Sheldon Pennoyer of Greenfield has been awarded the 2023 Clinton Scheerr Award for Excellence in New Hampshire Architecture. The award, created in memory of New Hampshire architect Clinton Scheerr, was established to honor “oustanding New Hampshire architects who exemplify Scheerr’s dedication to the architecture and environment of the Granite State.” The award is the highest honor given by the New Hampshire chapter of the American Institute of Architecture. Pennoyer was nominated by last year’s winner, Alyssa Manypenny Murphy, who presented the award to him at the AIANH Awards Gala in September.

Manypenny Murphy lauded Pennoyer, who she considers a friend and mentor, for his “quality of design, commitment to community, and technological innovation, as well as his unflagging good cheer.”

The Scheerr Award recognizes Pennoyer’s efforts in leading the industry in sustainable architecture and green building practices, including prioritizing low embodied energy, creating strong building energy envelopes, and limiting the use of fossil fuels and petroleum-based products in the construction process. Pennoyer’s philosophy is “architecture should shape the land, and the land should shape and inform the architecture.” Pennoyer, who has a a diverse portfolio of award-winning commercial, residential and nonprofit projects throughout New England, was previously named Architect of the Year in NH for his design of a private residence in Dublin. He has served as the chair of the AIA’s Committee on the Environment for many years.

In 2010, a home in Peterborough’s Nubanusit Neighborhood and Farm co-housing community, which was designed by Pennoyer, was the first private residence in New Hamphsire to receive LEED Platinum certification. Pennoyer also was previously awarded the Rick & Duffy Monahan Award for Design Excellence in Architectural Restoration and Preservation, which was created in memory of the beloved Peterborough architects who died in a car accident in 2013.

In his acceptance speech, Pennoyer first expressed his gratitude to his team at Sheldon Pennoyer Architects.

“It takes a lot of creative minds to make a successful project, and I honor each of you for all the years of collaboration,” Pennoyer said. “It has been and will continue to be an amazing journey.”

Pennoyer went on to thank his colleagues at AIANH, including architects and building professionals.

“A lot of people have worked so hard to bring sustainability in design to the forefront. I know we as a community will do our part to push our shared profession towards a sustainable future,” he said.