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Design Awards

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DISCOVER THE 2025 RECIPIENTS


The AIA California Design Awards strives to promote, recognize, publicize, and celebrate the value exceptional design has on the fabric of society. Whether it is a large, multi-residential affordable housing project, or a small public work, submit the work.

Each project is recognized for design excellence, as defined by the American Institute of Architects’ Framework for Design Excellence principles, leading to a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment.

Recipients are recognized at three different levels (from highest): Honor Awards, Merit Awards, and Citations.

//2025 DESIGN AWARD RECIPIENTS

//jury

Bisi Williams

Bisi Williams

Co-Founder and Chief Insights and Analytics Officer of Massive Change Network (MCN)
Co-Founder and Chief Insights and Analytics Officer of Massive Change Network (MCN), Aiyemobisi “Bisi” Williams is a global thought leader who is deeply curious about the socio-emotional effects of how change is embraced and absorbed. Bisi’s unique design approach holistically bridges the worlds of data, stories and the humanities to probe new ways of thinking and doing. Known for her fact-based optimism in the healthcare space, Bisi co-hosts “Health2049,” a groundbreaking research podcast that invites experts to share their visions for the future of health and wellness. Currently in its third season, the podcast has been downloaded in over 60 countries.
Christopher Roach, AIA

Christopher Roach, AIA

Principal, CFO of Studio VARA
Christopher is a San Francisco-based architect and urbanist with over 25 years of professional experience and a deep commitment to both the craft and the intellectual ambition of architecture. Before co-founding Studio VARA with Maura Fernández Abernethy, Christopher worked at several notable offices in San Francisco, Austin, Texas, and Germany, and has engaged with a wide range of projects types, from custom residences and affordable housing to commercial offices and academic institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture with Honors from the University of Texas at Austin, and Master of Architecture in Urban Design with distinction from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Christopher received several awards for his work at Harvard, including the Urban Design Thesis Prize and the Gerald M. McCue Medal.
Fred Clarke, FAIA, JIA, RIBA

Fred Clarke, FAIA, JIA, RIBA

Founder, Partner Emeritus at Pelli Clarke & Partners
Guided by Fred W. Clarke, Pelli Clarke & Partners transforms cities and communities worldwide through people-centered placemaking. In 1977, Fred cofounded the firm with Cesar Pelli, who he met while he was a student at the University of Texas at Austin. A passionate teacher and lifelong learner, Fred has been a faculty member at Yale University, Rice University, and UCLA. Fred is an active member of the architecture community, chairing international design juries and panels. He shares his ideas through a wide variety of publications and speaking events.
Ron Radziner, FAIA

Ron Radziner, FAIA

Architect & Design Partner at Marmol Radziner
Ron Radziner, FAIA, is an architect and Design Partner of Marmol Radziner, a design-build practice with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. Marmol Radziner is known for its innovative design approach and expertise in architecture, construction, landscape design, interior design, and the restoration of historic modern buildings. Ron leads the design of every project, overseeing the design and craft down to the final details of construction, creating new buildings that engage their natural surroundings. Ron reinvigorates the ideals of California Modernism by restoring Modern masterpieces and and developing design solutions that provide a unique architectural identity while forging strong connections between interior and exterior spaces, with an emphasis on outdoor spaces.
Vicki Yuan, AIA

Vicki Yuan, AIA

Associate Partner at Lake Flato Architects
Vicki Yuan is an Associate Partner at Lake Flato Architects, specializing in high end residential and hospitality projects that celebrate craftsmanship and connection to place. She enjoys a highly collaborative process between clients, design teams, and craftspeople, seeking unique solutions cultivated through these relationships. Vicki believes thoughtfully designed architecture elevates daily experiences and creates a timeless authenticity. Her recent work includes private residences in Colorado, South Carolina and Texas. Since joining Lake Flato in 2005, Vicki has become an invaluable leader, mentor, and culture-keeper of the firm. In addition to her professional work, Vicki is actively involved in the local arts and culture community in San Antonio.