Several Santa Monica Projects Victorious at 54th L.A. Architectural Awards

The Event, Held at the Beverly Hilton, Drew Over 450 Architects, Designers, Developers, and Officials

Several Santa Monica buildings were recognized at the 54th annual Los Angeles Architectural Awards, hosted by the Los Angeles Business Council on October 18. 

The awards honor projects that blend creative design with community impact, focusing on developments that promote sustainability and inclusivity. This year’s winners from Santa Monica—1550 Lincoln, Santa Monica College’s Math & Science Building, West Edge, and Echelon Studios—demonstrated excellence across various categories, reflecting the city’s evolving architectural landscape.

The event, held at the Beverly Hilton, drew over 450 architects, designers, developers, and officials. LABC President Mary Leslie emphasized that this year’s honorees were recognized for advancing Los Angeles’ creative legacy while fostering vibrant community spaces. “From renewing entertainment venues and creative workspaces to reimagining parks, schools, and housing, our honorees exemplify the power of architecture to serve the public good,” she said.

Among the honorees, 1550 Lincoln stood out for its sustainable design. The mixed-use project, developed by Madison Realty Capital and designed by KFA Architecture, features energy-efficient systems and materials, as well as landscaped common areas that enhance the surrounding community. The building exemplifies how sustainable architecture can be integrated into the urban environment while still maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Santa Monica College’s Math & Science Building, currently under construction, was recognized for its role in advancing STEM education. Designed by Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign, the 110,000-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for collaboration and innovation on campus. Targeting LEED Gold certification, the project aims to address lab space shortages and foster a wellness-focused academic environment.

Another highlight was West Edge, a transit-oriented, mixed-use development that combines office, retail, and residential spaces. The project was developed by Hines and designed by Gensler, AC Martin, and RIOS. It features 600 luxury apartments, 217,000 square feet of office space, and 80,000 square feet of retail, alongside a vibrant open-air plaza. The development was lauded for its ability to create a dynamic, multi-use space that encourages both business and community engagement.

Echelon Studios, which received the Community Impact Award, offers a modern take on the traditional Hollywood production lot. Designed by RIOS, the 466,000-square-foot campus reinvents studio space by integrating vertically stacked sound stages with creative office spaces. The design, focused on efficiency and creativity, addresses the evolving needs of the entertainment industry while honoring Hollywood’s legacy.

The Los Angeles Architectural Awards, which reviewed hundreds of entries, aim to highlight projects that not only showcase architectural innovation but also serve the broader community.