SITIO SELECTED AS FINALIST FOR AIA PENNSYLVANIA DESIGN AWARD

SITIO was recently named a Finalist for the AIA Pennsylvania Architectural Excellence Award for ‘The Battery’ Clean Energy Training Hub project in Chicago. Recognized in the unbuilt category, the net-zero energy hub showcases innovation, sustainability, and community through its high-performance envelope, all-electric systems, zero-emissions infrastructure, rainwater harvesting, rooftop solar, and geothermal wells. More than a workplace, The Battery serves as a civic platform for education, collaboration, and cultural exchange—deeply connected to its Chicago community. Winners will be announced on December 4.

SITIO WELCOMES JACLYNN HERBEIN!

SITIO is excited to welcome Jaclynn Herbein to the team! Jaclynn recently relocated from Lubbock, Texas, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees from Texas Tech University. Following her studies, she served as a full-time lecturer in Texas Tech’s architecture program. Now back on the East Coast, Jaclynn is looking forward to exploring Philadelphia and reconnecting with one of her longtime passions—coaching competitive gymnastics.

COMMUNITY PLANTING DAY AT JOHNNY SAMPLE RECREATION CENTER

The Johnny Sample Recreation Center is one step closer to completion with the installation of plantings during Community Planting Day, organized by the Fairmount Park Conservancy. The Conservancy has been leading the entire project as part of Philadelphia’s Rebuild program. As the project’s designers, SITIO’s team was excited to pitch in, connect with the Cobbs Creek community, and hear stories while feeling the buzz around the return of this beloved neighborhood asset to West Philadelphia. The next milestone? A ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the recreation center!

REVIVING TEATRO PUERTO RICO: APM & SITIO REIMAGINE GERMANTOWN AVENUE

Partnering with Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM), SITIO is leading a master plan study for the Germantown Avenue district in North Philadelphia, with a focus on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the historic Teatro Puerto Rico—a key anchor property along the corridor. Formerly known as the Diamond Theater, the venue is a landmark of Philadelphia’s Latino cultural heritage, once celebrated for its live performances and film screenings. As a centerpiece of the planning effort, the revitalization of Teatro Puerto Rico reflects APM’s broader vision to transform Germantown Avenue into a dynamic and inclusive hub of culture, commerce, and community life.

SITIO WELCOMES ROMINA BROGLIA!

SITIO is excited to welcome Romina Broglia to the team! Romina recently completed her Master of Architecture at Temple University, building on her undergraduate studies at James Madison University. A Philadelphia area native, she just returned from a visit to Peru, where she explored Lima, reconnected with family, and celebrated her grandmother’s 90th birthday!

SITIO WELCOMES CORNELL STUDENTS TO THE TEAM!

We're excited to welcome Cornell architecture students Jaclyn James and Austin Johnson to the SITIO team! Jaclyn joined SITIO after completing her second year, while Austin returns after finishing his third year in the Bachelor of Architecture program. Originally from the Poconos and the greater Philadelphia area, respectively, they’ve enjoyed connecting with the city and diving into design work with the team. Welcome, Jaclyn and Austin — we’re glad to have you on board!

THE ASTRID AT POOKS HILL WINS 3 IES LIGHTING AWARDS

The Astrid at Pooks Hill in Bethesda, Maryland, was recently honored with three awards from the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). The project received the IES International Illumination Award of Merit, the IES Philadelphia Section Award for Interior Lighting Design, and the IES Philadelphia Section Raymond Grenald Award.

Serving as both architect and interior designer, SITIO collaborated with The Lighting Practice, whose thoughtful lighting design amplified the project’s embrace of the Scandinavian concept of hygge—creating a serene, welcoming retreat defined by warmth, comfort, and well-being.

FINISHING TOUCHES AT DETROIT'S LA JOYA GARDENS

La Joya Gardens nears completion as new residents begin moving in and finishing touches are installed. Located in one of the city’s most vibrant and fast-growing neighborhoods, La Joya Gardens features spacious, modern apartments designed for mixed-income living. Just minutes from Downtown Detroit, residents enjoy convenient access to local shops, stadiums, restaurants, food trucks, and cultural attractions.

CELEBRATING THE RE-OPENING OF LAWNCREST LIBRARY!

After extensive renovations, the Lawncrest Library has officially reopened to the public. Located in North Philadelphia and part of the Free Library of Philadelphia network, the library underwent a $4.5 million transformation made possible through the City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild program.

Originally built in 1961, the library has been thoughtfully revitalized to serve once again as a vibrant and welcoming community hub. Mayor Cherelle Parker led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating the reopening and recognizing the design work of SITIO in delivering a wide range of impactful upgrades.

Renovations included new building systems, improved lighting, exterior façade enhancements, the addition of flexible meeting rooms, new office spaces, and refreshed furnishings and finishes—modernizing the facility while preserving its role as a vital neighborhood resource.

BUILDING ON AND OFF THE COURT: SITIO CREATES NEW VISION FOR LA LIGA DEL BARRIO

SITIO team members Brooke Kervi and Andrew Ferrarelli are volunteering with the Community Design Collaborative to envision a new Community Hub and Basketball Center for La Liga del Barrio. This past Saturday marked the first community engagement session, where parents, players, coaches, and fans shared their ideas and feedback. La Liga del Barrio, Philadelphia’s first Latino youth basketball league, has been a vital resource for over 25 years—offering programs in basketball, track and field, and more to Latino and minority youth across the city. The league serves boys and girls ages 6–18, fostering athletic development while encouraging academic success.

SITIO TURNS 9!

SITIO turns 9! Grateful for the trust our clients place in us and the wide-ranging opportunities to build enduring places, both near and far!🥂

ANDREW FERRARELLI FEATURED CSI PANELIST

SITIO principal Andrew Ferrarelli was a featured panelist at CSI Philadelphia Chapter’s ‘Grill Series’ for a discussion on "Fast Track Documentation and Management." This candid and insightful conversation delved into the realities of construction when things don’t go as planned. During the discussion, Andrew addressed the challenges of fast-track project timelines and the critical coordination between architects, engineers, contractors, and other professional consultants in the industry.