The Rice School of Architecture is delighted to announce that visiting critics Lap Chi Kwong and Alison Von Glinow, cofounders of the Chicago-based firm Kwong Von Glinow, have been awarded the prestigious AIA Chicago Honor Award in the “Interior Architecture Medium” category for their innovative renovation of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Flaxman Library.
The renovation of Flaxman Library, a central academic and cultural resource for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), demonstrates Kwong Von Glinow’s ability to seamlessly blend architectural innovation with institutional heritage. The project reimagines the library as a dynamic, flexible space that fosters both quiet study and creative collaboration, supporting the evolving needs of SAIC’s students, faculty, and researchers.
Through the careful reorganization of the library’s spatial program, Kwong Von Glinow transformed the interior into a cohesive, open environment while preserving the library’s historical character. A combination of minimalistic design elements and strategic material choices has allowed the firm to create a light-filled, inviting atmosphere with subtle yet profound interventions that balance functionality and aesthetic refinement.
“Winning this award for the Flaxman Library renovation is an incredible honor,” Kwong and Von Glinow said. “Our goal was to create a space that not only supports the intellectual and artistic endeavors of SAIC but also serves as a gathering point for its creative community. The renovation respects the library’s legacy while offering a vision for its future.”
William Ward Watkin Dean of the Rice School of Architecture Igor Marjanović celebrated the duo’s success, highlighting their impact as educators and practitioners: “The work of Kwong Von Glinow exemplifies an exceptional sensitivity to the relationship between form, space, and community. Their renovation of the Flaxman Library is an outstanding example of how architecture can transform institutional spaces to support innovation, learning, and connection. We are proud to have them as part of the Rice School of Architecture family, contributing to the discourse and education of our students.”
This award-winning project reinforces Kwong Von Glinow’s reputation for producing thoughtful, human-centered design across various scales and typologies. Their work continues to shape how architectural design can elevate everyday experiences within complex, multiuse environments.
The Rice School of Architecture congratulates Kwong and Von Glinow on this well-deserved recognition, which underscores their commitment to architectural excellence and educational enrichment.
Media Contact:
Rice School of Architecture
Leah Ray, Consulting Communications Director
Email: leah.ray@rice.edu
Phone: +1 312.498.2591