We are thrilled to announce that Campo Architects has been shortlisted as “Team of the Year” among the 2021 Female Frontier Awards: Powered by World Architecture News.
Studio Director Miriam Salas, AIA, LEED AP led the multi-disciplinary team for the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District Power Plant Hotel. Along with Project Architect Janina Scalfano, AIA and Job Captain Katherine Mason, this female-led team forged an empowering legacy for women in design.
Providing expertise as both the Architect of Record and Historic Tax Credit Consultant, Campo Architects’ female-led team illuminated the path to reenergizing Savannah’s riverfront. This collaboration with The Kessler Collection and local architect Sottile & Sottile is heralded as the largest undertaking within Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District to date.
Studio Dir. | Miriam Salas, AIA, LEED AP
Project Architect | Janina Scalfano, AIA
Job Captain | Katherine Mason
The Plant Riverside District represents the adaptive re-use of the existing power plant, originally built in 1912. The plant’s 176-foot tall smokestacks are features in the Savannah skyline and have been preserved. They now serve as a beacon, drawing guests from all corners of the city. Visitors can unwind at the Electric Moon Skytop Lounge or take an electrifying trip down the slide at the Moon Deck. The development added a quarter mile of new River Walk, reconnecting visitors with once inaccessible waterfront views. The riverfront is once again teeming with energy, but it wasn’t without its challenges.
Within the existing power plant buildings, gorgeous steel structural elements begged to be seen. In order to leave the steel exposed and maintain the industrial atmosphere, the design team worked with local authorities to test the fire-resistance of the existing columns and develop a means through which they could be protected. Campo Architects illustrated that by carefully locating the sprinkler heads, the structure would meet the fire rating requirements.
Campo had a powerful team of female leadership for the Plant Riverside District project. Studio Director Miriam Salas, AIA, LEED AP spearheaded the early design efforts of a multi-disciplinary team and shaped the project in its infancy. Miriam has brought a lot to the firm since joining in 2003, but she also takes great pleasure in sharing her leadership skills with other women in the field. Her role as a founding member of AIA New Orleans’ Women in Architecture committee serves as her commitment to mentoring the next generation of female designers. Project Architect Janina Scalfano is a Women in Architecture committee member as well. Her involvement led her to co-found the committee’s main fundraiser, the Beaux Arts Ball. Janina shares her thorough understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a member of the Revit Users Group. Her architectural knowledge coupled with her vast technical skill makes her a powerhouse asset to any project team.
Job Captain Katherine Mason has a deep appreciation for historic architecture, which has fueled her dedication to historic rehabilitation projects at Campo. Katherine assisted in leading the project through its Phase I completion. She produced official construction documents and managed the application process for Historic Tax Credit approvals. These tax credits secured significant funding for the project, making their budgetary contribution crucial to success. Janina and Katherine conducted countless meetings and site visits through the duration of construction, often times the only women in a room full of Owner’s representatives and General Contractors. Just as the Plant Riverside District has done itself, Miriam, Janina, and Katherine’s influence has established a legacy that will inspire for years to come.