Awards and Recognition
Our Approach to Design Excellence
At Garcia Architecture, design excellence is a core principle that guides every project we undertake. Under the leadership and mentorship of our founder, Rafael Garcia, our team approaches each project as a unique opportunity to explore innovative solutions that balance beauty, functionality, and technical performance.
Our design process is rooted in the belief that every challenge has a solution. Whether responding to complex site constraints, demanding program requirements, budget considerations, or technical limitations, we embrace problem-solving as an essential part of design. Rather than viewing constraints as obstacles, we see them as opportunities to create architecture that is both distinctive and purposeful.
Equally important is our commitment to collaboration. We believe the most successful projects emerge from a strong partnership between architect and client. By listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and engaging clients throughout the design process, we create environments that reflect their goals while elevating their vision through thoughtful and innovative design.
This combination of creativity, technical expertise, and collaborative problem-solving has earned Garcia Architecture recognition throughout our history. We are proud to have received 37 design awards, not as an end in themselves, but as evidence of our commitment to delivering meaningful architectural solutions that serve our clients and enrich the communities they inhabit.
Awards and Honors
2008 Community Treasure
Community Christian Church
Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates
“Last Will” (2009)
Selected by Producers as the Law Office for Upcoming Movie
Levy & Craig Law Offices
2008 Gold Design Excellence Award for Architecture Interior Space
Commercial Journal Kansas City & KC Home Design
Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates
2008 Capstone Awards for Architectural Design & Community Impact
Kansas City Business Journal
Sprint Center Arena
2006 Honor Award for Design
(As a Member of the Downtown Arena Design Team)
American Institute of Architect-KC
Sprint Center Arena
2005 Firm of the Year
American Institute of Architects-KC
Sprint Center Arena
2004 Design Award of Merit, Renovation/Adaptive Reuse
American Institute of Architects-KC
Lenexa Conference Center/Thompson Barn Rehabilitation
2004 Project of the Year, Historical Restoration/Preservation $2-$10 Million
American Public Works Association
Lenexa Conference Center/Thompson Barn Rehabilitation
2003 Best International Commercial Project
The Provincial Association of Quarriers and Fabricators of the Marbles of Almeria, XIX Awards, Macael, Spain
Sprint Experience
2003 Merit Award
American Institute of Architects—Central States Region
Lenexa Conference Center/Thompson Barn Rehabilitation
2003 Preservation Award, Rehabilitation
Historic Kansas City Foundation
Lenexa Conference Center/Thompson Barn Rehabilitation
2003 Public Works Project of the Year - Structures
American Public Works Association - Kansas City
North KC Public Library Addition & Renovation
2001 Outstanding Facility
Arizona Parks & Recreation Association
Hamilton Aquatic Center
2001 Brick in Architecture Award
Brick Industry Association & Architecture Magazine
Southwest Boulevard Pump Station
2000 Design Award of Honor, New Construction Category
American Institute of Architects-KC
Fred Allenbrand Criminal Justice Complex
2000 Design Award of Honor, Unbuilt Category
American Institute of Architects-KC
New Life Church of the Seventh-Day Adventists
2000 Design Award of Merit, Renovation Category
American Institute of Architects-KC
Midwest Research Institute Category
2000 Design Award of Merit, Small Project Category
American Institute of Architects-KC
Kansas State, International Student Center Addition
2000 Design Citation - Unbuilt Category
American Institute of Architects-KC
Child Development Center - Lawrence, Kansas
2000 Urban Design "Infrastructure" Award
City of Kansas City, Missouri - Municipal Art Commission
Southwest Boulevard Pump Station
2000 Urban Design "Expansion to a Historic Building" Award
City of Kansas City, Missouri - Municipal Art Commission
Science City at Union Station
1999 Central States Design Award of Honor
American Institute of Architects—Central States Region
Fred Allendbrand Criminal Justice Complex
1999 Central States Design Award of Merit
American Institute of Architects—Central States Region
Midwest Research Institute Renovation
1999 Design Competition
City of Lenexa, Kansas
Lenexa Conference Center/Thompson Barn Rehabilitation
1997-1998 National AIA Architecture for Justice Design Citation
Justice Facilities Review - American Institute of Architects
Fred Allenbrand Criminal Justice Complex
1998 Design Award of Honor
American Institute of Architects-KC
Southwest Boulevard Pump Station
1997 National Honor Award
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Historical New York Life Building Restoration
(Aquila World Headquarters)
1997 Allied Arts & Craftsmanship Award
American Institute of Architects-KC
RAI 2001 Corporate Headquarters Lobby
1997 Urban Design Award
City of Kansas City, Missouri Municipal Art Commission
Historical New York Life Building Restoration
(Aquila World Headquarters)
1997 Modernization Award - Grand Prize Winner
Buildings Magazine
Historical New York Life Building Restoration
(Aquila World Headquarters)
1997 Engineering Team of the Year Award
Engineering Systems Magazine
Menorah Medical Park-Phase II
1996 Design Award of Merit, Unbuilt Category
American Institute of Architects-KC
Fred Allenbrand Criminal Justice Complex
1994 Design Award of Merit
American Institute of Architects-KC
Drew’s Playhouse (Garcia Residence)
1993 Allied Arts & Craftsmanship Award
American Institute of Architects-KC
Missouri Public Service Belton Customer Service Center
1993 Urban Design Award of Excellence
City of Kansas City, Missouri - Municipal Art Commission
Westport Communications Magnet School Addition
1993 Urban Design Award of Excellence
City of Kansas City, Missouri - Municipal Art Commission
Kansas City Downtown Airport Renovation
1993 Allied Arts & Craftsmanship Award
American Institute of Architects-KC
Berkley Model Child & Family Development Center