AIA Maryland, Baltimore Design Awards 2026

Ziger|Snead Architects received seven awards across the 2026 AIA Maryland and AIA Baltimore Excellence in Design programs, recognizing three projects for design excellence. The Dune House received four awards, including AIA Baltimore's Grand Design Award, the chapter's highest honor. Camp Airy Dining Hall and the Earl Conservation Center at Quiet Waters Park were also recognized, reflecting the firm's approach to creating thoughtful, enduring architecture rooted in place and purpose.

Overlooking protected dunes along the Delaware coast, Dune House accommodates multiple generations of family while maintaining a close connection to the landscape. Elevated above the dunes, the residence captures expansive ocean views and brings natural light deep into its interiors. The Accoya wood cladding references the region's traditional dune fencing, while warm materials, generous glazing, and an open-air terrace balance spaces for gathering with quieter moments of retreat.

The project received four honors across the two AIA programs, including AIA Baltimore's Grand Design Award, recognizing exceptional achievement in architectural design, AIA Baltimore's Residential Design Award, AIA Baltimore Design Excellence Award, and the AIA Maryland's Excellence in Design Honor Award for Single Family Residential,

Rebuilding after a devastating 2022 fire, the new Camp Airy Dining Hall restores a central gathering place for generations of campers. Set on its original hilltop site, the design reinterprets traditional camp architecture with a double-height dining hall, exposed timber trusses, and deep overhangs that shelter expansive porches. The building honors the camp's history while creating a welcoming space for meals, celebrations, and community. Camp Airy was awarded a Design Excellence Award from AIA Baltimore.

Designed for the Chesapeake Conservancy, the Earl Conservation Center envisions a new home for environmental organizations working to protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The project integrates workplaces, educational spaces, and public engagement within a landscape-focused design that encourages collaboration, environmental stewardship, and a deeper connection to the natural world. Camp Airy received Design Excellence Honorable Mention from AIA Baltimore and a Design Excellence Citation Award in the unbuilt category from AIA Maryland.