Southern California Development Forum capped off 2019 with an exceptional awards luncheon where we recognized some of the greatest local achievements in the areas of design and philanthropy. This was truly the icing on the cake for a wonderful 2019, and leaves us excited for what’s to come in 2020. SCDF prides itself in bringing members of the development community together, while also honoring local charities who do their best to make Southern California an even better place to live. From architects to developers to business executives, and more, our events serve as a way to connect passionate and visionary individuals to one another.

This year’s 2019 Design & Philanthropy Awards were held at a local landmark, the beautiful and historic California Club in downtown Los Angeles. While many development projects took home awards, we also recognized two philanthropies, School on Wheels, and Students4Students. Both philanthropic organizations are dedicated to fighting homelessness across Southern California. SCDF awarded each organization with a $22,500 check to aid in the furthering of their charitable missions. We also recognized Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, as this year’s winner of the William Feathers Award of Distinction.

School on Wheels

Schools on Wheels is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization founded by a retired schoolteacher who witnessed firsthand the unique challenges faced by homeless students. At the time of it’s founding, up until current day, Schools on Wheels is the only organization in Southern California dedicated exclusively to the educational needs of this marginalized population. The driving force behind Schools on Wheels’ are the volunteer tutors who come from all backgrounds and professions. The common goal of all tutors is to reach out to a child, to teach, mentor, or otherwise assist in their educational life. The services provided by volunteers is intended to enhance educational opportunities for children from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Students4Students

Students 4 Students, also a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) serves a similar cause, but for college students. This organization is devoted to the establishment and promotion of collaborative shelters for college students. Each shelter is also run by college students who wish to support their peers that might be experiencing homelessness. The model is also shared with institutions of higher learning, student groups, and faith-based organizations who want to participate in the cause. The program aims to empower student volunteers to become the next generation of philanthropists and community service leaders. For those receiving services, the goal of the program is to assist homeless students in determining their own path by way of their ambition and education, rather than their unfortunate circumstances.

Homeboy Industries – William Feathers Award of Distinction

Homeboy Industries is the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world. Father Boyle formed Homeboy after witnessing the ravaging effects of gang violence and mass incarceration while serving at Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, the peak of Los Angeles gang activity. Father Boyle began implementing what would later come to be known as Homeboy Industries in 1988. Through this organization, he oversees the employment, training and social services for former gang members as they reintegrate into society. Father Boyle has authored a 2010 New York Times bestseller, “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. He also published a second book in 2017, “Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship.” In addition, Boyle has received the California Peace Prize and has been inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

And last but not least, we also recognized a number of stunning projects which serve as exemplary models of design across Southern California. See the full list of winning projects and their categories below.

2019 Project Winners

Adaptive Reuse / Renovation / Preservation

1.    RCH Studios for The Music Center Plaza Renovation (Merit)
2.    Lehrer Architects LA for the Studio-MLA Office and Plaza (Merit)
3.   KFA Architecture for NoMad Hotel Los Angeles (Honor)

Civic

1.    RADAR, Inc. for Libros Schmibros Lending Library (Honor)

2.    KFA Architecture for Los Angeles LGBT Center, Anita May Rosenstein Campus (Merit)

Commercial Mixed Use

1.    RCH Studios for FLIGHT at Tustin (Honor)

2.    Gensler/AECOM Hunt for LAFC Performance Center (Merit)

Education

1.    CO Architects for Cal Poly Pomona Student Services Building (Honor)

Interior Architecture

1.    Belzberg Architects for USC Shoah Foundation, The Institute for Visual History and Education Global Headquarters (Merit) 

2.    Rottet Studio, LLC for Paradigm Talent Agency (Honor)

Multifamily Residence

1.    KFA Architecture for Blue Hibiscus (Merit)

2.    KFA Architecture for Pico Eleven (Honor)

Single Family Residence

1.    Clive Wilkinson Architects for West Los Angeles Residence (Honor)

2.    Assembledge+ for Laurel Hills House (Merit)

Technological Innovation

1.    Structural Focus for May Company Façade Rehabilitation, Academy of Motion Pictures (Merit)

2.    C.W. Driver and Integral Group for Cal Poly Pomona Student Services Building (Merit)

Unbuilt/Concept

1.    Lehrer Architects LA for Los Angeles – Glendale Water Reclamation Facility (Merit)

2.    HDR, Inc. for West Los Angeles District Power Year (Merit)

3.    Moore Rubell Yudell and HED for Santa Monica High School Discovery Building (Merit)

4.    HDR, Inc. for Orange County Sanitation District Headquarters Complex (Honor)

Urban Design/Planning

1.    Wolcott Architecture for Von Karman Creative Campus (Merit)