Northwest Washington AIA Awards Two HKP Architects Projects
The Northwest Washington American Institute of Architects (AIA) recognized two notable projects completed by HKP Architects at its latest 2025 Design Awards, reinforcing the firm's commitment to community-driven, high-performance civic architecture.
The Mount Vernon Library Commons (MVLC) was awarded with one of the top Honor Awards, a distinction described by the jurors as reserved for projects "worthy of study by the entire profession." The ceremony took place within the Commons building, making the venue both a backdrop and a subject of recognition.
The MVLC, one of the first publicly bid projects in the U.S. to pursue Passive House standards, exemplifies high-performance design with its super-insulated building envelope, high-efficiency systems, and solar-photovoltaic infrastructure. Addressing the everyday needs of Mount Vernon residents, the facility also endures changing climate and social conditions. Its energy-use targets (roughly 20% of the building's power is supplied via its solar array) and embodied-carbon materials position it as a model of resilient public architecture.
Simultaneously, the Blackburn Pickleball Pavilion received a Citation Award, a designation for acknowledging that elements of a project are worthy of study. The project was celebrated by the jurors for its unexpected excellence in design and community impact. Standing proudly among the evening's large-scale residential projects, this project highlighted HKP's values of beauty, function, and responsibility.
Located on the Skagit Valley College campus in Mount Vernon, WA, the Blackburn Pickleball Pavilion is a bright example of how recreational infrastructure can serve a broad community. The covered facility features 10 dedicated courts and was designed with weather-protection and public use in mind. Serving as the largest dedicated covered public pickleball facility in the area, the Pavilion provides access to students, faculty, local Pickleball associations, and the general public.
HKP Architects has been providing architectural services to the Pacific Northwest since 1952. The firm focuses on civic buildings and spaces, educational facility planning and design, non-profit and community-oriented projects, and private homes. All of their projects emphasize long-term value for clients through efficient use of space, appropriate use of materials, sustainability, and the benefits of natural light. HKP Architects is a Women Business Enterprise (WBE)-certified firm. For more information, visit our website.