Announcements November 4, 2024

Three Los Angeles projects win 2024 AIA|LA Design Awards

Corazón del Valle
Photo by Here and Now Agency

Three of our projects have received American Institute of Architects Los Angeles (AIA|LA) Design Awards. The awards ceremony, held at the new AIA|LA and Architecture for Communities Los Angeles (ACLA) Center for Communities, celebrated the very best in architectural achievement and innovation. 

Among the honored projects is Corazón del Valle, which won a Merit Award for its transformative approach to affordable housing in Panorama City. Designed in collaboration with Holos Communities, this project provides 180 units that balance permanent supportive and large family housing while incorporating a neighborhood clinic managed by the San Fernando Community Health Center. The design, informed by the local climate, channels cooling southeast winds into landscaped courtyards, enhancing natural ventilation and resident comfort, while a greywater recycling system nourishes the lush communal greenery. 

Kaiser Permanente Watts Learning and Health Pavilion
Here and Now Agency

The Kaiser Permanente Watts Learning and Health Pavilion received a Citation Award for its unique integration of medical services and the revitalized Watts Counseling and Learning Center. This project underscores a commitment to health equity, blending medical and social services within a cohesive design that reflects resilience and community spirit. A central outdoor plaza anchors the campus and is enriched by a mosaic artwork symbolizing nourishment and community care. The interior design, inspired by geodes, features a neutral palette accented with vibrant hues, fostering a welcoming and navigable environment. 

Calexico Pedestrian Land Port of Entry

Our unbuilt project, the Calexico Pedestrian Land Port of Entry (LPOE), was honored with an Honor Award in the Next LA category, the highest recognition for unbuilt projects. This facility reimagines the border-crossing experience with a humane and efficient design that prioritizes user comfort. Using locally sourced materials and strategic skylights, the design introduces natural light and warmth while maintaining functional excellence. The sculptural walls and warm-toned timber roof create a seamless flow through the building, embodying a vision that transforms the conventional notion of borders. 

These recognitions underscore our firm’s dedication to creating impactful, community-focused designs that enhance the lives of individuals across Los Angeles and beyond. We are proud to celebrate this moment as a reflection of our commitment to shaping inclusive, resilient spaces that foster connection and well-being.