MRB Group Receives 2026 AIA Rochester Design Award for RIT Research Building

MRB Group is proud to announce that the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Research Building has been recognized with a 2026 AIA Rochester Design Award, celebrating excellence in architectural design and innovation.

Presented by AIA Rochester during its annual Design Awards program, the award recognizes projects that demonstrate exceptional design quality, creativity, and impact on the built environment. The RIT Research Building was among the distinguished projects honored during the June 18, 2026 awards celebration.

Located on RIT’s campus in Henrietta, New York, the new research facility was designed to support the university’s expanding research enterprise and growing demand for flexible, interdisciplinary research space. The approximately 39,000-square-foot building provides adaptable laboratory environments and collaborative spaces that foster innovation across a wide range of disciplines, including advanced manufacturing, computing, engineering, science, and emerging technologies.

The building reflects a thoughtful approach to both form and function. Designed to complement RIT’s evolving campus architecture, the facility balances transparency, flexibility, and technical performance while creating an environment that supports discovery, collaboration, and future growth.

“This award is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and collaboration of our entire project team,” said Ryan DeBree, AIA. “From the earliest planning discussions through project completion, our goal was to create a facility that would serve RIT’s research mission for decades to come.”

The project was led by MRB Group’s architectural team, with key contributions from Ryan DeBree and Kelsey DeBree, whose commitment to design excellence helped bring the vision to life.

As RIT continues to expand its research capabilities, the Research Building serves as a hub for innovation, providing flexible laboratory space designed to accommodate evolving technologies, interdisciplinary partnerships, and future research opportunities. The facility supports RIT’s ongoing investment in research and reinforces the university’s role as a leader in technological advancement and applied innovation.

MRB Group is honored to have partnered with Rochester Institute of Technology on this transformative project and grateful for the recognition from AIA Rochester. Awards such as this highlight the power of thoughtful design to create spaces that not only meet functional needs but also inspire the people who use them.

View the project: https://mrbgroup.com/projects/rit-new-research-building/