To earn a Design Award, projects must demonstrate creative, innovative, and environmentally sensitive design solutions.

Who are the big architecture names in Wisconsin? The American Institute of Architects Wisconsin chapter has announced the winners of its 2008 Design Awards Program, recognizing design excellence. This year's list is an eclectic one -- among the 10 winners are a place of worship, a waterfront museum, and a university research facility.

To earn a Design Award -- the highest recognition given for excellence in architectural design by AIA Wisconsin -- projects must demonstrate creative, innovative, and environmentally sensitive design solutions. They also must be designed by members of AIA Wisconsin, a 1,500-member professional society. Winners were selected by a three-member jury of architects: Ronnette Riley, New York; Kenneth Luker, North Carolina; and Paul Mankins, Iowa.

"The quality of the projects was impressive; and some will be recognized at the national level," the jury reports. "There are firms doing a lot of really good work, which raises the bar very high for the entire state."

An awards ceremony was held April 30 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison.

Visit AIA Wisconsin for a complete list of winners.