2021 American Institute of Architects Los Angeles Presidential Honorees Announced July 8, 2021 News Index Thursday, July 8, 2021 | Los Angeles, CA The American Institute of Architects Los Angeles (AIALA) announced today the names of fifteen architects, firms, buildings, and individuals, who have made the most significant contributions to the urban landscape of the region and to architecture as a profession over the past twelve months, and, in some cases, over the course of their careers. Known collectively as the “Presidential Honorees,” the awardees range from highly ambitious projects that change Los Angeles as a city, to architects and educators who advance diversity in the field, to emerging firms that are already making a notable difference in design. Recipients will be formally celebrated at the 2021 AIALA Design Awards Ceremony — which also honors the winners of the juried AIALA Design Awards and Next LA Awards — this Fall. Leading the group of 2021 honorees is the recipient of the highest honor the AIALA bestows: 2021 AIALA Gold Medal winner Lorcan O’Herlihy, FAIA. “At mid-career, Lorcan and his firm Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects [LOHA] already possess a vibrant legacy of work. Brash, original, but always embodying design excellence,” notes AIALA President Wade Killefer, FAIA. “These attributes thread without equivocation through all of O’Herlihy’s projects and across all typologies he pursues: housing, mixed-use, cultural, educational, affordable housing, commercial, and more. We are delighted to celebrate the lasting contributions he has made to our city.” Thirteen of the fifteen AIALA Presidential Honorees for 2021 were chosen by the Chapter’s Board of Directors. The President selected the Gold Medal recipient, as well as an additional, discretionary award for this year: the 2021 AIALA Game Changer, awarded to SoFi Stadium designed by HKS, Inc. The complete class of 2021 AIALA Presidential Honorees is: Gold Medal: Lorcan O’Herlihy, FAIA (Founder, Design Principal – Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects [LOHA]) Building Team: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures* Emerging Practice: Clay Holden, AIA – Clay Holden Architects Emerging Practice: Oonagh Ryan, AIA – ORA Game Changer: SoFi Stadium* 25-Year Award: Japanese American National Museum Citizen Architect: Renee Dake Wilson, AIA Robert Kennard, FAIA Award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity: Drake Dillard, AIA, NOMAC Educator: D. Michael Hamner, FAIA, NCARB – Professor, Chair, East Los Angeles College, Department of Architecture Merry Norris Design Advocate, Developer: People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) Merry Norris Design Advocate, Developer: Venice Community Housing Merry Norris Design Advocate, Builder: Bernards Community Contribution: SoCal NOMA Project Pipeline Honorary AIALA: Emmanuelle Bourlier, Hon. AIALA Honorary AIALA: Nabih Youssef, S.E., Hon. AIALA The Merry Norris Design Advocate, Builder award goes to Bernards, an employee owned builder and construction management company that contributes to the profession of architecture by meticulously realizing complex projects. Bernards has gone to herculean efforts to manage multifaceted large or progressive projects. Click here to view press release online This L.A. Project Shows that Homeless Housing Can be Done Quickly and Cheaply A new axiom for homeless housing units