Building Design + Construction just published top local government building architecture firms for 2024. Fentress Architects rank #8 out of 160 architecture firms for revenue earned from local government building design.
Market: Civic + Judicial
City OKs Conditional Rezoning for Judicial Center
Excerpt: Steven White, who grew up in Chapel Hill and graduated from N.C. State University, is a principal and Washington, D.C., studio director for Fentress Architects, the designer of the additions. White “views each project as a chance to blend history, community and sustainability and to shape an urban landscape that enriches both people and the environment”…
The new courthouse will have a drop-off area and secure entrance for the public on North Grove Street. Parking will be in a large surface lot on the north side of the building. The courthouse addition contains seven courtrooms for District and Superior court and other judicial proceedings, improved security for judges and staff and segregated access corridors for jail inmates.
Supreme Court of Maryland
Huntsville U.S. Courthouse
Royal Norwegian Embassy Renovation
Celebrating Iconic Green Buildings Across the United States
US Green Building Council
Excerpt: Buildings with exciting architectural design, historical significance and cultural impact evoke a strong emotional response. Such buildings can also greatly impact local, national and global sustainability goals, due to their energy efficiency, water conservation measures, human health strategies and reduced carbon footprint. In addition to being major attractions in their areas, many of these icons are also certified with green building rating systems such as LEED, SITES and TRUE and are well known for their sustainability efforts.

Iconic LEED buildings around the US: South
Fred D. Thompson Courthouse, Nashville, Tennessee—SITES Silver and LEED Gold certification under LEED BD+C: By combining certifications, this modern government building showcases its dedication to energy efficiency and environmentally responsible design.
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Fentress Architects Wins National AIA Award for Embassy
International Architecture Awards 2023 Announces Winners in Chicago, Illinois
… Norwegian Embassy Renovation , Washington, D.C., USA by Fentress Architects U.S. Consulate General Matamoros, Mexico, Matamoros, …
AIA Colorado Award of Merit Goes to Royal Norwegian Embassy Renovation

AIA Colorado selected Fentress Architects’ Royal Norwegian Embassy Renovation for an Award of Merit. This award recognizes exemplary projects that reinforce the value of outstanding architecture and its positive contributions to the community.
The Royal Norwegian Embassy Renovation added an at-grade main entrance, a versatile indoor-outdoor ceremonial space and exterior enhancements that maximize natural daylight. The renovation also provided a comprehensive interior remodel and the addition of the Atlantic Ocean Hall.
The primary goals for the renovation were to provide a sustainable, functional, and contemporary office for foreign diplomats and staff. At the same time, the renovation also sought to preserve the embassy’s historic character. Upgrades such as an improved thermal envelope, energy-efficient windows, and sustainable landscaping align with the project’s environmental objectives. These features also ensure the building maintains a dignified yet distinctive presence on Washington D.C.’s Embassy Row.
Sustainable SITES Case Study: Fred D. Thompson Federal Building & United States Courthouse

Project Details
- The site for the Nashville Federal Courthouse is in
downtown Nashville. - Site Area: 3.4 acres
- Building Area: 274,000 square feet, including parking
spaces and the basement level - Former Land Use: parking garage and surface parking
- Budget: $40.1M
- The building is six floors plus a basement, Each floor is
required to accommodate the federal courtrooms; the
building’s penthouse floor is greater than 75 feet above
the lowest level of fire department access. Based on this,
the building is considered a high-rise facility
Applicable codes and reference standards:
- 2015 International Building Codes
- Meet GSA’s Sustainable Minimum Performance Criteria;
- Meet Executive Order 13693 requirements
- Meet Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings
and Associated Instructions (February, 2016) - GSA current standards and criteria as appropriate;
- Achieve LEED Gold certification using v3 2009 standards
- Achieve Sustainable Sites Initiative (SSI) Silver certification
level