The selected firms include: Ennead Architects, Miller Hull Partnership, Richard + Bauer Architecture, Shop Architects, and Skidmore Owings & Merrill. These have been selected under the indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) worldwide new construction architecture/engineering (a/e) design services solicitation.
According to OBO, these firms, which were selected from a shortlist of 11 architecture/engineering teams, will offer a strong architectural team and innovative design philosophy that demonstrates a commitment to thoughtful, integrated design and effective management. These firms have been tapped to design or renovate embassies, consulates and other outposts around the globe for the State Department.
The Design Excellence program is based on similar ones at the U.S. General Services Administration, which builds and manages all federal buildings and leases, and New York City’s own Department of Design and Construction. It is deemed as important in the post-9/11 world, where a number of new embassies have come under fire for being dull and even threatening, such as new outposts in Baghdad and Berlin.
