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Helix Architecture + Design named ‘Firm of the Year’

On Tuesday evening, Helix Architecture + Design was named 2016 Firm of The Year by AIA Kansas City. The award is given annually to one member firm that has shown extraordinary leadership in advancing the cause of architecture and its role in improving the quality of the built environment.

AIA president, Dale Duncan cited the success of Helix’s merger with Blackbird Design Studio, recent local and national design awards and the firm’s leadership on key high-profile projects, such as the Kansas City Police Department’s Leon Mercer Jordan East Patrol Campus, as reasons for selection.

“Helix recently led design of the Leon Jordan East Patrol Campus, a transformative project in a depressed neighborhood on the east side. Helix set a higher standard for minority and women-owned business participation for the design team on that project and exceeded all goals, with a team of diverse architects, consultants and engineers in our community,” said Duncan. “Helix’s leadership is representative of the intent of our members to provide more equity in the way that we practice, and to raise the bar of diversity for the future of our members and our profession. It is quite remarkable what was accomplished.”

The Leon Mercer Jordan East Patrol Campus includes a gymnasium, computer lab and meeting room that are available for community use.

“Helix was founded on a commitment to design excellence and community leadership nearly 25 years ago. This award is acknowledgement that remaining true to your core values and surrounding yourself with extraordinary people, both clients and staff, who share those values is the foundation for success.”

AIA Kansas City accepts nominations for Firm of the Year from the general membership and selection is made through consensus by the entire board. The award was announced at AIA’s annual holiday party with over 200 local members in attendance.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by our peers,” said Reeves Wiedeman, founding principal of Helix Architecture + Design. “Helix was founded on a commitment to design excellence and community leadership nearly 25 years ago. This award is acknowledgement that remaining true to your core values and surrounding yourself with extraordinary people, both clients and staff, who share those values is the foundation for success.”

The award caps off a banner year for Helix, which has included the successful merger with Blackbird Design Studio, recognition by Architect magazine as one of the Top 50 architecture firms for design in the country and receipt of the Project of the Year award for the Kansas City Police Headquarters Renovation at AIA Kansas City’s Design Excellence Awards.

“We are proud of the accolades we have received this year but what truly energizes us is the development we see happening throughout our city,” said Jay Tomlinson, founding principal with Helix. “With each building we renovate, each block our clients infuse with new investment, we are adding to the momentum of Kansas City. We are proud to play a role in not only shaping the built environment but also how residents and visitors alike experience our community.”

 

Helix has celebrated the completion of projects throughout the Kansas City region in 2016, including the Boulevard Brewing Co. Visitor Center, Corrigan Building renovation, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences Administration Building, the International Apartments, Synergy Services Children’s Center, East 9 at Pickwick Plaza North Tower, Park University’s Norrington Academic Center, Academy for Integrated Arts new charter school, Kansas City Young Audiences midtown location and the adaptive reuse of 1700-1710 Wyandotte.
AIA Kansas City also recognized two of our clients with awards; Eric Bosch, City Architect with the City of Kansas City, Missouri received the Architect of the Year award and the Kansas City Police Department received the President’s Award. Other individual AIA members were recognized for their contributions to the profession, the community and the built environment.

Congratulations to the entire Helix team and all who were honored. We are proud to work among individuals with such talent and commitment to advancing our community!