Twelve "regionally diverse" architecture studios selected for US embassy design
A group of 12 architecture studios, including SHoP Architects, Weiss/Manfredi and Ennead Architects, has been selected by the US Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations to work on diplomatic buildings for the next five years.
The group of twelve studios was announced in early April by the US Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) and was whittled down from 100 submissions, according to the agency.
"These regionally diverse firms will represent the United States as OBO delivers the next generation of secure, resilient diplomatic facilities," said the OBO, which oversees the design, development and management of US diplomatic facilities around the world.
"Their work will be central to OBO's mission to provide the most effective facilities for US diplomacy abroad, ensuring the United States is safer, stronger, and more prosperous."
The list of studios also includes Lever Architecture, a joint venture between Duvall Decker and Spacesmith, Krueck Sexton Partners, REX, Richärd Kennedy Architects, and Thomas Phifer and Partners.
Ennead Architects and SHoP Architects are returning to the line-up, as well as studios Kieran Timberlake and Morphosis.
Some of the studio's previous work for the position includes a US Consulate General in Mexico by Ennead Architects, a US Embassy in Honduras by SHoP Architects, and a "crystalline" London embassy by Kieran Timberlake.
The contract will last for five years, beginning in 2026 and ending in 2031.
The previous cycle of 16 architecture firms announced in 2017 included Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Robert AM Stern Architects.
Last year, the OBO released a memo asking its contractors to remove sustainability language from in-progress projects, such as the words "sustainability" and "climate".
The agency called for all projects approved before President Trump's 2024 inauguration to be re-reviewed for the language.
The memo was a turnaround from previous guidelines released by the agency, which had emphasised the need for LEED qualifications for buildings.
It's unclear how these policy requirements have affected the output of architects working with the government.
Recently completed US embassies around the world also include a consulate building in Guadalajara and a renovation to New Delhi's US embassy by Weiss Manfredi that is currently in progress.
The photography is by Alan Karchmer
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