What winning 2023’s Best of Design Awards meant to LEVENBETTS

Last year, New York–based firm LEVENBETTS was awarded a winner in the library category of AN’s Best of Design Awards, where it went on to become a finalist for 2023’s Project of the Year award. The studio’s East Flatbush Library won over the judges for its advanced facade system and thoughtful interiors that create a welcoming space in a time where this resource is being threatened.

The Best of Design Awards seeks to elevate the best design. While the jury for this year’s program, as always, features a different lineup than the previous, it will continue to consider strength of the presentation, evidence of innovation, creative use of new technology, sustainability, and good design—which the East Flatbush Library showcased in full. Joshua Aidlin, Katherine Darnstadt, Omar Gandhi, Walter Hood, Li Hu, Alexandra Lange, David M. Powell, and Mónica Rivera are joining the 2024 jury. This edition will continue its library coverage as well as include 52 other typologies—an expanded program from 2023’s Best of Design. AN also expanded this year’s eligibility for the awards, accepting submissions from both North American and international firms and projects.

To shed light on the work of AN’s Best of Design winners, we spoke with Stella Betts, partner at the firm, about what it meant to win the award and advice for 2024 applicants. Read the interview to hear more about what makes a project a winner and submit applications before the deadline on September 13 at midnight ET.

AN: What did winning AN’s Best of Design Awards mean to you?

Stella Betts (SB): It was a real honor—and it meant even more because working on public projects in the city can be challenging in many ways, and there are so many people involved. So it was really amazing for the project to get that kind of recognition.

AN: How did winning the award impact LEVENBETTS?

SB: It impacted us by affirming what we believe: that even projects that do not have unlimited budgets can still have plenty of design and joy. And it is for the public; it is free. Anyone can enjoy the space which is really nice and important!

AN: What are you working on currently?

SB: We are working on three other public libraries with EDC and DDC. The Red Hook Library is currently in construction with an anticipated completion date of spring/summer 2025. It will be Brooklyn Public Library’s first net-zero library. Both the Baisley Park Community Library for the Queens Public Library and the Borough Park Library for the Brooklyn Public Library are wrapping up Bid Documents and will start construction in 2025. We are also working on two important cultural projects here in New York City. The Queens Museum Renovation includes approximately 40,000 square feet of renovated space as well as facade replacement and a new 2-story Children’s Museum. And finally, we are currently in construction with Sciame Construction for the new home for Aperture in Manhattan which will include a photography bookstore and event/gallery space. Also free and open to the public!

AN: What advice would you give to those applying to 2024’s Best of Design Awards?

SB: Tell the story of the project!

The 2024 Best of Design Awards is accepting submissions from now until September 13, 2024 at midnight ET.