Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center Recognized with 2025 Buildy Award

The Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center at the Missouri Botanical Garden has been named the winner of the annual Building Museums Symposium’s Buildy Award. This prestigious award program, which is hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums (MAAM) recognizes excellence in museum design and innovation across a diverse range of museum types and sizes.

According to MAAM’s release, the Garden was recognized “for its leadership and exemplary accomplishments in the planning, design, and construction of its facility, as well as its transformational impact on the organization after opening.” The award recognizes the Garden’s director and staff, as well as its design and construction teams, including Ayers Saint Gross and partners Alberici Constructors, Tao + Lee Associates, IMEG Corp, KPFF, Civil Design, Inc., and Michael Vergason Landscape Architect.

The Buildy Award committee noted several factors that contributed to the success of the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center, including:

• The high quality of design, including “the beautifully daylit spaces and the subtle and elegant introduction of botanical themes into the details of the body.”
• Sustainable design features that result in a reduction of energy costs of 45% from LEED baseline, reduced water consumption, and sustainably sourced materials.
• Thoughtful planning that enhanced the Garden’s visitor experience and financial sustainability, allowing for universally accessible and unique revenue-generating spaces.

Read the complete announcement at MAAM’s website.

This is not the first award for the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center. Previously, the project has been recognized with an AIA Baltimore Excellence in Design Award and Grand Design Award, an AIA Maryland Excellence in Design Honor Award. It has also been recognized by IIDA Southwest with a Best in Show honor and a Design Excellence Award in Public Facilities.