ACEC/MA Announces SMMA as 2020 Winner of Engineering Excellence Award

Belmont, MA

(NAASR) Vartan Gregorian Armenian Center

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SMMA was recently selected as the winner of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts (ACEC/MA) 2020 Bronze Engineering Excellence Award for the renovation of the National Association for Armenian Studies & Research (NAASR) Vartan Gregorian Armenian Center in Belmont, MA. 

The award celebrates innovation, ingenuity, and excellence in engineering achievement. “The Engineering Excellence Awards program recognizes engineering firms for projects that demonstrate a high degree of achievement, value and ingenuity,” said Jennifer Howe, President of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts and Principal and Vice President at SMMA.  

“Entrants are rated by an independent panel of judges from the architectural community, the construction industry, academia, the media, and the public sector on the basis of uniqueness and originality; future value to the profession and perception by the public; social, economic and sustainable development considerations; complexity; and successful fulfillment of the client/owner’s need, including schedule and budget.” 

The renovation was the first major change to the Vartan Gregorian Armenian Center since its initial purchase in 1989. The project includes functional pieces like a refreshed lobby, and the newly expanded three-story Mardigian Library. The design laces cultural details into common building elements, including a wooden door carved in Armenia by a master craftsman, the curtain wall is adorned a custom frit pattern derived from the Sirun Khach, and light pendants with finishes inspired by colors found in Armenian ceramics.  

The physical transformation coincides with NAASR’s innovative plans to expand its global influence. Both through the building design and the narratives it shelters, NAASR will continue to invite modern users to connect with their past while finding inspiration for their next steps. 

Kudos to our team and wonderful partners who turned this vision into reality. 

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