The Ignite Glass Studios project has been awarded the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) SustainABILITY Leadership Award from its Chicago Chapter. The Ignite Glass Studio project team consisted of Graycor (Contractor), Development Management Associates (Program Manager) and Epstein | Metter Studio (Architect). More than 800 architects, designers and contractors celebrated the winners of the 58th Annual Design Excellence Awards at Designight 2013 at Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom on October 25, 2013. The AIA’s SustainABILITY Leadership Award recognizes the project that best reflects sustainable features in its design and construction to make the building both efficient and economical.

Ignite Glass Studios, located in Chicago’s West Loop, is a state-of-the-art glass studio, and education and event facility. The unique, multipurpose space spans 15,000 square feet and includes a glassblowing studio for working artists and interested students, a 5,700 square foot events venue interactive with the studio, an outdoor garden, a rooftop deck and conference/meeting space. The entire space was developed with the notion of sustainable stewardship in mind and based on a unique and thoughtful sustainable strategy.