Matt Barnett, a project architect for local firm LS3P, won the 2021 American Institute of Architects North Carolina Young Architect Award. 

The award recognizes those who have displayed exceptional leadership and have contributed to the profession early in their career. 

Barnett joined LS3P in 2018 and earned his bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Tennessee. His firm describes him as a "champion of sustainable community-focused designs," according to a press release, with a portfolio stacked with net-zero and environmentally focused designs.

“Matt’s example of both service and design excellence has inspired teams from across our nine offices to seek out and contribute to a wide range of projects, each with user groups who will benefit from the care and investment afforded to the built environment,” LS3P’s board chair Thompson E. Penney said in the release.

Barnett recently worked on the Eden Village tiny home community project, the U.S. Colored Troops Memorial and more.

“We are extremely grateful to Matt for championing our community-focused work, and are reaping the benefits of the momentum he created in terms of strengthening relationships and achieving positive results for the communities in which we live and work," chief practice officer Katherine Peele said in the release.