Award Winner

PQC Architectural Studio wins IADA 2026 Bronze for the selective restoration of the Capitol Dome 

San Juan, Puerto Rico

A stone-by-stone diagnosis and a re-engineered internal structure keep the Beaux-Arts dome visually unchanged while making it more resilient.

San Juan practice PQC Architectural Studio LLC has been named Bronze Winner in the Renovation, Restoration & Adaptive Reuse category of IADA 2026, the International Architecture & Design Awards, for the Capitol of Puerto Rico Selective Dome Restoration, a completed project led by architect Pablo Quiñones Cordero.

The Capitol in San Juan is a Beaux-Arts building and the seat of Puerto Rico's Legislative Assembly. Exposure to the marine environment, seismic activity, water infiltration, corrosion and material fatigue, along with the progressive collapse of decorative terracotta elements, had left its dome in need of a comprehensive intervention. The project began with a detailed diagnostic phase based on conservation science and architectural forensics: stone pathology evaluations, material sampling, moisture diagnostics and 3D digital documentation allowed a stone-by-stone assessment of the historic marble envelope.

The guiding principle was to balance historic authenticity with present-day resilience. Many marble pieces, mortar beds and concealed anchors had degraded. The team wrote conservation-grade specifications for replacement stones that replicate the geometry, finish and texture of the originals, and for mortars engineered to match the chemical and mechanical behaviour of the historic mixes.

IADA 2026 was the fifth, jubilee edition of the International Architecture & Design Awards and brought together more than 800 participants. An international jury judged every project against published criteria, and the winners of this edition come from 53 countries.

With engineers José Izquierdo (Porticus CSP), Pedro Medina (Pedro Medina Villanueva & Asociados) and Jorge Santori (SE Engineering PSC), and José Gayá (Building Preservation Material Technologies), the firm redesigned the dome's internal supports to improve seismic capacity, anchorage durability and corrosion resistance. The dome looks unchanged but rests on a re-engineered internal framework, and continues to host public ceremonies, legislative functions and heritage visitors.

“"PQC Architectural Studio celebrates this international recognition honoring our dedication to heritage preservation, structural innovation, and architectural excellence. We are immensely proud that Puerto Rico has been distinguished at the national level, earning recognition among the most outstanding projects in the United States—a testament to our island’s architectural talent, craftsmanship, and unwavering commitment to excellence."” — Pablo R. Quinones Cordero, Principal, President

PQC Architectural Studio (PQCAS) is an integrated architecture, engineering and project and construction management firm headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with operations in Miami, Florida. Led by principal Pablo R. Quiñones Cordero, it continues a family practice with more than four decades of experience. The firm specializes in historic preservation, adaptive reuse and restoration under the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, as well as federally funded and disaster recovery projects, and works across Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Florida and select international markets.

About IADA

The International Architecture & Design Awards (IADA) are organized by Architecture & Design Community and cover 19 disciplines, from architecture, interiors and landscape to product and visual design, with five award levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Honorable Mention. Past and present winners include Foster + Partners, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Populous, Snøhetta, Perkins & Will, Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Yabu Pushelberg. More information: https://ad-c.org/

Links

• Winner page: https://ad-c.org/winner/capitol-of-puerto-rico-selective-dome-restoration-bronze-winner-renovation-restoration-adaptive-reuse-iada-2026/
• Media contact: Architecture & Design Community, newsroom@ad-c.org
• Photo credit: Pablo Patrignani (Creative Video maker)

Awards Night

PQCAS Receives the ACI Excellence Concrete Construction Awards 2025

Baltimore, MD

PQC Architectural Studio LLC received from the President of the American Concrete Institute,  Maria Juenger,  the First Place Award in Preservation and Restoration for the Capitol of Puerto Rico Dome Restoration and the Overall Excellence Award at the 2025 ACI Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards in Baltimore, MD, USA, competing among global nominees from the United States, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

In the news

Overall, Winner of the 2025 ACI Excellence in Concrete Construction Award

Baltimore, MD, United States

PQC Architectural Studio proudly celebrates the Overall Excellence Award at the 2025 ACI Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards for the Capitol of Puerto Rico Dome Restoration - an international recognition honoring our dedication to heritage preservation, structural innovation, and architectural excellence. The accolade will be presented on October 27, 2025 during ACI Concrete Convention in Baltimore, MD, USA.

"We are immensely proud that Puerto Rico has been distinguished at the national level, earning recognition among the most outstanding projects in the United States—a testament to our island’s architectural talent, craftsmanship, and unwavering commitment to excellence." 

PQC Architectural Team 

Awards Night

PQCAS Receives the AIA Honor & Design Award 2025

San Juan, Puerto Rico 

PQC Architectural Studio  was honored with the First Place Award in Preservation and Restoration at the 2025 AIA Puerto Rico Design Awards, held at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. The award recognizes his outstanding work on the Capitol of Puerto Rico Dome Restoration, celebrating excellence in craftsmanship, preservation, and architectural integrity. The event brought together leading professionals from across the island, highlighting projects that elevate Puerto Rico’s built heritage and design innovation.

Achievements & recognition

PQCAS Receives the AIA Honor & Design Award 2025

San Juan, Puerto Rico 

PQC Architectural Studio is honored to have received the First Place AIA Puerto Rico Honor & Design Award 2025 for the Restoration of the Puerto Rico Capitol Dome. This distinction celebrates our firm’s commitment to excellence in preservation, craftsmanship, and innovation within one of the island’s most iconic Beaux-Arts landmarks. The project, executed in collaboration with the Capitol Superintendence and specialized consultants, reflects PQC’s dedication to safeguarding Puerto Rico’s architectural heritage while integrating modern restoration standards that ensure its legacy endures for generations.

Awards Night

PQCAS Receives the CIAPR Outstanding Civil Engineering Project Award 2025

San Juan, Puerto Rico 

PQC Architectural Studio LLC was honored with the prestigious “Outstanding Civil Engineering Project Award 2025” presented by the College of Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico (CIAPR). This recognition celebrates the technical excellence, multidisciplinary coordination, and cultural significance of the Restoration of the Capitol of Puerto Rico Dome, an iconic work that unites engineering innovation, architectural artistry, and historic preservation.

The award reaffirms PQC Architectural Studio’s commitment to quality, innovation, and resilience in professional practice—strengthening Puerto Rico’s infrastructure while preserving its architectural heritage for future generations.