The 2022 AIA|LA Presidential Awards winners represent the changing role of design in the City of Angels

The AIA Los Angeles Chapter (AIA|LA) has just announced its annual list of Presidential Awards honorees. A total of 12 winners were selected by the chapter’s board and President Mitra Memari, who also selected the Gold Medal winner. 

“Architecture is not only the manifestation of livable, sustainable, functional, and inspiring environments, it is a vehicle for social equity, for fostering inclusivity, and for providing a sense of community and belonging,” she said. “Our 2022 Presidential Honorees reflect the spirit in which we practice the profession — to make meaningful changes that improve our lives.”

This year’s winners offered a selection of some of the salient design trends and architectural issues present in the city as it stares down related crises of affordability and homelessness in the months leading up to its critical mayoral election on November 8th, which promises to affect the architectural industry significantly in the years to follow. 

Each honoree will be celebrated alongside the AIA|LA Design Awards and Next LA Awards winners at a ceremony on October 27th at the BroadStage in Santa Monica. 

Gold Medal: Gabrielle Bullock, FAIA, NOMAC, IIDA, LEED AP - Principal, Director of Global Diversity, Perkins&Will (Bullock was also the 2020 recipient of the Whitney M. Young Award).

Building Team Award: Audrey Irmas Pavilion, Wilshire Boulevard Temple, led by the Design Team of OMA + Gruen Associates

Emerging Practice: Shin Shin Architecture

25-Year Award: The Gas Company Tower. Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, 1991

Citizen Architect Award: Helena Jubany, FAIA

The Merry Norris Design Advocate/Developer Award: LA Family Housing

The Merry Norris Design Advocate/Builder Award: Walton Construction, Inc.

Community Contribution Award: Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing (SCANPH)

Robert Kennard Award: Lance Collins, AIA

Educator: Marcela Oliva - Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Honorary AIALA: Robyn Eason - City of West Hollywood

Honorary AIALA: Michael Alvidrez - CEO Emeritus & Ambassador, Skid Row Housing Trust