The Rice School of Architecture is proud to share that its faculty and facilities were prominently recognized at the AIA Houston 2025 Design Awards, with honors spanning multiple categories across the program.
At the center of these awards are William T. Cannady Hall and the renovation of MD Anderson Hall—together forming the school’s newly completed “campus within a campus.” The two projects, honored in separate categories, showcase distinct yet complementary approaches to shaping spaces for architectural education.
- William T. Cannady Hall, designed by Zurich-based Karamuk Kuo in collaboration with Kendall/Heaton Associates, introduces a bold new building with a jagged roofline and flexible interiors, creating striking spaces for fabrication, exhibitions, and events.
- MD Anderson Hall, reimagined by Chicago-based Kwong Von Glinow, breathes new life into the school’s historic core, transforming it into a light-filled and collaborative environment. The school’s reconfigured front door and welcome areas, as well as its gathering spaces for students, faculty, and Houston community members alike, have been enhanced.
Taken together, the two buildings embody Rice’s vision for an architecture campus that bridges history and innovation, creating a setting that supports design research, dialogue, and community engagement.
Faculty- and alumni-connected practices also garnered top recognition:
- Yellowstone Schools—Professor in the Practice Nicola Springer’s team at Kirksey won the top award for architecture over 50,000 square feet.
- Memorial Park Running Complex Café—Schaum Architects (led by Associate Professor Troy Schaum) was honored for its elegantly scaled pavilion serving Houston’s most beloved park.
- Camaraderie Restaurant—Schaum Architects was also honored for a thoughtful renovation that weaves architecture into the social fabric of the city.
- Ambience—clovisbaronian (coled by Assistant Professor Georgina Baronian) was recognized for its experimental exploration of space, atmosphere, and form.
The awards also highlight the lasting impact of Rice’s teaching community: Alison Von Glinow, Lap Chi Kwong, and Jeannette Kuo of Karamuk Kuo have all served as visiting faculty at the Rice School of Architecture, underscoring the school’s role as a hub where innovative practice and architectural education continually intersect.
Altogether, the 2025 awards represent a remarkable sweep for the Rice School of Architecture, spotlighting not only the creativity of its faculty but also the renewal of its campus.
We extend our congratulations to Associate Professor Troy Schaum, Assistant Professor Georgina Baronian, Professor in the Practice Nicola Springer, and past visiting professors Alison Von Glinow, Lap Chi Kwong, and Jeannette Kuo, whose practices exemplify the imagination and public engagement that define architectural excellence at Rice.
For more on the 2025 AIA Houston Design Awards, visit AIA Houston.