The Firm Award is the highest honor that American Institute of Architects South Carolina Chapter can bestow upon a South Carolina architectural firm. The AIA South Carolina Board of Directors confers it in recognition of a significant body of work and/or service that has made a lasting influence on the practice of architecture in South Carolina. This award is given in recognition of design excellence, contribution to the profession of architecture, and continuity of service to the public. Liollio is honored and delighted to be the 2016 AIA South Carolina Firm Award Recipient.

"For sixty years, Liollio Architecture has distinguished itself in our field with a body of award winning projects that ranges in sizes from an award-winning small handicap ramp for an historic church to a 125,000 square foot science center stitched into a fine fabric historic community. Evident in each project are the benchmarks that define their design process: Culture as a guide; Thoughtful restraint in the simplest form; Tackle issues with optimism; Strengthen design through community engagement; and, Leverage restrained budgets to create big ideas using fewer resources." - Ray Huff, FAIA

"Liollio Architecture has provided leadership in design that is seen within their community and throughout our region as innovative and responsive. I first became aware of Liollio’s work as an AIA design awards juror. Over the last decade I have juried Liollio projects as varied as an entry ramp to a modest church to a major county library. They are skilled at historic renovation and they are leading edge in modern design. In fact their respect for historic architecture inspires and gives depth to their contemporary work.

Their practice is grounded in the particulars of place, client, material, site and budget. Their renovation of the U.S. Custom House, for example, is exemplary for the respect of historic architecture and its place in South Carolina.

Liollio’s new buildings are as responsive to the region as their restored ones. For St. Helena Library at Penn Center, they designed a boldly modern structure of steel and wood that embraced the natural landscape and was a thoughtful response to climate and local tradition. The library is a model of orderly, rational design that conserves materials wisely.

I have been impressed by Liollio’s other activities that produce fine architecture with a strong sense of social purpose. The James E. Clyburn Community Center in Wiltown SC, for example, is a model of how architecture can enrich and welcome an underserved community.

Liollio Architecture offers hope and inspiration to firms across the South that aspire to serve their community with good design. Liollio Architecture has significantly advanced the standard of design with buildings that possess spirit, clarity and a sense of place, raising the public appreciation for architecture. I am quite certain that their selection will inspire architects throughout our region." - Frank Harmon, FAIA