Oklahoma City architecture firm wins global honors: Elliott + AssociatesChesapeake Boathouse, Pops recognized

The International Architecture Awards is the only global awards program in architecture of its kind, conceived and presented by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

The team evaluated a record number of entries and selected 87 distinguished projects and urban schemes to honor with its award. Projects from the United States received the highest number of awards with 12, five of which were designed by Elliott + Associates.

The five projects honored are the Oklahoma Heritage Association's Gaylord-Pickens Museum, Chesapeake Boathouse, POPS in Arcadia, Car Park One at Chesapeake Energy and ImageNet at Oak Park.

"As a small firm in the nation's heartland, we are beyond thrilled with this recognition," lead partner Rand Elliott said.

"Architecture is a universal language and has universal appeal. The Finnish architects who comprised the jury didn't care if the buildings we designed were in New York, London, Singapore or Oklahoma City. We are passionate about our work at Elliott + Associates," Elliott said.

'Well-earned recognition'

Elliott's clients include Chesapeake Energy, whose founder, Aubrey McClendon, has employed the firm on both corporate and personal projects.

"This is an incredible and well-earned recognition for Rand and his dynamic firm," McClendon said. "Rand and his team always pour their hearts and souls into every project to make sure each one of them is creatively distinctive.

"The innovative architecture of the Chesapeake Boathouse set the bar at a high level for future development along the ever-expanding Oklahoma River near downtown Oklahoma City. The recent designation of the Oklahoma River as an official Olympic Training site for rowing and kayaking would not have happened if not for the iconic master plan envisioned by Rand."

McClendon also credited Elliott's work for helping make POPS in Arcadia a modern-day Route 66 success story.

"POPS is proof there is nothing ordinary when it comes to inventive concepts and design when Rand is involved," McClendon said.

"Since opening two years ago, POPS has risen to become one of the top attractions and experiences along Route 66 and revived America's love for sodas."

Miho Kolliopoulos with Elliott + Associates Architecture based on Athens, Greece, accepted the awards on behalf of the firm.

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