Frederick + Frederick sweep awards at EXPO 2011 Design Competition

Jane and Michael Frederick — principals of Frederick + Frederick Architects on Lady's Island — swept the competition at the ESPO 2011 Design Competition, capturing all three $1,000 prizes up for grabs in results announced during a ceremony Sunday at the Verdier House in downtown Beaufort.

"EXPO 2011—The Future Form of Beaufort" challenged designers, architects and planners to explore Beaufort's historic form and interpret what a future form might look like on one of three designated sites in the historic district.

Frederick + Frederick won the best single structure, best community plan and people's choice awards.

The event was sponsored by the Beaufort Three-Century Project, the city of Beaufort, Beaufort County, and the Historic Beaufort Foundation and included expertly crafted architectural and site drawings and models.

The awards ceremony included remarks by officials from the four partnering organizations and a brief overview of the exhibition by smart growth expert Demetri Baches. Baches developed an international reputation in New Urbanism ranks while a director at Duany Plater-Zybert & Company and now resides in Beaufort.

The purpose of EXPO 2011 was to inspire thinking and examine concepts of building with regard to a more sustainable future. The participants brought a wealth of design expertise and creativity to this project, with each of the sixteen entries approaching the competition criteria from a different perspective, though some themes emerged and are prevalent throughout the exhibition.

EXPO 2011 was on display through Oct. 30, and those who viewed it were encouraged to vote for their favorite. Their input determined the People's Choice Award, and the exhibition is expected to move to Beaufort City Hall soon, B3C project coordinator Deborah Johnson and Mayor Billy Keyserling said at Sunday's event.