distinguish themselves through significant contributions to their communities, whose qualities and characteristics reflect the best of Indiana and whose actions endear them in the hearts and minds of all Hoosiers. Costello was among several architects to receive awards during the annual AIA Indiana Design Awards presented during the organization’s annual convention.

Architects take inspiration from all different realms of life – even round-abouts. When RATIO designed the 60,0000-square-foot headquarters for Wabash Valley Power, the firm decided on a curved design which mimicked the roundabout sitting behind the building in an Indianapolis business park. The Indianapolis design firm received an Honor Award in New Construction over $5 million.

Jury comments regarding the Wabash Valley Power headquarters read, “The more we studied this office building, the more we noticed how outstanding the complete and overall project is. It is seldom that as architects we are able to complete a project where the landscape, the interior, and finishes all work together for the benefit of the user. This project is one of those rare cases.

Design Collaborative and Hoch Associates of Fort Wayne received a tall order from the city to create a park that will make people fall in love with the riverfront. Promenade Park in downtown Fort Wayne has become a favorite gathering spot and a catalyst for additional economic growth. Design Collaborative and Hoch Associates received an Honor Award in Non-Traditional Projects for its creation of the park.

GBBN Architects of Cincinnati created a more inspired workspace for employees of the Hill Rom Innovation Center, a medical device manufacturer, in Batesville. GBBN received an Honor Award in New Construction under $5 million for the addition.

One 10 Studio received a Citation Award in New Construction under $5 million for an Indianapolis home named Papillon after the butterfly habitat created as part of the project’s design.

Integrated Architecture of Michigan received a Citation Award in New Construction under $5 million for its design of a modern home in Terre Haute.

Blackline of Indianapolis received a Merit Award in Interior Architecture for transforming a 1920’s box factory into a rock-climbing and wellness center in Indianapolis.

Perkins & Will of Chicago received a Merit Award in New Construction over $5 million for the design of the West Lafayette Wellness Center.

AIA Indiana’s annual design awards were judge by a jury of architects from Austin, Texas.

Indianapolis residents and visitors who enjoy dining out downtown, going to live theater or sporting events, or hiking and boating at Eagle Creek can thank architect Robert F. Kennedy, FAIA, who received AIA’s Gold Medal Award for his role in in helping transform Indianapolis into a thriving city. Kennedy spent several years advocating for downtown as director of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development beginning in 1976.

Architects have David Bowen, FAIA, to thank for helping build and grow the architecture profession through his leadership on local, state, and national AIA committees, boards, and task forces. Bowen has been an advocate for great design as both a business leader and community leader. A native of Indianapolis, Bowen went to University of Cincinnati, but migrated back to his hometown where he spent most of his career managing design teams and projects at Odle McQuire Shook. Bowen also received the Gold Medal Award for his commitment to the profession and community during the AIA Indiana convention this month.

Gary Vance, FAIA, a nationally recognized healthcare architect and founding member of the American College of Healthcare Architects, received The Edward D. Pierre Award, named after the architect who was a crusader for the welfare of children, decent housing for all, and progressive urban planning.

Throughout Vance’s 40-year design career, he has sought innovative strategies to improve patient experiences and healthcare performances through facility planning and design.

Architects Joe Yount, AIA, of RATIO, and Matt Jennings, AIA, of American Structurepoint, both received The Tony Costello Young Architect Award. Yount received the award for his work to get Indiana’s building codes updated, advocacy for equity and diversity within the design and building industry, and mentoring of high school students.

Jennings is an ambassador for building a more inclusive, collaborative, and engaging design process. In the case of the Lafayette Public Safety Building, Jennings led interactive design sessions with stakeholders to quickly visualize concepts in real time. Jennings also mentors interns and recent graduate architects.

With a passion for preservation, Scott Pannicke, AIA, helped establish and update policies and procedures for the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission, and he works to preserve and improve historic buildings, such as the new Bottleworks District, Hinkle Fieldhouse and the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Pannicke is associate principal, historic preservation specialist, technical expert and specifications manager at RATIO. For all his work, he received The Juliet Peddle Award named for the architect’s strong devotion and commitment to architecture, display of professionalism and perseverance and having a kind spirit.James W. Lowe, Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning and Management at Ball State University, received the Walter S. Blackburn Award. The award recognizes those who like Blackburn worked tirelessly to support the profession and exemplifies professional and public service. Lowe has worked more than four decades to make Ball State the place it is today, including campus planning and landscape development, BSU’s nationally recognized, campus-wide energy program and the restoration and modernization of existing buildings.Legislator of the Year was presented to Indiana State Rep. Carey Hamilton, D-Indianapolis for introducing legislation to update Indiana’s woefully outdated building codes.