Parkhill Receives Multiple Honors at AIA Amarillo Chapter 2023 Design Awards

Parkhill was honored with two awards at the AIA Amarillo Chapter's 2023 Design Awards. The Cadillac Ranch Visitor's Center in Amarillo, Texas, was recognized for outstanding design in the Un-Built Category. The Amarillo College Innovation Outpost received recognition for outstanding design in the Renovation/Addition Category. 

Cadillac Ranch Visitor's Center - Outstanding Design Award for Un-Built Category 

Cadillac Ranch was installed as public art in 1974, a few miles west of Amarillo. As participatory art, visitors are invited to spray paint the ten Cadillacs buried noses first in wild ranchland. The site welcomes over 1.6 million visitors annually and continues to grow as a travel destination. The Visitor Center concept was to welcome and enhance the experience of visiting this iconic place. The design motto was “Keep the Cadillacs wild.” Visitor amenities are located a respectful distance from the art installation and include parking for cars, bus and RV, outdoor seating and viewing areas, a play park, a dog park, a visitor center with local merchandise, restrooms, grab-and-go food, beverages, beer/wine, and a fuel island. Structural elements and design themes recall 1950s Cadillac colors and style.

Brian Griggs, AIA, Kim Hooker, AIA, Alyssa Vance, IIDA, and Orkun Sencer accepted the design award for the Cadillac Ranch Visitor's Center in the Un-Built Category. 

Amarillo College Innovation Outpost - Outstanding Design Award for Renovation/Addition Category

The Innovation Outpost is meant to inspire the Amarillo community to embrace technology. The form of the building was based on the juxtaposition of heavy industry and technology. A distressed gauged porcelain tile meant to represent the industry in the area was used for the angled emerging form. At the east entrance, one of the original boilers from 1921 was mounted to create a sculptural element. For the interior, the industrial aesthetic was used as inspiration. These elements were juxtaposed against modern features like the perforated wood ceiling panels in the Commons. Mixed metals have been used throughout the facility, such as the 1940’s style pipe-supported vanities in the restroom. Another key element was a mirrored wall strategically positioned behind an exterior elevated stage with a grassy sloping lawn facing towards the mirrored façade. This feature was added to reflect the history of Downtown Amarillo and show future growth. 

Amber Buscarello, AIA, Brian Griggs, AIA, Scott Slagle, AIA, and Alyssa Vance, IIDA, accepted the award for the Amarillo College Innovation Outpost in the Renovation/Addition Category.