Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center Honored by The American Institute of Architects

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is honoring Ayers Saint Gross with a 2026 Interior Architecture Award and Associate Architect Tao + Lee Associates for the Missouri Botanical Garden Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center, located in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Interior Architecture Award honors the most innovative and spectacular interior spaces. Ayers Saint Gross was one of nine interior architecture award winners honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture and Design Awards Gala, June 10 in San Diego.

This is not the first time the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center has been honored. It has previously been recognized by Interior Design Magazine with a Best of the Best Award and the Society of Experiential Graphic Design with a Best in Show and Honor Award in Placemaking, among others. The project has also been featured in publications around the world, including Metropolis, Dezeen, and The Architect’s Newspaper.

The Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center immerses visitors in the mission of the Missouri Botanical Garden through a seamless connection between architecture and nature. Biophilic design strategies, including a custom scrim, locally inspired materials, and handcrafted elements celebrate the Garden’s living collection while creating a welcoming, light-filled experience. Achieving LEED Gold certification, the project advances the Garden’s conservation ethos through sustainable design measures and serves as a gateway for education, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

“This honor is especially meaningful because it reflects the extraordinary collaboration, creativity, and commitment to design excellence that shaped the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center,” said Principal Michelle Kollmann. “The recognition affirms our belief that thoughtfully crafted environments can deepen our connection to place, nature, and one another.”

Learn more about this award-winning project.