The State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO) and the Engagement Center are recognized by the 2023 AIA Central States Awards program with a Merit and an Honor Award for Large Commercial Architecture. The AIA Central States encompasses Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma and honors projects across the U.S. and the world for their unique design, originality, extended use attributes, sustainability, budget, and use of environmental surroundings.

SHSMO was founded in 1898 and has been operating for 125 years. Having outgrown its existing library and office space, SHSMO was in need of a new headquarters that would represent the richness of what it offers to the community. Tasked with marrying the missions of three distinctive institutions—the historical society, the University of Missouri, and the state of Missouri—into one cohesive headquarters, the new Center for Missouri Studies celebrates and offers a venue to provide a new lens for scholars, students, and visitors to understand our world today.

A global company commissioned the Engagement Center as a place where clients and employees worldwide can gather and advance shared knowledge. Hospitality was a top priority in creating a world-class visitor experience to spark meaningful dialogues and facilitate interaction. Multistudio worked closely with the client to ensure a holistic approach that gives guests a distinct experience each time they visit.