Excerpt: Located in Huntsville’s central business district, the $95-million, 123,000-sq-ft courthouse features a symmetrical plan with arcing wings flanking a pedimented entry portico as well as a formal public lawn framed by structured landscaping, offering open views and enhancing its dignified presence.
The building’s five courtrooms, jury deliberation rooms and chambers for assigned and visiting judges incorporate high-performance acoustic standards. Along with offices for clerks, juries and administrative staff, the U.S. Marshals Service occupies a secure suite with detention cells, weapons vault and fitness room.
Following Populous’ recent acquisition of Fentress Architects, Bruce Miller, global chair and CEO of Populous, and Curtis Fentress, founder and principal in charge of design at Fentress Architects, share their long-term vision for the partnership.
Excerpts: The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) has announced the release of an Invitation for Bid (IFB) to construct a new Maryland Supreme Court building.
This landmark project will be the only Supreme Court currently under construction in the U.S. and represents a significant investment in Maryland’s judicial infrastructure.
The building’s design is led by Fentress Architects with the aim of reaching or exceeding LEED Silver standards, and it will break new ground as Maryland’s first all-electric public building.
The five-story courthouse with underground parking will be built along Rowe Boulevard, just north of the Sweeney District Courthouse in Annapolis. Designed with both function and legacy in mind, the building will include 217,564 gross square feet of space.
Excerpts: Albemarle County’s newly opened courthouse in downtown Charlottesville marks a significant milestone in civic architecture and community planning. Located within historic Court Square, the modern facility replaces aging infrastructure dating back to 1762, addressing long-standing space, safety, and operational needs. A key feature of the project was the restoration of the Levy House, an 1860s Greek Revival landmark that has served as everything from a Civil War hospital to an opera house—now repurposed as the County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.
The courthouse project, designed by Fentress Studios, a Populous Company (who also served as court planner), officially launched in 2020 as a collaborative, two-phase effort with Albemarle County. Spanning several downtown sites, the new complex introduces nearly 80,000 square feet of functional space—including courtrooms, offices, and public areas—to meet the demands of a growing population and rising caseloads.
Fentress Studios guided the planning process through data analysis and stakeholder input, engaging judges, law enforcement, and court staff. Architecturally, the building marries practicality with modern aesthetics, featuring extensive glasswork to enhance daylight and public visibility.
More than just a facility upgrade, this courthouse stands as a symbol of civic progress—respecting its historic roots while embracing the evolving needs of the community it serves.
The new courthouse is actually Phase 1 of a two-phase project that is expected to reach full completion in 2027. Justice Design News touched base with the highly esteemed Steven White, FAIA, LEED AP, studio director and senior principal with Fentress Studios, for some of the key details on this historic undertaking.
Excerpt: Unlike the weather, fashion, and the price of gas, the upper ranks of RECORD’s annual Top 300 American architecture firms by revenue list aren’t all that prone to change… More dramatic maneuvers were reported outside of the Top 300’s upper echelons. For example, Fentress Architects ascended from 112 to 58.
Excerpt: Fentress Architects proudly announces that Thomas J. Walsh has been elevated to the prestigious American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows, a distinction that recognizes exceptional work and contributions to the architecture profession and society. Fewer than 3% of AIA members hold the esteemed FAIA designation.
“Thom Walsh has been at Fentress Architects for 36 years, leading airport terminal projects throughout the U.S. and around the world,” said Curtis Fentress, FAIA, RIBA, Fentress Architects Principal in Charge of Design. “He has advanced the practice of terminal design, leading stakeholders, teams, and communities through large scale projects with complicated planning and phasing.”
Excerpt: The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is elevating 83 member-architects and 10 non-member-architects to its College of Fellows, an honor awarded to architects who have made significant contributions to the profession. New Fellows will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA25) in Boston.
Newly elevated member: Thomas J. Walsh, AIA Colorado
Excerpt: Sustainable airport design can be much more complex than creating a green office space or home. Factors like runway constraints, an urban environment, and millions of annual visitors make airport sustainability no easy feat…
See how these airports are not only designed for the environment, but also for new and seasoned travelers alike.
Excerpt: The award-winning interior architecture for the Royal Norwegian Embassy Renovation provides a sustainable, functional, and accessible 21st century office environment for foreign diplomats and staff.
Read the full story | Learn more about this project
The Denver Art Museum Martin Building Renovation has achieved yet another remarkable milestone by winning the Architizer A+ Awards Popular Choice Winner accolade. This recognition highlights the project’s profound impact on the world of architecture and art. Through an unique blend of visionary design and meticulous execution, the renovation breathes new life into the museum. The Popular Choice Winner title reflects the overwhelming support and admiration from the public and the design community alike. This accomplishment further solidifies the Martin Building Renovation’s status as a transformative work of architecture.
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