Mackenzie Sims Wins Student Design Award from AIA San Diego

We’re proud to announce that Platt/Whitelaw Architects’ Mackenzie Sims won AIA San Diego’s student award at the 2018 Design Awards, held at Green Acre NautilusGreen Acre NautilusGreen Acre Nautilus. The award recognized her examination of research-based design for schools, using Monte Vista Elementary School in Vista, California as an example.

Her design strategies focused on students’ physical and neurological enrichment needs for diverse, appealing environments and on positioning the school as the “third teacher” by piquing curiosity, encouraging exploration, and ultimately enhancing student creativity.

Our firm was well represented at the design awards, as Platt/Whitelaw Architects’ Principal Sandra Gramley was one of the show’s presenters. Sandra currently serves on the AIA San Diego board of directors as secretary/treasurer.

Mackenzie’s study of school design will go to good use at Platt/Whitelaw, where we’re always busy designing new schools, modernizing existing schools and assessing the architectural needs of schools. It’s also a great fit for our close relationship with the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFArch.org).

Congratulations, Mackenzie, for a well-deserved win!