Tsao & McKown Architects

While Herzog & de Meuron constructs its stadium for the 2008 summer Olympic Games, Interior Design Hall of Fame members Calvin Tsao and Zack McKown spent two and a half years restoring and renovating six buildings in the Jianfu Palace Garden part of the Forbidden City. Built in 1740 by Emperor Qianlong, what's now a private reception and conference venue for the Palace Museum had lain in ruins for 77 years until the China Heritage Fund initiated the project. Exterior authenticity was paramount; artisans came out of retirement to train 100 younger workers in traditional crafts such as decorative painting and woodworking. Interiors, meanwhile, are contemporary compositions of walnut millwork, exposed pine ceilings, and fluorescent cove lighting.

U.S. Census Bureau, Suitland, Maryland

DESIGN Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

STANDOUT Fins of laminated white oak unify the exterior, while color coding defines the interior.

Suzhou Industrial Park administrative headquarters, China

DESIGN IA Interior Architects.

STANDOUT A fountain and handblown pendant fixtures enhance the play of light in the three-story atrium.

Commodore Uriah P. Levy Center and Jewish Chapel, Annapolis, Maryland

DESIGN Boggs & Partners Architects.

STANDOUT A Star of David skylight and stainless-steel mesh scrims bring contemporary design to the U.S. Naval Academy.