KCCT Receives LAI Outstanding Small Project Award for the US Embassy in Port Moresby

KCCT is honored to receive the Lambda Alpha International Outstanding Small Project Award for the design of the US Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The award recognizes projects that exemplify excellence in land use, planning, and design, advancing principles of land economics through innovation, sustainability, and community value.

Principal and Lead Designer Paul Phillips accepted the award at the George Washington Chapter’s annual ceremony in Washington, DC, celebrating the firm’s continued leadership in strategic land use and campus planning.

A Model of Planning and Design Rooted in Context

The new US Embassy in Port Moresby exemplifies KCCT’s commitment to modern, resilient campuses that balance security, civic presence, and operational efficiency. When the embassy’s program expanded mid-construction, the KCCT team responded by repurposing completed elements with ingenuity to meet new requirements while maintaining schedule, budget, and design integrity. The result is a flexible, high-performance campus that supports the US Department of State’s mission and long-term operational goals.

The Embassy integrates strong land-use principles through a compact, efficient site plan. Thoughtful environmental stewardship strategies—such as optimized daylighting, energy-efficient systems, and advanced water management features—reduce operational demands and enhance long-term performance.

The four-story chancery, clad in stone and concrete with striking shingled sunshades, projects both dignity and openness, maximizing natural light and views while minimizing glare. Interior spaces employ durable materials such as terrazzo, bluestone, and regional hardwoods to create a timeless, culturally resonant environment.

Positioned at the heart of Harbour City, a new mixed-use waterfront district, the Embassy serves as a civic landmark and a symbol of cooperation between the United States and Papua New Guinea. Lush, coastal plantings stabilize the site while creating a welcoming, dignified setting for staff, visitors, and the surrounding community.

Through its integration with the urban waterfront, the Embassy contributes to the social, cultural, and civic vitality of Port Moresby, reflecting KCCT’s belief that architecture should both serve its mission and enrich its context.

“Our team focused on maximizing the potential of the site through thoughtful land planning, environmentally responsive strategies, and a design that contributes to the civic and cultural life of the city,” said Phillips. “This recognition from Lambda Alpha International underscores the value of careful, innovative land use in creating spaces that serve both mission and community.”