Anne Marie Duvall Decker Honored in Inaugural S|ARC Alumni Design Awards Program

We are proud to announce that two of Duvall Decker’s projects (submitted by MSU alumna, Anne Marie Duvall Decker, FAIA) have been recognized in the Inaugural S|ARC Alumni Design Awards program at Mississippi State University. Cooperwood Senior Living received the Honor Award and the Mississippi Library Commission Headquarters received the special category 50th Anniversary Award which was awarded to the best project completed over the last 50 years as a tribute to the MSU School of Architecture’s 50th anniversary. Congratulations to Anne Marie, our team, clients, and consultants!

50th Anniversary Award | Mississippi Library Commission Headquarters | Jackson, MS

The Mississippi State University School of Architecture started in 1973, making 2023-2024 its 50th year. In the spirit of AIA’s “25 Year Award,” honoring a project that has set a standard of excellence, this 50th Anniversary Award recognizes amazing architecture that has been created and built in the decades since the school’s inception. The Mississippi Library Commission Headquarters is the recipient of the 50th Anniversary award. The jury noted the role of this project in being part of a conversation about what a library is, stating that “this design begins to open possibilities for how this typology is conceived and functions.” In addition, the jury remarked that “the design of the main library space, elegantly flooded with natural light, connects to the outside, with this connection carried out in a way that is reflected in the form, highlighting the volume yet containing it within the façade.”

The Mississippi Library Commission Headquarters project was a joint venture with Stan Wagnon with Burris/Wagnon Architects. Click the link in our bio to see our new video of the Mississippi Library Commission Headquarter’s building!

Honor Award | Cooperwood Senior Living | Flowood, MS

“The design of this building plays a large part in impacting the lives of its users,” remarked one juror. The jury noted that the individual character of the spaces is achieved in the units, which is important for bringing respect to the elderly residents. In particular, the light and views are inviting and pleasant, which introduces a new standard to this typology. Additionally, the complex sits and floats on the site, curating a variety of indoor and outdoor experiences.