The architectural firm that designed Ignacio Middle School has won two state awards for its work.

RTA Architects was awarded the American Institute of Architects Colorado Merit Award for Built Architecture, as well as the AIA Colorado South Honor award. Members of AIA Colorado and its local sections (AIA Denver, AIA Colorado North and AIA Colorado South) submitted 188 entries resulting in 17 architectural design awards.

The new Ignacio Middle School was the first phase of a district-wide master plan completed by RTA Architects in 2011.  Construction of the middle school was completed in August of 2013.  Design team members included HCDA Structural Engineers, ME&E Engineering, DHM - Durango, and Goff Engineering.

Addressing the Ignacio Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 5, Superintendent Rocco Fuschetto thanked the businesses gathered for supporting the $50 million bond issue to build Ignacio's three schools. Ignacio High School is now under construction and will open this August. Photos of a recent construction tour will be in an upcoming edition of the Times.

The final design for IMS takes advantage of the site, views, and natural surroundings on the west side of Ignacio. The design offers adaptive and flexible learning environments for the future and introduces daylight from two sides into the classrooms.

The building is set into the site's natural grade, using low-water native plants for landscaping, and orients the building to views of the La Plata Mountains to the northwest and solar exposure to the south.  Incorporation of the geometries of the Southern Ute Tribe reflects the multi-cultural heritage of the region and community.

RTA Architects is located in Colorado Springs and specializes in education, healthcare, retail and commercial projects.