Awards
 

2024

1210 Maple, Evanston - 'Evanston’s First Passive House’
Winner - Architectural Design for Sustainable and Energy Saving
BLT Built Design Award

1210 Maple, Evanston - ‘Evanston’s First Passive House’
Design Evanston

522 1/2 Forest Ave., Evanston 'Accessible Coach House'
Design Evanston

1514 Judson Ave., Evanston - 'Evanston Perfection’
Design Evanston

Design Excellence in High Performance Buildings - Projects under 5000 s.f.
AIA Illinois

2022

Best of 2022 Award - Best Architect in Chicago
Better Magazine 

2020

Crystal Cabinet Work 2020 Design Award Winners - Kitchen - Primary Bathroom

2019

Best of 2019 Award - Best Architect in Chicago
Better Magazine


14th Annual Emerald Award - Emerald Award for Individual Leadership
Illinois Green Alliance

Nathan Kipnis FAIA, was honored with the Emerald Award for Individual Leadership for his long-time commitment to advancing sustainability within the built environment. His commitment to carbon drawdown action is reflected not only in the award-winning homes he designs but in his work as a dedicated volunteer and advocate for the green building movement. Nate is advancing sustainability at many different scales, from his role locally in helping craft the Evanston Climate Action Plan, to helping pass the Lake Michigan Wind Energy Act, to serving as a founding member and current national co-chair of the AIA’s 2030 Commitment.

2018

LEED Platinum Certification
1426 Mulford, Evanston, IL
(1st LEED Platinum home in Evanston)

2017

Design Evanston Excellence Award - Addition
1300 Church Street | Evanston

Design Evanston Excellence Award - Addition
2413 Payne Street Green Bungalow  | Evanston

2015

Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA)

Highland Park Preservation Award
588 Sheridan Road | Highland Park

Design Evanston Excellence Award - Interior Design
Craftjack Offices | Evanston

Evanston Preservation Award - Sensitive Addition
Green Bungalow | Evanston

2013

Blue Ribbon Award (LEED Platinum Home)
Friends of the Chicago River

2012

LEED Platinum Certification
(1st LEED Platinum home on the Northshore)
LEED Platinum Home | Glencoe

2011

Glencoe Historic Preservation Commission Preservation Award
New Construction category -  LEED Platinum Home |  370 Washington Avenue, Glencoe

2011 Green Award (Article - Video)
Chicago Magazine

Evanston Preservation & Design Award - Sensitive Addition/Alteration
City of Evanston, 2305 Hartrey, Evanston

2010

Presidential Citiation
Service on the 2030 Challenge Committee - Chicago AIA

Design Evanston Excellence Award - Urban Design/Planning
'Evanston Offshore Windfarm'

2009

Reader’s Choice – Home of the Decade,
Natural Home Magazine, Vernacular Vacation Home, Sturgeon Bay, WI

2008

‘Wall of Fame’ Suite Sixteen
i4Design Magazine, Chicago

Evanston Preservation & Design Award - Sensitive Addition/Alteration
2039 Orrington, Evanston

Good Neighbor Award
Chicago Association of Realtors, 801/807 St. John’s Avenue, Highland Park

2007

Environmental Stewardship Award
Environment Board, City of Evanston

2006

Evanston Preservation Award - Sensitive Addition
1837 Asbury Residence, Evanston

Evanston Preservation Award - Sensitive Addition
2514 Jackson Residence, Evanston

2003

Honorable Mention - Environmental Design + Construction Excellence in Design
City of Chicago DOE, ‘Green Homes for Chicago’, 646 W.Englewood, Chicago

Evanston Preservation Award - Sensitive Addition
1112 Hinman Residence, Evanston

2001

Design Evanston Excellence Award
Clybourn Financial Building, 2930 Central Street, Evanston

2000

'Green Homes for Chicago' Selection
City of Chicago  |   Department of the Environment

1998

Evanston Preservation Award - Rehabilitation
2208 Wesley Avenue Residence, Evanston

Evanston Preservation Award - Neighborhood Revitalization
Bills Finer Foods, Evanston
 

1990

Honorable Mention – Burnham Prize Competition
Chicago Architectural Club, Burnham Prize Competition, Chicago
 

1989

Chicago Reader selection for 1st Place – ‘The Seasonal Awakening’
Alternate Visions: Chicago