With 90+ categories and 300+ jurors, the Architizer A+Awards is the world’s definitive architectural awards program. In anticipation of the Awards Gala and Phaidon book launch on May 14, we are pleased to share the stories behind the winners of the 2015 Awards program — see all of them here.
Gensler won the 2015 A+Awards, Popular Choice, for the Transportation – Airports Category with San Francisco International Airport, Boarding Area E. The San Francisco International Airport’s renovated Terminal 3 Boarding Area E offers travelers a place to actually enjoy layovers including: exquisite art, private dressing rooms, a Yoga Room, and a children’s interactive play area.
Your name: Melissa Mizell
Firm name: Gensler
Location: San Francisco
Education: B.A., Interior Design, Pratt Institute
When did you decide that you wanted to be an interior designer?
When I was 13 or 14 years old, I met a woman at a party I attended with my parents. She said she was an interior designer, which was the first time I had ever heard of such a thing, and I knew immediately that I wanted to become one, as well, as her work was my play.
First architecture/design job:
I was fortunate enough to get an “internship” with Knoll International Japan. I stayed there for two years and the experience shaped how I view the human experience of space.
Design hero and/or favorite building:
Peter Zumthor’s Therme Vals. It honors and respects its location, engages all of the senses, and epitomizes user experience. I love the ephemeral nature of wet footprints on the stone floor and the feeling of snowflakes on my face while my body is submerged in warm water.
What do you find exciting about architecture and design right now?
The empowerment of users to share their experiences of space — good and bad — via social media. My hope is that owners, designers, architects, and developers will respond by putting more emphasis on creating spaces that impact us in a positive way.
© Gensler
Tell us something that people might not know about your A+Award submission:
The men’s and women’s restrooms are very luxurious and have natural light, locally made Heath tiles, and changing rooms. The women’s room also has a long seating area with comfy Egg Chairs — they are always in use!
Which jurors do you find most compelling and why?
They ALL are compelling! Cameron Sinclair, Nadav Malin, and Yves Béhar are three people that I admire for making the world a better place through environmental and social sustainability.
Among your fellow A+Award winners, what is/are your favorite(s)?
I love the 1.8-M Width House by YUUA Architects and Associates as it represents luxurious and sustainable living in a small footprint. [See more on the 1.8M Width House here.]
Outside of architecture, where do you look for inspiration?
Painting, day hikes, bird watching, and travel (in the U.S. and internationally). They all contribute to design in different ways. Painting is not constrained by utility or function and becomes a purer form of self-expression. There is no right or wrong in painting. You can let go of the end result.
See all of the 2015 A+Award Winners here and all of the Winner Q+A’s here — and preorder the book from Phaidon here.