Quinn Evans has earned the 2024 Architecture Firm Award, American Institute of Architects’ (AIA’s) highest honor, for their groundbreaking work in seamlessly integrating sustainable design into existing and historic structures.
Established in 1984 by Michael Quinn, fellow of the AIA (FAIA), and David Evans, FAIA, the firm has evolved under the leadership of president and CEO, Alyson Steele, becoming one of the largest women-owned design practices in the nation with more than 200 professionals.
The firm is renowned for its pioneering approach, integrating sustainable design into existing and historic buildings. Emphasizing preservation as a tool for social empowerment, Quinn Evans challenges preconceptions about the environmental impact of building reuse, asserting that “the greenest building is one that is already built.” Their portfolio reflects breakthroughs in stewardship, sustainability, and inclusive design.
Quinn Evans plays a vital role in economic and community revitalization, particularly in neglected neighborhoods. The firm positions preservation as a catalyst for positive change, exemplified by their work with indigenous communities in rural Iowa to create a stewardship framework for sacred land protection. In Detroit, Mich., the firm identified and documented sites associated with the civil rights movement, showcasing its commitment to preserving historical narratives.
Notable projects include the National Native American Veterans Memorial and the Molina Family Latino Gallery on the National Mall. The award-winning renovation of the National Academy of Sciences in D.C., including the restoration of its great hall and Guastavino dome, exemplifies their commitment to preserving historic landmarks. Quinn Evans is also at the forefront of transformative projects, such as the ongoing renovation of the National Air and Space Museum and the immersive museum beneath the Lincoln Memorial.
In Baltimore, Md., Quinn Evans is reshaping Penn Station into a mixed-use destination, contributing to projects at the Baltimore Museum of Art, and revitalizing theaters in the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Noteworthy renovations include Old City Hall in Richmond and the transformation of Michigan Central Station in Detroit, Mich., into an innovation hub for the Ford Motor Company. With seven Richard H. Driehaus National Preservation Honor Awards from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Quinn Evans continues to leave an indelible mark on the architectural landscape.
