The Commons at Helm Library received the International Interior Design Association Recognizing Exemplary Design award for 2023.

The Commons was announced at WKU President Timothy Caboni’s investiture in 2018. Due to construction delays during the COVID-19 pandemic, progress was delayed by a year, and the space opened in spring 2022.

IIDA is “the leading network of Interior design professionals committed to industry excellence,” the IIDA Illinois chapter website stated. The RED awards seek to bring awareness to the impact of interior design, as well as recognize exemplary design in interior design, according to the IIDA website.

Susann DeVries, WKU dean of libraries, aided in the planning of the Commons design. 

“It’s first an acknowledgment of all the hard work that went into the planning and the construction of the building,” DeVries said. “The award helps acknowledge the search committee, the architects,  the engineers, and everybody who worked on this project.” 

The library not only has a physical presence but also an online presence with 24/7 chat reference, online tutorials, and research guides, DeVries said. 

“The design award elevates the institution WKU as a whole because it shows our investment, the students in our facilities, and how much we really care and support student success,” DeVries said.

News Reporter Emmy Lou Roth can be reached at e[email protected]