Ayers Saint Gross Named a Finalist in the 51st Annual IIDA Interior Design Competition

We’re excited to announce that the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center was named a finalist in the 2025 IIDA Interior Design Competition. This annual competition celebrates outstanding, innovative interior design and interior architecture around the world that honors innovation, creativity, and encourages new ideas and techniques in the design and furnishings of interior spaces.

Serving as a gateway for the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center is designed to help visitors pause and reflect on the scale and importance of the Garden’s work. Its welcoming design integrates principles of biophilia, sustainability, inclusivity, and equality. Learn more. 

“The Interior Design Competition and Will Ching Design competition celebrate the best of the interior design industry,” said IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO, Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA. “Congratulations to the design firms, being named a finalist is a remarkable achievement and a testament to their exceptional creativity, innovation, and technical experience.”

Finalists were chosen by a jury including the following distinguished design experts: Deture Culsign Principal, Kimshasa Balwin; Maison Fee Founder, Chrissy Fehan; and Graham Design Founder and Creative Director, Brian Graham, IIDA, IDSA.

“The jury applauds the exceptional thoughtfulness and meticulous attention to detail in these designs,” said Fehan on behalf of the jury. “Each finalist solved their design challenge in unexpected ways, reimagining the experience for the end user to create a wholly unique environment.”

This is not the first honor for the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center. In March, the project was honored with MAAM’s 2025 Buildy Award. Previously, the project has been honored by AIA Baltimore, AIA St. Louis, AIA Maryland, IIDA Southwest, and as an ENR Best of the Best project.