News

August 11, 2020

Phinney Design Group Wins Three AIA Design Awards

Phinney Design Group won three design awards from The American Institute of Architects Eastern New York (AIAENY) that will be presented at a virtual event this summer. The architecture firm was recognized for its design work on Adirondack Trust Company’s Wilton branch, the William Boyd Center, a lodging, dining and conference facility at Silver Bay YMCA, and a private residence on Glen Lake in Queensbury, NY.

The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects. AIA Eastern New York holds their annual design awards program to recognize exceptional architectural design with the purpose of honoring architects, clients, and consultants who work together to achieve design excellence. “This was a real honor to receive a design award across each major discipline of Phinney Design Group; hospitality, commercial and residential design,” said Michael Phinney, Principal Architect at Phinney Design Group. “It’s also particularly meaningful knowing the recognition is coming from your peers. Most importantly, we have to thank some amazing team members and clients for making this a reality.”

After a fire destroyed the prominent bank, Adirondack Trust Company chose to use the accident as a catalyst for change; to modern, forward-thinking, and ecologically responsible development. As the architects, Phinney Design Group was excited to help them achieve this aspiration. The new prototype includes a palette of natural materials that celebrate the company’s eco-conscious agenda. Featuring regional materials that speak to the Adirondack style, this building is anchored to its local roots. With this new branch, Phinney Design Group hopes to have set a precedent for design that reflects the bank’s mission and image for an ever-growing and bright future. Additional consultants who contributed to the design and construction of the project include Artisan Engineering, Friedman Fisher Associates, Elan Planning and Design, Rovetto Design Group, and Munter Enterprises.

Phinney Design Group designed and provided construction management services on a new waterfront home that was built on Glen Lake. On approach and without altering the character of the beloved community, the camp appears as a charming, single-story cottage in tune with its surroundings. The exterior features sustainably preserved cedar siding, motor-operable windows enabling passive cooling, and traditional rain chains to direct runoff into rain gardens that buffer the lake edge. When critiquing the project, AIA judges said it was a “great blend of materials and attention to detail as they relate to the site.” Additional consultants who contributed to the design and construction of the home include SB Engineering and Hutchins Engineering.

As the first major capital improvement at Silver Bay YMCA since the late 1970s, the new 22-room lodge, dining and conference facility was designed by Phinney Design Group to operate as an independent, year-round facility within the Silver Bay campus. With sustainable design elements throughout, including a new green roof system, the center has displayed their strong commitment to protecting the waters and the community of Lake George. Steve Tamm, CEO of Silver Bay YMCA, congratulated the firm on the win and said he is thankful for their hard work “designing a great and now, award-winning building.” Additional consultants who contributed to the design and construction of the facility include Jarrett Engineers, Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture, Schoder Rivers Associates, Hesnor Engineering, and Consigli Construction.