Moorpark College’s EATM building has been honored with a Merit Award in the nonresidential category for structure and design. The award was officially given at the Feb. 11 Board of Trustees meeting in Ventura County.

“Leveraging a large gestural roof form, this project made excellent use of structure and material in creating alluring spaces for people and animals to interact,” said Jason Silva, a jury member for this year’s American Institute of Architects Ventura County Design Awards.

Stephen Ehrlich was the architect of the complex. EATM, which opened in the Spring of 2012, provided students with classroom space, a veterinary lab, and an auditorium space where presentations of the animals from the zoo have been featured.

“[The EATM building] represents the highest caliber of excellence in design,” said David Intner, President of Ventura Chapter. “In terms of aesthetics and sustainability, it is improving the betterment of people’s lives and the community that it serves.”