Cunniffe Commons wins AIA Maryland Excellence in Design Award

Cunniffe Commons at the Ringling College of Art and Design was recognized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) with an AIA Maryland Excellence in Design Honor Award. The annual awards program recognizes excellence in architectural design by AIA Maryland members and AIA members working in Maryland.

Cunniffe Commons, which opened in 2023, is a modern dining facility that takes inspiration from an urban food hall to serve as a community hub and primary destination on Ringling College’s campus. In their award comments, jurors praised the project for its “eclectic use of materials and shapes, with the oversized, seafoam green columns adding some whimsy and local flavor.”

They also praised the project’s siting, which was intentionally planned to save historic oak trees, commenting: “The siting, plan integration of landscaped areas outdoors, and indoor/outdoor programming make this project feels expansive and well contextualized. We believe variety, layout, and relationship of different types of seating will activate the space well.”

The jurors also commented on the “dynamic, inviting” courtyard, noting that the incorporated oak tree provides “a historic tether to the site.”

Cunniffe Commons was previously recognized by AIA Baltimore with a 2024 Excellence in Design Honor Award. Award jurors for that recognition praised the project for its wide range of indoor and outdoor seating options, its vibrant material palette, and the unique interior design details for each eatery.

“Cunniffe Commons expertly integrates Sarasota’s mid-century modern design culture with contemporary elements creating a welcoming, invigorating space for students to gather,” they wrote. “Far from a sterile campus dining hall, the space is activated with details that create a unique sense of place.”