Lutah Maria Riggs Presidents Award recipient Carl Palmer with his wife, Carrie Kappel, at the American Institute of Architects Santa Barbara’s annual Design Awards Holiday Gala. 
Outgoing board president Keith Rivera, left, with incoming board president Robert Ooley. 
Bob Kupiec with AIA chapter Executive Director Tara Rizzi. 
AIA members Janet Shotwell, left, and Karen Feeney help at the check-in table. 
Awards judge Milford Wayne Donaldson with his wife, Laurie. 
Architect Brian Cearnal with landscape architect Suzanne Van Atta. 
Architects Ken Radtke, left, and Paul Rupp. 
Pianist Anna Abbey performs during the social hour.
The American Institute of Architects Santa Barbara hosted its annual Design Awards Holiday Gala on Friday at the University Club in downtown Santa Barbara. The nearly 90-year-old organization honored the achievements of local architects and architecture.
Top event sponsors included Allen Construction, American Riviera Bank and AKA Architectural Lighting along with Taylor & Syfan, Arcadia Design Studio, Acme Architecture, CJM:LA, Arnold Brothers Construction Inc., Winick Architects and Kitchell Custom Homes.
“Thank you for such talented and active members,” outgoing board president Keith Rivera said.
Robert Ooley, newly elected president, said, “This is the second-oldest AIA chapter. We look forward to celebrating our 90th birthday next year.”
The annual event provided a showcase of AIA members’ contributions to the architectural legacy of Santa Barbara and the value of well-designed architecture to the community. Each entry was judged for inspiration, creative problem solving, environmental sensitivity and social response.
Award submissions were received from licensed architects in the Santa Barbara area as well as outside Santa Barbara for projects within the county, in the categories of Commercial, New Single Family Residential, Multi-Family Residential, Historic Preservation/Renovation, Santa Barbara Architectural Heritage, Small Projects: Single Family Residential Additions/Remodels/ADUs and Interior Architecture + Design.
For the first time, AIA Santa Barbara awarded student design awards to architectural drafting and design students at Santa Barbara City College for their classroom project designing accessory dwelling units. The winners were:
» Honor: Patricia Strong
» Merit: David Cornejo
» Honorable Mention: Christa Coski
Lutah Maria Riggs Presidents Award
Following the tragic events of the Thomas Fire and resulting Montecito debris flows, the 2018 Lutah Maria Riggs President Award was presented for outstanding community service. The AIA selected Carl Palmer, whose leadership, compassion and dedication contributed significantly to recovery in the wake of the catastrophe. He coordinated the AIA Community Recovery Team in response to the natural disasters. Palmer is the founder of LegacyWorks Group and has led innovative community impact initiatives for the past 17 years.
The Lutah Maria Riggs award was presented by Jason Wilson from sponsor American Riviera Bank.
“I accept this on behalf of those of you who stepped up to help — over 60 members helped,” Palmer said.
This year's AIA Santa Barbara Design Awards jury included architects Milford Wayne Donaldson, FAIA, Takashi Yanai, FAIA, and Douglas Ewing, FAIA, NCARB, WBFF.
The following firms were honored for their distinction in the Santa Barbara community within their respective categories.
Honor
» Autocamp Russian River Club House
Category: Commercial Buildings and Interiors
Anacapa Architecture
» HR 53 Guesthouse
Category: New Single Family Residential
Anacapa Architecture
Merit
» Hotel California
Category: HistoricPreservation/Renovation
DesignARC
» Castaway Commons
Category: Historic Preservation
Shubin Donaldson
» UCSB Tenaya Towers Student Housing
Category: Multi-Family Residential
SOM
» Holly Road Residence
Category:Interior Architecture
NMA Architects
» Alhecama Theatre
Category: Architectural Preservation/Renovation
Harrison Design
» Hind Hall, Music Academy of the West
Category: Architectural Heritage
PMSM
» HR 53 Guest House
Category: Interior Architecture
Anacapa Architecture
Honorable Mention
» SBCC West Campus Center
Category: Commercial Buildings and Interiors
KBZ Architects
» Juarez-Hosmer Adobe
Category: Historic Preservation/Renovation
AB Design Studio
» Hollister Ranch 77
Category: New Single Family Residential
Anacapa Architecture
» Skyline Residence
Category: New Single Family Residence
Shubin Donaldson
» Mayumi
Category: Multi-Family Residential
Shubin Donaldson
» Rincon Ranch
Category: New Single Family Residential
NMA Architects
Submissions of the 2018 Design Awards may be viewed at the Faulkner Gallery at the downtown Santa Barbara Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu St., in February and March. A First Thursday reception will be held Feb. 7.
Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects works to create more valuable, healthy, secure and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well-being. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct.
Click here for more information about AIA Santa Barbara.
— Noozhawk contributing writer Rochelle Rose can be reached at rrose@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkSociety, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Become a fan of Noozhawk on Facebook.