Tag: award

National Desert Storm Memorial Reaches Major Milestone with Unity Shield Installation

Since 2012, CSO has been proud to serve as an official partner to the National Desert Storm Memorial Association (NDSMA), supporting its mission to build the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial. Our team joined the effort by working alongside the NDSMA board and veterans to shape an early design vision grounded in honor and remembrance.

Construction activities continue as the memorial’s major elements are set in place. Most recently, a crane carefully placed the cast bronze Unity Shield, an integral element of the memorial’s central fountain, into its permanent position. The circular fountain will measure 28 feet in diameter, and the edge of the Unity Shield will bear the names of the coalition member countries, reflecting the international partnership that defined the conflict.

Following several years of off-site fabrication work, on-site construction commenced in 2025 near the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. Completion is currently projected for 2026.

CSO is grateful to contribute to a place that will help future generations understand the legacy of Desert Shield and Desert Storm and the enduring bravery of those who served.

Scroll to the last image to see the full design team.

To learn more and follow progress, visit NDSMA’s website. There are still opportunities to support this effort.

Memorial Receives American Architecture Award

CSO and Olin are honored to share that The Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial received an American Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum!

CSO has been involved in the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial project since 2012, with CSO Principal, Randy Schumacher, leading the design efforts that enabled Congressional approval for the memorial.

The memorial honors the heroic service of the American armed forces and their coalition partners through a thoughtful design that guides visitors along a “left hook” circulation pattern, inspired by the famed flanking maneuver that helped lead to the end of the war. Set within the National Mall, the memorial’s curving walls and shaded grove create a tranquil and reflective sanctuary where visitors can reflect and honor this significant event in history.

Learn more about the project here.

CSO Projects Honored with Awards

CSO’s design for Clif Bar received two design awards and the Circle Centre Mall project was recognized with an AIA 25 Year Award.

2020 AIA Indiana Design Awards
Clif Bar was recognized with an award for Interior Architecture. The jury said, “This project makes all the right moves. The spaces are warm and active and the focus on wellness and use of biophilic design unmistakably connect the users to the brand.”

2020 Indy Chamber Monumental Awards
CSO took home top honors in the Interior Design category for Clif Bar. Indy Chamber’s Monumental Awards celebrate the built environment in the Indianapolis region and recognize the businesses and individuals who make quality of place possible.

2020 AIA Indiana 25 Year Award
Circle Centre Mall was recognized with the H. Roll McLaughlin 25 Year Award, which recognizes architecture built over twenty-five years ago that adds value to the community and has retained the original design intent. The jury commented that “this multi-block project integrated the preservation of numerous historic buildings and facades to maintain the unique character of downtown Indianapolis while providing a vibrant multi-block mixed use development. Twenty-five years after its completion, it continues to be a case study of working with local preservation agencies to create a vision that supports local preservation efforts and revitalizes urban centers through new development.” CSO and Browning Day teamed on the original project and accepted the award jointly.