The winners for the 2008 Design Excellence Awards presented by Multi-Housing News have been released. The awards recognize outstanding multi-housing and mixed-use projects.

Entries were judged based on a combination of criteria including exterior and interior architecture, overall composition of the various aesthetic and functional elements required for a successful project, and (when applicable) landscaping and curb appeal.

The 2008 Design Excellence Awards judge panel consisted of five industry professionals. They are Darin Schoolmeester, principal at MVE & Partners; Susan Slotkis, adjuct assistant professor at F.I.T.; Bruce Englebaugh, Partner at Minno & Wasko; Christine Hunter, Principal at Magnusson Architecture and Planning; Jonathan Baron, Principal of Baron Design Inc.

This year’s award recipients represent a cross-section of projects around the US. Congratulations to everyone!

Here are the winners:

High-Rise - 5th & Madison, Seattle
Judges’ Comments: Original, Exposure of steel outside gives it real character, great site development, simple striking facade, site-responsive, urbane.

Mid-Rise - 25 Bond Street, New York
Judges’ Comments: Very original, unusual but respectful of the neighborhood.

Low-Rise - Colony at Bandon Cove, Bandon Oregon
Judges’ Comments: Refined, intellectual, contemporary forms are very warm but still contextual, great plans.

Low-Rise - Icon at Doyle, Emeryville California
Judges’ Comments: Effective massing, complex geometry makes for interesting spaces, subtle adaptive reuse, nice materials.

Mixed-Use - Luma, Los Angeles
Judges’ Comments: Groundbreaking, experimental as a high-rise in LA, nice common spaces, detailed outdoor roof, complex site plan, nice activation of ground floor with pedestrian use.

Green - Millennium Tower Residences, New York
Judges’ Comments: Well-appointed, much considered mechanics, well thought-out water treatment, luxurious with family-centered features and amenities.

Seniors - Parkview Terraces, San Francisco

Affordable - The Sutton, Harlem New York
Judges’ Comments: Clean, rich in materials, restrained in massing of buildings, good response to the street.

Transit Oriented - Pacifica, Long Beach, California
Judges’ Comments: Pretty, fresh, new.

Unbuilt - Mirabella South Waterfront, Portland Oregon
Judges’ Comments: Very thoughtful, it’s like a piece of jewelry.

Interior Design - Bethesda North Condominiums, Bethesda Maryland
Judges’ Comments: Great use of space, simple but well thought out interiors.

Media: Set 1. Award winners. Set 2. Selection of awarded projects (high resolution)