Cincinnati, OH – SHP, a leading architecture, interior design and engineering firm, is excited to announce that two of its projects were recognized at the 30th annual Cincinnati Design Awards.
The Cincinnati Design Awards program recognizes the best built-environment design produced by creative firms in the Cincinnati area. Each year, a jury of design thought leaders and eminent practitioners from around the country selects winning projects that make environments more functional, beautiful and inspiring for all.
This year, SHP won a Merit Award for Large Scale Interior Architecture for the firm’s work at 311 Elm, as well as an award for Historic Preservation for the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption.
“It’s always an honor to be recognized by our peers in the design community, especially here in Cincinnati, where SHP has such deep roots,” said Jeffrey Sackenheim, president of SHP. “These awards are a testament to the passion, dedication and collaboration of our talented team, as well as the trust our clients place in us. We’re incredibly proud of these projects and, more importantly, the positive impact they make for the people they serve.”
311 Elm: Merit Award for Large Scale Interior Architecture
For SHP, the recognition of 311 Elm is particularly meaningful: The project is not only an example of the firm’s design philosophy, but also the place its employees call home.
SHP relocated its Cincinnati headquarters to 311 Elm in 2025, transforming the historic building into a modern workplace designed to feel like “a big, warm hug.” The 22,400-square-foot space, which spans two floors, had plenty of existing character but required thoughtful modifications to meet the needs of a contemporary office. The design centered on surgical interventions that highlighted the charm of the original structure; the original painted wood floors were sanded and sealed, and exposed brick and heavy timber beams were left exposed, having developed a patina from prior interventions that were peeled away with this most recent project. The space features several large conference and training rooms, studio-like pin-up areas, a dedicated model fabrication shop, and an open, warm atmosphere accented by a curated selection of artwork from Visionaries & Voices and an abundance of plants. The heart of the office is a large multipurpose gathering space that functions as reception, dining area, meeting space, and a social hub, lit by a two-floor atrium skylight.
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption: 2026 Historic Preservation Award
SHP’s work on the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington (colloquially known as “The Little Notre Dame”) largely centered around conditions analysis and careful, era-appropriate preservation techniques. Over a century after the Cathedral’s completion, the Diocese of Covington determined that the landmark would require a total exterior restoration and commissioned SHP to conduct a comprehensive Building Condition Survey to inform restoration efforts.
Original architectural drawings for the cathedral could not be found, so the SHP team assessed every masonry surface on the exterior of the building, including the stained glass windows, to make recommendations for historic preservation and architectural conservation of the intricate facade. The restoration included the cathedral’s collection of grotesques and architectural ornaments, many of which had deteriorated beyond repair. All 58 terracotta chimeras and gargoyles were replaced with exact replicas of the original figures, hand-made by skilled artisans using the same materials and methods employed by the original builders. The 67-foot-rose window (modeled after Notre-Dame), multiple tracery sections, and column capitals also underwent repair or replacement.
“These awards reflect SHP’s longstanding commitment to the Cincinnati community—which is especially meaningful as we celebrate our 125th year of operation,” said Sackenheim. “As a firm, we are committed to building on our legacy of design excellence and improving the lives of those in our community.”
SHP was recognized alongside other honorees at the Cincinnati Design Awards event at Memorial Hall on Friday, Nov. 6.
ABOUT SHP
For 125 years, SHP has been dedicated to a simple belief: Design should strengthen communities and make the world a better place. A multidisciplinary team of architects, interior designers and engineers, SHP leverages innovative, purpose-driven design to create transformative environments that improve lives throughout Ohio and beyond. As the firm looks ahead to its next century of impact, its mission remains unchanged–creating resilient, equitable spaces where people can learn and thrive. Learn more at SHP.com.
