Missouri S&T’s Missouri Protoplex has earned two architectural honors, receiving a Citation of Merit in the Architecture – Medium category at the 2026 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Chicago Design Excellence Awards and a Citation of Merit in the Architecture category from AIA St. Louis. The facility was also featured in Episode 6 of Season 7 of America ByDesign, a nationally distributed television series about architecture and the people behind it.

Designed by Mackey Mitchell Architects and Perkins&Will and constructed by PARIC Corp., the facility supports advanced manufacturing research, industry partnerships and technology development.

The project was made possible through funding from the State of Missouri, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Kummer Missouri S&T Foundation.

The Protoplex’s curved exterior follows the site’s natural contours, and its research spaces can adapt as equipment and technologies change. An elevated tour route lets visitors observe advanced manufacturing research without disrupting operations.

“These awards are a tremendous recognition of the exceptional work of Mackey Mitchell Architects and Perkins&Will,” says Fred Stone, associate vice chancellor for facility planning and operations. “I also want to recognize the extraordinary work of our facilities team. Pat Litty worked closely with the architects throughout the design process, and Roger Parsons provided critical leadership throughout construction. Together with many others across facilities planning and operations, they helped turn an ambitious vision into a remarkable facility that will serve the university and state for decades to come.”

The facility’s design also addresses long-term operating costs. Building on Missouri S&T’s experience with campus geothermal energy, a new geothermal plant and well field heat and cool the Protoplex. The system is projected to save more than $250,000 annually in energy costs compared with conventional heating and cooling.

America ByDesign explores how architecture can address complex challenges and support innovation. The Protoplex feature brings Missouri S&T’s investment in advanced manufacturing to a national audience and highlights the role the facility’s design plays in that work.

“These honors reflect the exceptional work of everyone involved in the project,” Stone says. “We’re proud that the Protoplex is being recognized not only for its contributions to the future of advanced manufacturing, but also for the architectural excellence of the facility itself.”