Our Civic team won big at the 2025 AxNV DSA Awards, where Project Associate Denise Madera earned a Merit Award for her work on Fire Station 37. The project was recognized for its great composition of spaces and imagery, and the jury highlighted it as the most “real” of the academic submissions. To dig deeper into the recognition and the ideas behind the project, we spoke with Denise about the award, the design, and what this means for her path forward.
What does winning the AIA Nevada Merit Award mean to you and to the firm?
Receiving this recognition from the AIA is a great milestone to achieve throughout the first steps of my career. This award serves as a reminder of my passion to give back to the community while broadening connections within the industry. It reinforces my desires to design for the community and contribute to impactful public projects that build TSK’s identity.
Can you describe Fire Station 37, and how it earned the recognition?
Fire Station 37 is a resilient, sustainable, and community-driven facility that prioritizes the well-being of both firefighters and the surrounding neighborhoods. The station’s thoughtful integration of disaster preparedness and solar storage resulted in an inspiring yet mature project worth recognition.
What challenge or key decision shaped the outcome of Fire Station 37?
This project has a unique program where a community center is embedded into the fire station. Balancing operations of a fire station while creating a sense of community and safety to the surrounding neighborhoods was a key challenge but it ultimately shaped the project’s character in the process.
Which team members or partners played a significant role in this achievement?
I am very grateful to the Henderson TSK office for always creating a supportive environment where I am inspired to learn and thrive. I am especially thankful to Edith Alvarez, Raymond So, and Daniel Hidalgo for encouraging me to submit my work to the design awards while motivating me to refine the overall concept and design.
How do you see this recognition influencing your future work or direction?
This recognition has already opened valuable possibilities, especially as I invest in my academic future. I believe this achievement will allow me to leverage a path towards leadership while seeking opportunities that challenge my creativity.
