SHP Receives AIA Ohio Design Award for Forest Park Branch Library

SHP is proud to announce that it has been selected by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Ohio jury to receive a 2025 AIA Ohio Design Award for its work on the Forest Park Branch of the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library.

The AIA Ohio Design Awards program recognizes design excellence in architecture and honors projects that make a lasting impact on their communities. The Forest Park Branch of the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library stood out to the jury for its contemporary design and the thoughtful integration of community-focused spaces. 

“To say we are excited about receiving an AIA Ohio Honor Award is a massive understatement,” says Jeffrey Sackenheim, CEO of SHP.  “At the heart of the new Forest Park Branch Library is a focus on the community for which it is built, and this recognition demonstrates the power of community-centered design. This award would not have been possible without the vision of the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library and the collaboration of our project partners.” 

The new branch is part of the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library’s Next Generation Library initiative. The brand-new 26,440sf facility opened to the public in 2024 and serves as an inspiring, inclusive environment for the Forest Park community. 

During the design process, SHP incorporated feedback from the community, staff, businesses, and other stakeholders to deliver a beautiful, functional branch library that sparks wonder and meets the needs of modern patrons. Alongside the traditional offerings of books and other media, the space features a makerspace, a large children’s section with a nature-inspired play area, and an open courtyard with a soaring trellis. 

SHP was recognized alongside other honorees at the AIA Ohio Awards Celebration, held in Columbus on Sept. 25.