Is Washington a land of hopelessly conservative home design? The conventional critique says yes. But the annual award winners from the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects hint at an architectural Washington whose creativity and diversity have grown along with the area’s population and economy. For 35 years, Washingtonian has joined the AIA in sponsoring the awards, which are judged by architects from all over the US. To ensure that the process is unbiased, none of the jurors are local and submissions are kept anonymous. Among 95 entries, these 11 earned top marks. Though they vary in style and scope, they’re united in what they prove: Washington is home to true innovators.