“This award program recognizes that Loudoun’s exceptional built environment and great communities didn’t just happen, they have been influenced and enhanced by quality design. The Signatures of Loudoun program is unique in that it honors these design efforts in projects countywide, regardless of their size or cost,” said Design Cabinet Chair Alan Hansen, AIA LEED AP.

This year’s entry form includes two new categories, Public Landscapes and Public Interiors, in addition to five already created. The Students’ Choice Award is also chosen by a selected group of Loudoun high school students, working in consultation with prior participants who now study architecture and design at Virginia universities.

The Loudoun County Design Cabinet is an award-winning volunteer group of professional architects, planners, and engineers sponsored by Loudoun County Economic Development. The awards will be presented in a public meeting by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors in the spring.

Previous winners are displayed at locations throughout the county, including Dulles Town Center, the Loudoun County Government Center, and Claude Moore Recreation Center in Sterling.

The Design Cabinet will be accepting nominations through 5 p.m. on February 27, 2012. Entry forms, rules, and the award criteria may be downloaded from the DED website at http://biz.loudoun.gov/designawards.

For more information on how to nominate an entry for the Signatures of Loudoun Design Awards, please call 703-771-5187 or email Susan VanEpps at susan.vanepps@loudoun.gov.

The Loudoun County Department of Economic Development (LCDED) promotes economic growth and opportunity by attracting targeted new businesses, supporting existing businesses, and cultivating Loudoun’s rural economy. The LCDED provides site location and business development assistance, and facilitates connections with county and state government agencies, to help companies expand, locate, and launch. # # #