During the West Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Annual Awards Gala and Scholarship Benefit on May 3, ZMM Architects and Engineers was recognized with three awards, which brings the firm’s number of awards received since 2005 to a total of 27, an achievement unrivaled in West Virginia. The AIA WV awards are reviewed and determined through an unbiased selection through a confidential judging process with an external jury of architectural professionals.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from AIA West Virginia,” says Adam Krason, CEO, principal and architect. “In addition to these awards, our biggest reward in our work is knowing that our efforts supply our clients and the communities they serve with the facilities that best meet their needs. We are proud to collaborate with our clients and partners, building a legacy in West Virginia and beyond.”
Clendenin Elementary School received an AIA WV Merit Award for Achievement in Architecture, New Construction. This recognition celebrates the firm’s dedication to resilience, sustainability and excellence in educational architecture.
ZMM Architects and Engineers collaborated with the team at Kanawha County Board of Education and Kanawha County Schools on the design of the new Clendenin Elementary School. This project represents a powerful symbol of renewal following the 2016 floods that destroyed the original building. The 65,000-square-foot facility serves more than 490 students with modern learning environments, hands-on exploration spaces and state-of-the-art technology—all while honoring the town’s history and character. Positioned on a scenic hill above the floodplain, the school was built with resilience and sustainability in mind, featuring natural materials, a geothermal HVAC system and an Exploratorium-based curriculum. After eight years in temporary learning spaces, the opening of this innovative, community-centered school marks a transformative milestone in the area’s recovery—an achievement further underscored by an AIA West Virginia award recognizing the transformative power of design.
“This project was about more than rebuilding a school. It was about restoring hope and creating a space that fosters learning, safety and community pride for generations to come,” says Krason.
The design team for the Clendenin project was led by Senior Architect and Project Manager Nathaniel Spencer, AIA.
“Being a part of the design team for the new Clendenin Elementary School is something that I am very proud of,” Spencer says. “It has been very rewarding to be a part of such a diverse team of people from multiple disciplines working toward the same goal. It is great seeing young students walk into this brand-new school with bright eyes and excited to learn. Most of these students have only ever been to class in temporary portable classrooms.”
The Stargazing Cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest received two awards—an AIA WV Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture, Residential and an AIA WV Honor Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship.
The Stargazing Cabins project marks a groundbreaking addition to collaborative state tourism efforts, uniting contemporary architecture with the region’s natural beauty and some of the darkest skies on the East Coast. Designed by ZMM Architects and Engineers in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and West Virginia Department of Tourism, the A-frame cabins set a new standard for experiential lodging, blending rustic charm with modern comfort while preserving and enhancing the natural environment.
Thoughtfully positioned between Raven Rock and the iconic Coopers Rock overlook to support the state’s Dark Sky initiative, the cabins feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls, retractable skylights and high-powered telescopes for immersive stargazing experiences. Interiors highlight locally sourced materials, spa-like amenities, warm wood finishes and energy-efficient systems, with open-concept layouts that maximize space and views. Recognized with an award for innovation, sustainability and design excellence, the project exemplifies how architecture can elevate outdoor adventure and deepen our connection to the natural world.
Site design for this project was provided by Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. Key contributors from the ZMM team include Designer Billy Simms and Senior Interior Designer Carlie Ray, NCIDQ.
“As a WVU alumna and former Morgantown resident, this project was personal for me,” Ray says. “I wanted to showcase the beauty of one of my favorite places and help bring more visitors to the area.”
“The Coopers Rock Stargazing Cabins reflect our dedication to designing immersive and sustainable spaces that celebrate West Virginia’s natural beauty while providing an unforgettable experience for visitors,” says Krason.
For more information about ZMM and our award-winning projects, visit zmm.com.
