Architect Detty Peikert, AIA, has received the 2022 Lutah Maria Riggs Presidents Award that annually recognizes an AIA Santa Barbara member or firm whose work, community service and civic engagement have had a lasting influence for the betterment of Santa Barbara’s built environment.

Recipients must have both a body of distinguished architectural design and a history of advocacy for community architectural engagement in the area.

Peikert was presented with the honor at the annual AIASB Design Awards gala Dec. 1.

Over the past 40 years of professional practice as an architect in Santa Barbara, Peikert has been dedicated to serving the community by advocating for sustainable design, affordable housing, livable communities, and a vision for the future of Santa Barbara’s downtown.

As a natural addition to his architecture roots, he has also acted as general partner in developing a number of affordable housing projects for low-income families. This strength of experience enhances the services he provides for his clients and in advocating for the Santa Barbara community, AIASB said.

His legacy involves numerous local residential, commercial and civic projects that will benefit residents and visitors for decades to come.

“For me, the most important thing is to do work that is socially relevant, improves our communities, and improves the lives of the members within those communities.” Peikert said.

Beyond the depth of his professional expertise and impact on the Santa Barbara community, Peikert is a calm force with both heart and hand focused on prioritizing human rights and social justice through quality design.

Peikert has been an active board member of AIA Santa Barbara for more than 36 years and continues to work as co-chair of the AIASB advocacy committee on issues of importance to architects and the Santa Barbara community.