RS&H Designed RNO Airport Ticketing Hall Wins ENR Southwest Award

[Jacksonville, Fla.]—Employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm RS&H was recently recognized with an Award of Merit from Engineering News Record (ENR) Southwest’s annual Best Projects competition. This recognition was for RS&H’s outstanding work at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport Ticketing Hall in Reno, Nevada. 

“Receiving recognition from ENR Southwest is an incredible achievement for RS&H and the entire project team,” said Andrew Wheeler, Executive Vice President and Buildings National Operations Leader at RS&H. “It reflects our commitment to supporting our communities as they grow and ensuring that local airports can meet the evolving needs of travelers with greater efficiency and comfort.”  

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) launched the MoreRNO program, a multi-phase initiative to expand the airport while enhancing passengers’ travel experiences and improving airport operations. The multi-year program will transform the gateway to the Reno-Tahoe basin to reflect the region’s dynamic growth and active lifestyle.

Efficient collaboration between RS&H, the RTAA, McCarthy Building Companies, and key subconsultants, Wood Rodgers Inc. as the civil engineer, MEP services provided by Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers, PK Electrical Inc., and Selbert Perkins Design for wayfinding design was essential to the project’s success. The teamwork and shared vision among RS&H and its partners played a crucial role in delivering a facility that not only met the operational needs of the airport but also enhanced the overall travel experience for passengers.  

A key phase of the MoreRNO program involved expanding and upgrading the ticketing hall to increase passenger flow and fit a modern aesthetic reflecting the region’s natural beauty. The RTAA aimed to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency through a 35,000-square-foot renovation, including a 10,000-square-foot addition, without disturbing or relocating the current ticketing counters.  

The ticketing hall’s new, modern aesthetic is expressed through unique architectural forms and thoughtfully selected materials. Dynamic, angular glass, metal siding, and concrete forms elegantly contrast the simple stone forms. The exterior design showcases a pearlescent blue crystalline obelisk that envelops the north elevator tower. To the south, a rhythm of stone and glass masses houses the supporting program spaces. These designs complement the 14-foot blue glazing curtain wall connecting interior and exterior spaces, inviting passengers to explore the space beyond. 

“Passenger hydrology was the key consideration in solving the problem and enhancing the experience at the airport,” Studio Leader and Project Manager Geoffrey Chevlin, AIA, DBIA, NCARB, recently shared in an Airport Improvement interview. “We wanted to make this a place people don’t just want to fly through. They want to come to and enjoy their travel experience. It’s critical that we consider people in the equation— this is something we’re doing for the community.” 

About RS&H 

Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading architecture, engineering, and consulting firms whose associates work hard every day to create a more connected future where everyone can thrive. We offer an exceptional journey from start to future for clients in the aerospace, aviation, corporate, federal, healthcare and science, and transportation markets. Our integrated teams translate experience into insight, turn challenges into opportunities and build relationships as strong as the buildings and infrastructure we deliver together.