The recent renovation to the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington was recognized with a 2026 Commercial Palladio Award, a premier national award that spotlights architectural excellence.
Granted to O’Brien and Keane Architecture, the Arlington-based firm entrusted with the cathedral renovations, the Palladio Award is produced by Traditional Building magazine and is the only national award to recognize outstanding achievements in the field of traditional and classical architecture, craftsmanship and design.
The cathedral was among 16 buildings throughout the United States to be recognized with a Palladio Award this year. Introduced in 2002, the award program honors projects that integrate historical principles with modern functionality and seeks to counteract prejudice against traditional architecture.
James O’Brien, president of O’Brien and Keane Architecture and lead architect on the cathedral renovation, has completed dozens of projects in the diocese for more than two decades. The firm has won several past awards for excellence in major renovations and constructions around the country. O’Brien is a former parishioner of St. Agnes Church in Arlington who now attends Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Easton, Md.
“I commend and congratulate Jim O’Brien and his team on receiving the Palladio Award, which recognizes his great commitment and talent in executing our vision for a classical and timeless architectural renovation of the Cathedral of St. Thomas More,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. “It is a meaningful professional honor to be recognized by his peers, and we are especially gratified that this honor reflects Jim O’Brien’s contributions to the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, his home diocese.”
The cathedral renovations, which began in February 2023, were completed near the conclusion of the diocese’s 50th anniversary Jubilee celebration, just prior to the dedication of the new altar Sept. 5, 2024.
Built in 1960, the structure predated the diocese, originally serving as a parish church before being established as the cathedral when the Diocese of Arlington was established in 1974.
A true product of the sparse, oftentimes bland, architectural style of the ’60s, the structure still “had virtues and retained memories that made it valuable,” said O’Brien. “I see the (cathedral) renovation as a link between the past and the future of the diocese, and an acknowledgment that even though change is sometimes needed, old things don’t have to be thrown away, they can be renewed.”
With that in mind, the architecture team worked closely with Bishop Burbidge and the Cathedral Liturgical Committee, developing a plan that would maintain the original distinction of the building while elevating the design to honor its status as mother church of the diocese.
“We approach every project with care, but this one carried especially high stakes,” said O’Brien, who grew up in the diocese and is an alumnus of Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington.
“Knowing so very many people with an interest in the project, it seemed to me that it was extra visible, so it was important to deliver something pleasing,” he added. “Thankfully, God helped us to see what it could be.”
The design included a complete replacement of the principal facades and roof, enlarged windows and new interior finishes. Updates to the exterior stonework of the building reflect the Tudor style, honoring the time period of the cathedral’s patron, St. Thomas More.
The most significant interior renovations are found in the sanctuary where the tabernacle now takes the central place and the new liturgical furnishings, which include the altar, tabernacle, bishop’s chair and ambo, were redone in marble.
The rose window above the sanctuary is another new addition, depicting the theme of “The New Jerusalem” found in Revelation 21 and displaying the image of Our Lord, his 12 Apostles and 12 angels.
Additionally, the cathedral now features more than a dozen saint statues and several dozen new stained-glass windows depicting saints, images from the life of Christ and representations of the parishes and diverse cultures within the diocese.
“One of my favorite aspects of the project was the incredible team effort,” O’Brien said, acknowledging the contributions of his architectural partners as well as the engineers, project manager, contractors and artisans who assisted with the renovations. “Everyone understood the importance and sacred nature of the project and really put their best foot forward. It’s not unusual to see this on a church project though; I’m certain that God was at work through our efforts.”
Engbert is a freelancer in Fredericksburg.
