AIA Nebraska, A Chapter of The American Institute of Architects, served as host to the Central States Region Excellence in Design Awards program winners in conjunction with their annual convention, October 5-6, 2017 in Omaha, Nebraska.

The Region encompasses Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. AIA Central States Region Excellence in Design Jury of Pennsylvania, reviewed 250 submissions, and presented thirty awards to firms across the region, including three Honor Awards and ten Merit Awards to Nebraska firms. Jury members include: Joseph Biondo, FAIA, Spillman Farmer Architects, Jury Chair; Jules Dingle, AIA, DIGSAU; and Theresa Thomas, AIA, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson.

The Excellence in Design program is an annual event for architects who submit built and unbuilt projects for consideration. This year the categories for consideration include Architecture, Interior Architecture, Unbuilt, Details and Masonry. In addition, there are two categories for emerging architects and architecture students, including Unbuilt Design and Architectural Detail. Projects are judged based on a variety of features, including unique design, originality, extended use attributes, sustainability, budget and use of environmental surroundings.