Sauvé and Smith Receive Special Mention From Architizer A+ Awards

Taubman College faculty Lisa Sauvé, M.Arch ’11, and Adam Smith, M.Arch ’11, were given a special mention by Architizer for their project Gamma MKE. Sauvé, assistant professor of practice, and Smith, a lecturer, are co-founders of the architecture firm SYNECDOCHE, which designed the Milwaukee retail space in 2024. 

The project was given a special mention in the commercial retail category. Architizer’s A+ awards and special mentions are given to the best buildings, projects, and spaces worldwide and are typically selected by a jury and public vote. 

Designed for two piercing artists returning to Milwaukee, the interior architecture of Gamma MKE connects the piercing experience with personal ritual. According to the project’s description, “Each piercing becomes part of a unique narrative of self-care and expression, while the space itself defines a ritualistic journey, offering opportunities to document and celebrate personal moments.” The building also makes use of prefabricated walls to increase sustainability and customizability for future users of the space.

Architizer is an architecture platform that works to empower architects by highlighting projects and connecting architects with both each other and industry tools. The platform’s digital library has over 3 million images across 163 thousand projects and its annual awards program routinely receives over 3,000 entries.