This year’s AIA Alabama Council Annual Meeting in Orange Beach brought together architects from across the state to celebrate creativity, leadership, and innovation in the built environment. SS&L Architects was honored to be recognized with multiple distinctions, reflecting both the strength of our team and the impact of our design work throughout Alabama.
Firm Director Jake Johnson was awarded the AIA Young Architect Award, the highest honor given to an emerging architect in Alabama. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the architectural profession through leadership, service, and design excellence. Jake has demonstrated all of these qualities and more throughout his career. Based in SS&L’s Montgomery office, he plays a key role in guiding firm-wide design initiatives and mentoring young architects and interns. His work blends thoughtful planning with a deep understanding of how architecture can enrich community life, and his commitment to collaboration and innovation continues to elevate our practice.
In addition to this individual recognition, SS&L Architects 17 Springs project received an Honorable Mention Award in the Large Project Category, and was accepted by Principal Jeff Bazzell. 17 Springs is a major recreational and community development located in Millbrook, Alabama, designed to serve as a central hub for sports, wellness, and civic engagement. The jury praised the project’s cohesive design approach, noting its user-centered planning and effective use of diverse materials to create an environment that is both functional and visually dynamic. The project embodies SS&L’s belief that great design should not only meet programmatic needs but also foster connection and strengthen community identity. Together, these honors highlight SS&L’s ongoing commitment to advancing design excellence and supporting the next generation of architectural leadership. We’re proud to see our people and projects recognized among the best in the state and grateful to AIA Alabama for continuing to highlight work that enhances the built environment across our region.
Congratulations to Jake Johnson, Jeff Bazzell and the entire 17 Springs project team for these well-earned achievements! We look forward to shaping the next chapter of architectural innovation. With exciting new projects on the horizon across Alabama and the Southeast—including initiatives in higher education, civic design, and community development—our team is eager to continue creating spaces that inspire connection and stand the test of time. These recognitions serve as a reminder of what’s possible when design is guided by purpose, collaboration, and a shared vision for a better-built environment.
