ABOUT History Clients Awards TEAM CONNECT PORTFOLIO NEWS 1966 Carl Irwin opens Irwin Partners Architects as a general practice architectural firm 1967 Carl Irwin is appointed to the board of Southland Lutheran Homes in Norwalk, California. In this capacity, he begins to learn about the unique needs of senior housing and to develop ideas for making senior homes that function better for residents and operators. Read More 1969 Carl Irwin steps down from the Southland Lutheran Homes board and begins his first senior housing architectural project at Southland Lutheran Homes. Read More 1976 Carl Irwin is named Christian of the Year by the California/Nevada Kiwanis Club 1978 Irwin Partners Architects designs the $2-million expansion at Plymouth Village in Redlands, California, incorporating all of the senior community’s needs into one place. The village includes dining facilities, beauty parlor, assembly hall, retail shops, recreational and craft areas. Read More 1987 Carl Irwin is elected the Regional Vice President of the executive board for the National Association of Senior Living Industries. Read More 1988 Inspired by a passion for improving the lives of seniors, Carl Irwin transforms IPA into an expert architectural practice focused on senior housing and church design. Read More 1989 The State of California establishes a committee to write its first Residential Care for the Elderly (RCFE) codes. Recognizing Carl Irwin’s expertise, the state names him to the committee. Read More 1990 Irwin Partners Architect starts work with Josephine Sunset Home, a senior caregiving community first established in 1908. This early project blossoms into a working relationship lasting more than 10 years. Read More 1993 Greg Irwin, son of Carl Irwin, begins working at Irwin Partners Architects. 1994 Carl Irwin becomes a the founding member of California Assisted Living Facilities Association (CALFA). Read More 1995 Marriott Senior Living Services turns to Irwin Partners Architects to adapt its senior-living model to meet California standards. This leads to the design of the company’s Brighton Gardens project. Read More 1996 Silverado Senior Living turns to Irwin Partners Architects for overall concept and building designs for the company’s entry into the memory-care market. Read More 1997 The firm begins work on some of the first West Coast projects for KISCO Senior Living. 1998 Irwin Partners Architects is honored with the Best Practices Award from Hillcrest Retirement Community for its work on the Southwoods Lodge in LaVerne, California. Read More 1999 Irwin Partners works with Best Bath on an innovative solution to improve shower access for limited-mobility users. The new collapsible dam invention provides a useful advance for seniors desiring to age in place while maintaining personal independence. Read More 2000 After a lifetime of growing up and working in his father’s firm, Greg Irwin is promoted to partner. This same year, Irwin Partners Architects is given a 10-year employ pin by Josephine Sunset Home, a touching tribute to a close and enduring partnership Read More 2001 Greg Irwin attends an Eden Alternative course at the home of the philosophy’s founder, Dr. Bill Thomas; the experience provides new inspiration to advance the quality of life for senior communities. Read More 2006 Carl Irwin is named Person of the Year at the SAGE Awards for his years of service and advancements in senior housing. Read More 2008 Melisa Pence joins Irwin Partners Architects. With her expertise in BIM 3D imaging software, and architectural credits that include retail spaces, sports stadiums, and college campus facilities, Melisa brings a fresh perspective to multi-use design for seniors. Read More 2009 Greg Irwin completes his tenth year of service on the Orange County Senior Housing Board, and steps down to general member. Read More 2010 In recognition of her contributions to the firm’s success and client-service culture, Melisa Pence is promoted to the position of partner in the firm. Read More 2018 NAHB honors Greg Irwin as Associate of the Year . 2018 Inland Empire Senior Living Project of the Year-Protea, Temecula California. 2019 First Assisted Living/Memory Care Project for IPA in the State of Alaska. HISTORY CLIENTS AWARDS CCRC AL/IL MEMORY CARE AFFORDABLE CHURCHES REMODEL © 2021 Irwin Partners Architects 245 Fischer Avenue, Suite B2 | Costa Mesa | California P: CA 714.557.2448 | TX 713.805.9097 E: ipa@ipaoc.com OVER 50 YEARS OF DESIGNING LIVING SPACES FOR SENIORS