Armantrout Architects of Redlands, California, earned the top distinction from the Inland Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for its innovative design of the newest structure on Esri's Redlands, California, campus. Armantrout Architects received the Honor Award and the People's Choice Award for the Esri Caf�, which was selected from 24 entries.

The Esri Caf� opened in September 2002 to provide an on-site location for meals and a place to conduct meetings and presentations. The caf� is also open to the public, providing breakfast and lunch between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Customized daily menus are composed of choices from the Fresh Grille, Trattoria, Market Carvery, gourmet salad and soup bar, and breads and pastries that are baked fresh daily.

Leon Armantrout and a team of five colleagues headed by Mohamed Sharif, as well as several consultants, spent more than two years designing and monitoring construction of the 10,500-square-foot structure that seats up to 350 people. Local interior designer Megan Ryan planned the colors, furnishings, and accessories for the caf�.

"This building is one of the best examples of how to create an exciting experience for people with public architecture," says Armantrout, long-time architect for Esri. "It makes a bold architectural statement by juxtaposing the solid mass of the cast-in-place concrete kitchen and core with the transparent skin of the glass wall, which defines the dining areas."

The caf�'s design incorporates large roof skylights that bring in sunlight to give a sense of openness and unity with the natural environment surrounding the structure. Tall, frameless glass walls enclose the dining areas for an airy and serene view of the sycamore, eucalyptus, and jacaranda trees and the massive granite boulders that are just outside the building. The look and feel of the caf� encouraged the Redlands Horticulture and Improvement Society to choose it as the new location of its annual flower and garden show.

"This building has created a special place on our campus and in Redlands," says Jack Dangermond, president of Esri. "It is a place where our staff, their families, and visitors from the community meet, have lunch, and enjoy the wonderful experience of Armantrout's design."

Armantrout Architects has a long record of adding character to Esri's campus. "We've benefited from Armantrout's work many times over the years and are even more impressed with his latest effort," adds Dangermond. "The design is inventive architecture that serves an important purpose at Esri."

For more information about Armantrout Architects, visit www.armantroutarchitects.com.