RICHMOND, VA. — Virginia design firm H&A Architects & Engineers has earned national recognition for the Power Plant at Rocketts Landing in the 2011 Innovating Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel awards program (IDEAS2).

Conducted annually by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the IDEAS2 awards recognize outstanding achievements in engineering and architecture on steel-framed building projects throughout the United States. The Power Plant at Rocketts Landing is a Merit winner in the “projects less than $15 million” category.

H&A will be recognized on Wednesday, May 11 during AISC’s 2011 NASCC: The Steel Conference in Pittsburgh. Described by judges as “urban renewal at its best” and “honest in its attempt to respect the building’s history and origin,” the renovated steel structure in downtown Richmond is the only project to earn recognition by the AISC in the state of Virginia.

This was another innovative project led by developer, WVS Companies based in Richmond, Va. The project design team also includes:

• Architect | H&A Architects & Engineers, Richmond, Va.
• Structural Engineer | Draper Aden Associates, Richmond, Va. (AISC Member)
• Steel Joist Manufacturer | Vulcraft, Florence, S.C. (AISC Member)
• Structural Software | RISA-3d

Each project was judged on its use of structural steel, with an emphasis on creative solutions to project requirements; design innovation; aesthetic and visual impact of the project; innovative use of architecturally exposed structural steel; technical or architectural advances; and sustainable design and construction.