ABERDEEN, S.D. — The Cramer Center for Design & Innovation at Northern State University has announced the winners of its 2026 Book Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to design and scholarship. Submissions published in 2025 showcased work from a range of academic and design-focused publishers, highlighting fresh ideas and innovative thinking across the field.
Overall Winner
Design Practice and Innovation
Kay Fanning and Thomas E. Luebke, "American Shrines: The Architecture of Presidential Commemoration" (University of Massachusetts Press)
The top honor was awarded to Kay Fanning and Thomas E. Luebke for "American Shrines: The Architecture of Presidential Commemoration." The book examines how the nation has used architecture and design to honor its presidents and what those places reveal about memory, civic identity and the practice of design.
“American Shrines is a masterful look at how design shapes the way a nation remembers,” said Robert Russell, chair of the review committee. “Kay Fanning and Thomas E. Luebke show that presidential memorials are works of architecture and storytelling, and their book will enrich how readers think about the places we build to honor our history. We are proud to recognize it as this year’s overall award winner.”
Honor Titles
In addition to the overall winner, one honor title was recognized in each of three categories for its exceptional quality and contributions:
- History, Legacy and Preservation: "Designed for Life: Architecture and Design in Cork City," 1900–90 by Tom Spalding (Cork University Press)
- Sustainability and the Design Environment: "Design Through Time: Evolving Landscapes from Alcatraz to Prospect Park" by Mark H. Hough (University of Virginia Press)
- Education, Community & Future Directions: "Start in Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where We Live with Radical Common Sense" by Steve Nygren (Matt Holt Books)
Together, these works showcase excellence in research, storytelling and visual presentation. From the built heritage of a single city to landscapes that evolve over time and community-driven change at the local level, each title offers a fresh perspective on how people and places shape one another.
Review Process
All entries were evaluated by a panel of judges from the Cramer Center board. Submissions were assessed for:
- Quality of research
- Clarity and excellence of writing
- Impactful visual presentation and use of design principles
- Overall contribution to scholarship
One honor title was selected in each of the three categories, with American Shrines chosen as the overall award winner in the Design Practice and Innovation category.
Looking Ahead
Submissions for the 2027 Cramer Center Book Awards for Design & Innovation will open soon. Publishers of books released in 2026 are invited to participate, with winners to be announced in fall 2027.
About the Cramer Center for Design & Innovation
The Cramer Center for Design & Innovation at Northern State University is a hub for creativity, research and new ideas in architecture and design. Located in the Beulah Williams Library, the center brings together students, professionals and the community to explore how design shapes the way people live, work and connect.
Through its curated archives, public programs and special projects, the Cramer Center highlights significant work while fostering conversations about innovation and entrepreneurship. From preserving the legacy of design excellence to encouraging new thinking, the center serves as a catalyst for discovery and a platform for the future of design. For more information about the center and its programs, visit cramercenter.org.