Originally developed as an upscale retail project, the Galleria Corporate Centre was largely vacant for several years. The conversion into an office property was completed in November 2001.

DFD redesigned the facility to break down the buildings' mass by adding detail and making it more pedestrian friendly; introduce color to match the urban character of Scottsdale; and define and enhance entrances.

"Our goal in repositioning and renovating the property was to replace the image of a struggling retail center with that of a vibrant, energetic and successful corporate business center," says Mike Davis, DFD CornoyerHedrick CEO in a prepared statement. "The renovation included a three-story atrium with plenty of open space and flexible suite configurations." The complex is now home to tenants such as the Scottsdale Culinary Institute and New York Life.

The PCBC and Builder magazine host the competition along with sponsorship by major building product manufacturers, financial institutions and builders, architects and associates in the real estate field. The Gold Nugget program honors creative achievement in architectural design and land-use planning for residential, commercial and industrial properties. The competition is open to firms in the 14 Western states and countries bordering the Pacific Ocean. About 630 entries in 40 categories were received for this year's competition.