The AIA Los Angeles (AIA|LA) proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Design Awards, celebrated this evening at the remarkable Eric Owen Moss designed (W)rapper building, on the 9th floor, transformed for the occasion into a theatre-style setting and a sleek red club overlooking the Los Angeles skyline. The event opened with a stirring performance by the Los Angeles County Fire Department Pipes & Drums and offered an opportunity to elevate the city’s architecture while honoring the everyday heroes who keep it safe.
Jurors Recognized Design Excellence
Selected from among peer-leaders in architecture and design, this year’s jurors included:
Built Category:
· Marlene Imirzian FAIA (Imirzian Architects),
· Charles Dilworth LEED AP (Dilworth Allies), and
· David A. Rubin PLA CPRP FASLA FAAR (David Rubin Land Collective).
Unbuilt “Next LA” Category:
· Jennifer Siegal, Principal and Founder (Office of Mobile Design)
· Michael Bulander AIA LEED AP (HED)
Gold Medal Recipients + Board of Directors Awards
In a highlight of the evening, AIA|LA’s highest honor—the Gold Medal Award—was presented to Alice Kimm FAIA and John Friedman FAIA of JFAK Architects. “Their work, leadership and body of influence underscore why Los Angeles remains one of the world’s most relevant creative capitals”, said Chava Danielson, AIA, 2025 AIA|LA President. The event also recognized the Board of Directors Awards winners — celebrating the service and dedication of projects, organizations and individuals who advance the profession.
A City at Its Best — And Ready for 2028
“I’m proud to say that the Design Awards prove Los Angeles still has the juice. We are one of the most relevant creative capitals in the world, and we are certainly ready to make sure we show a city at its best for the 2028 Olympics,” said Carlo Caccavale, Hon. AIA|LA, Executive Director of AIA|LA.
About the Event
Hosted atop one of LA’s most discussed buildings, the night offered sweeping views of the city while placing design center-stage. The architecture-celebration included thanks to the firefighters whose vigilance allows the city to live and build freely. Event MCing was led by ByDesign producer & presenter Mike Chapman, radio personalities Madeleine Brand and Frances Anderton, Hon. AIA|LA and emerging designers Athenna Ann Lim and Marco Zhou, Assoc. AIA—each bringing unique voice and energy to the evening.
About AIA|LA Design Awards
The annual AIA|LA Design Awards celebrate innovation, sustainability and design excellence in built and unbuilt work in Los Angeles and beyond. This year’s program introduced a new category: Resilient Architecture, honoring projects that respond to natural disasters and climate realities.
DESIGN AWARDS WINNERS HERE
NEXT LA WINNERS HERE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS HERE
About AIA|LA
The American Institute of Architects Los Angeles chapter (AIA|LA) supports architects and design professionals throughout the region, promoting excellence in the built environment and fostering a strong, inclusive architectural community. With initiatives that reach beyond architecture into policy, advocacy, and community engagement, AIA|LA strives to elevate the role of design in building a better Los Angeles.
For more information about AIA|LA and the Center for Communities, please visit www.aialosangeles.org
