2011 NCMA/ICPI Design Awards of Excellence winners

Words: Mary Terrell/Public/News/20111023080000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="State of Calfornia, Department of General Services, Central Utility Plant" />
State of Calfornia, Department of General Services, Central Utility Plant
The members of the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) and the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), the jury panel, and all the other involved parties are pleased to announce and recognize these winning projects, architects, designers, and product producers for their outstanding use of concrete masonry and hardscape products. On September 26, 2011 a distinguished jury panel including AIA and ASLA members, met at NCMA to determine the winners of the 2011 NCMA/ICPI Design Awards of Excellence.

The judges had quite a challenge to select the winning entries from the many fine projects presented. The winning companies should take pride in the fact that their project stood out from the rest. These winning projects will be honored at an NCMA/ICPI awards reception in Orlando, Florida on March 2nd 2012 during the annual convention and ICON Expo. In addition, look for the winning projects to be featured in up coming issues of Concrete Masonry Designs magazine.

Award of Excellence - Sustainability

State of Calfornia, Department of General Services, Central Utility Plant
Sacramento, CA
Architect: Nacht & Lewis Architects, Sacramento, CA
Block Producer: Basalite Concrete Products, LLc, Selma, CA

Award of Excellence - Commercial

UH Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research & Education
Honolulu, HI
Architect: Group 70 International, Honolulu, HI
Block Producer: Tileco, Inc., Kapolei, HI

Award of Honor - Commercial

Heritage Hall - Walter D. Ehlers Senior and Community
Buena Park, CA
Architect: Robert R. Coffee Architect + Associates, Newport Beach, CA
Block Producer: ORCO Block Co., Inc., Stanton, CA

Award of Excellence - Residential

Desert Arrow
Scottsdale, AZ
Architect: Swaback Partners, pllc, Scottsdale, AZ
Block Producer: SuperLite Block, Phoenix, AZ

Award of Honor - Residential

Desert One
Palm Springs, CA
Architect: Jim Jennings Architecture, San Francisco, CA
Block Producer: ORCO Block Co., Inc., Banning, CA

Award of Excellence - Hardscape/Pavers

Village of Palmetto Bay City Hall
Palmetto Bay, FL
Architect: O'Leary Richards Design, Miami, FL
Paver Producer: Hanson Hardscapes, Pompano Beach, FL

The judges selected two commercial projects as winners of a Judges Honorable Mention because they were thoughtful, well executed small projects. The winners of the Honorable Mention will receive a plaque from NCMA and will be featured in a future issue of Concrete Masonry Designs magazine.

Judges Honorable Mention

Sacramento Zoo - Giraffe Barn Replacement and Viewing Deck
Sacramento, CA
Architect: Nacht & Lewis Architects, Sacramento, CA
Block Producer: Basalite Concrete Products, LLC, Dixon, CA

Judges Honorable Mention

Pepper Park Comfort Station
National City, CA
Architect: Jeff Katz Architecture, San Diego, CA
Block Producer: ORCO Block Co., Oceanside, CA

The 2012 NCMA/ICPI Design Awards of Excellence “Call for Entry” will be available January 2012. Architects, designers and product producers are encouraged to start identifying project(s) for the 2012 contest now so they too can be a winner in this national awards program.
Case Study: Argo Community High School Performing Arts Center
December 2025

Argo Community High School is located in Summit, Illinois, just southwest of Chicago’s Midway Airport. In 2016, the Argo Community High School Board of Education and the school’s administration undertook the construction of a new performing

Fireside Foundations: Crafting Holiday Fireplaces That Last All Year
December 2025

The fireplace holds a special place in every home, especially during the holidays. It’s where families gather, stories are shared, and the flicker of firelight creates

Manufactured Stone Veneer Trends for 2026: What’s Next in Stone & Masonry Aesthetics
December 2025

As design trends evolve, stone and masonry continue to stand at the intersection of artistry, performance, and innovation. For 2026, manufactured stone veneer (MSV) is emerging as one of the most dynamic materials in the exterior and interior design space

Construction Robotics Upgrades to Gold in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program
December 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is delighted to share that Construction Robotics will upgrade their Silver partnership to a Gold partnership in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program.