The AIA Connecticut J.E.D.I. Challenge is designed to inspire and incentivize AIA Connecticut member firms to increase gender and racial diversity in their firms and the profession. In recognition of their commendable J.E.D.I. strategies and efforts, AIA CT recognizes small, medium, and large firms whose aggregated responses scored 30% or higher beyond the baseline score. This is the fourth consecutive year Pickard Chilton has been recognized with this honor.
This award recognize a development that exhibits a development team’s commitment to an outstanding quality product, success in the marketplace, and uniqueness in design of a project.
The Eight is a 25-story, 550,000 SF Class-A+ office tower in downtown Bellevue that utilizes a side-core design for virtually column-free, flexible floorplates. It offers floor-to-ceiling glass, 100% fresh air, and a 35% reduction in embodied carbon. Amenities include a landscaped plaza with mass-timber pavilion, indoor/outdoor lounge, a 150-person collaboration space, nine tenant decks, spa-like fitness center, retail along NE 8th, bike storage for 175 bikes, and 22 EV chargers including eight Superchargers.
The Vision Design Excellence Honor Award went to Pickard Chilton’s Michael Hensley, AIA, RIBA, for The Grid Commons in New York City.
The project’s tower base “is designed to welcome the broader public and community,” the firm explains, with a grocery store and community center anchoring a civic entryway. A childcare center, residents’ lounge, fitness space, and roof garden reinforce the building’s mission as a social condenser — blending density with inclusivity.
The Vision Design Excellence Citation Award went to Pickard Chilton for T3 RiNo, in Denver.
AIA Connecticut honors Pickard Chilton Senior Associate Andrew Gorzkowski for his support and contributions through committee work and programs. His commitment, leadership, and generous contributions through committee work and programs have strengthened our community and advanced the mission of AIA CT.
Avocet Tower, recipient of the 2025 ULI Washington Award for Excellence in Sustainability, exemplifies cutting-edge green design in an urban setting.