Architecture Alum Wins 2023 Award of Excellence from AIA

Published: Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Local residence recognized for its design excellence and contribution to Hellertown’s ongoing revitalization

4/4 Architecture was recognized with an Award of Excellence for the renovations of Hellertown Lofts at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Eastern Pennsylvania Design Awards on Thursday, December 7 at the Allentown Art Museum.

Gary Lader, Principal of 4/4 Architecture, is an alumnus of New Jersey Institute of Technology. He received his Master of Architecture in 1997. Upon graduation, he began working as a designer for a New-Jersey-based firm. After more than 20 years of architectural experience and service to his community, Lader opened his own practice, 4/4 Architecture, in 2019 whose clients include business owners, construction managers and property managers.

Hellertown Lofts is an adaptive reuse of a 120-year-old former auto dealership on Main Street in Hellertown, Penn. The project transforms this two-story mixed-use building by creating a residence from an unused warehouse area, thus making a distinctive space that reflects the personality of its owners.

Jurors for the award competition acknowledged the Hellertown Lofts as a significant contributor to Hellertown’s ongoing revitalization. The adaptive reuse creates a unique residential space, allowing its owners to access and contribute to Hellertown’s walkable and growing downtown. “[The project] encourages possibility and optimism within the surrounding community,” the jury comments read.

“Good architectural design happens when we work as a team," Lader said. “This project showcases how shared exploration and creative freedom between architect and owner can yield exceptional results.”

The ceremony featured 11 submissions from six Eastern Pennsylvania firms. 4/4 Architecture’s Hellertown Lofts adaptive reuse project earned an Award of Excellence, the AIA EPA’s highest honor, in the Residential Architecture category.

The AIA’s Eastern PA Chapter engages leading architects and partners from across the country to review and evaluate the annual design submissions. This year’s jurors included Larry Eighmy, managing principal for The Stone House Group; Bea Spolidoro, principal of Fisher ARCHitecture; and Randy Rhoads, executive director of Affordable Housing for Cushing Terrell.