Three tenacious women, graduates of La Cocina, a business incubator supporting low-income women food-entrepreneurs from communities of color, have brought El Pípila to life. The entirely pro-bono design effort moves beyond stereotypical translations of Mexican culture and cuisine by reinterpreting its vibrancy and quality of light in a modern way.

The jury relished the resolution of the program, from the clarity and confidence of the approach, through the lovely lighting and minimal details, to the way the space engages with the street. The material selection is thoughtful and the execution is restrained. The jury especially appreciated the important narrative of the project and its arc from the client through to the execution. This project should serves as an example to other clients and firms, and provides a branded template for a replicable approach that can be re-applied in diverse spaces to energize communities.