This year marks the 40th anniversary of Fairfax County’s James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards program, which celebrates design excellence by recognizing achievement in the total design of a building and its site. Since the program was established in November 1984, more than 300 projects have been awarded for their ability to enhance the visitor experience through innovative architecture and sustainable practices.

Looking back, much has changed since 1984. Fairfax County’s population has grown from 649,313 to 1,185,980 residents. As a suburban area near the nation’s capital, the establishment of an awards program was intended to highlight the future development in the county.

As the county has grown, people have come to see it as a wonderful place to live, work, and play. There are mixed-use developments not only in Tysons, but in Reston and Merrifield, that are attractive to many. There are also vacant office buildings that have been repurposed into other uses. These changes in the county are reflected in the archive of award recipients from the past 40 years.

This year, 25 projects received awards. Projects were submitted throughout the county and represented various types of development. The beautiful works of architecture continue to elevate Fairfax’s development, whether it is a transit center, a commercial structure, a residential building, or an education center.

The vision and leadership of the late Providence District Supervisor James M. Scott led to the establishment of the Exceptional Design Awards Program. The 2024 award recipients, like previous award recipients, showcase the outstanding designs and beautiful works of architecture on display throughout Fairfax County. The award-winning designs of the past 40 years have collectively added to the quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors in the county.

The program is sponsored by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and administered by the County’s Department of Planning and Development, in cooperation with the County Architectural Review Board and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.  

Additional program information and the 2024 awards recipients are available online.  

– Marsha Collins, Program Manager, James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards