AIA San Francisco Honors 2025 Design Awards Recipients
SAN FRANCISCO – April 25, 2025 – AIA San Francisco (AIASF) honored outstanding achievements in architecture and design at the 2025 Design Awards Ceremony, held on Thursday, April 24, at the Herbst Theatre in the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center. Archer Firouzi, founder of Archiffects, emceed the event, which opened with remarks delivered by Max Darrow, an Emmy Award-winning multimedia journalist and weekend anchor at KPIX.
The AIASF Design Awards program celebrates the transformative power of architecture—its ability to foster innovation, enrich the human experience, and elevate the public realm. Through this annual recognition, AIASF continues to advocate for design excellence as a catalyst for a more inclusive, sustainable, and inspiring future.
This year’s awards showcased a wide range of exemplary projects—from community-focused civic spaces to inventive residential and commercial environments—that reflect the Bay Area’s leadership in design. Honorees were selected for their contributions to innovation, sustainability, and social impact.
The 2025 Design Awards jury included Catherine Baker, FAIA, of Nowhere Collaborative; Frederick Fisher, AIA, of Frederick Fisher and Partners; Jeremy Knoll, AIA, of BNIM; Vikram Sami, AIA, of Olson Kundig; and Andrew Wells, FAIA, of Dake Wells Architecture.
Design Awards recipients included: Aidlin Darling Design; Champlin Architecture; David Baker Architects; Dumican Mosey Architects; EHDD; Faulkner Architects; Flad Architects; Gensler; Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning; Mark Cavagnero Associates; Min Design; NBBJ; Perkins&Will; RO | ROCKETT DESIGN; SITELAB urban studio; SmithGroup; SOM; Studio Gang; Studio Terpeluk; TEF Design; and Sovann Muni Visal Lay.
For the complete list of winning projects, visit: aiasf.org/2025-design-awards.
Presented alongside the Design Awards, the 2025 AIASF Leadership Awards honored individuals and firms whose work has significantly advanced the profession, architectural education, and public engagement.
The 2025 Leadership Awards jury included Yakuh Askew, AIA, of Y.A. studio; William Leddy, FAIA, of Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects; and Karen Seong, AIA, of the Academy of Art University.
Leadership Award honorees included Adrianne Steichen, FAIA, who received the inaugural Marsha Maytum Citizen Architect Award for her enduring commitment to housing advocacy, public-interest architecture, and community service; Mike Martin, FAIA, recipient of the Sandra I. Vivanco Education Award, recognized for his legacy as a mentor and educator who has shaped generations of architects; and Zack | DeVito Architecture, which received the Firm Achievement Award for their design excellence, mentorship, and meaningful engagement with the local design community.
The Emerging Professional Awards were presented to Julia Weatherspoon, AIA; Kevin Riley, AIA; and Madhubala Ayyamperumal, Assoc. AIA, for their leadership in advocacy, mentorship, and program development. The Student Award was presented to the Stay Over Project Team from the Academy of Art University for their empathetic and impactful design of mobile beds for a school-based family shelter in San Francisco’s Mission District.
In addition, AIASF recognized the 2024 Emerging Leader Scholarship recipients: Annette Ho from the University of California, Berkeley; Natalie Schtakleff from California College of the Arts; and Tri Vu from City College of San Francisco. These students were selected for their academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to shaping the future of the built environment.
“These awards not only celebrate exceptional design, but also highlight the creativity and dedication driving our profession,” said Stacy Williams, Executive Director of AIA San Francisco. “We are proud to recognize the people, firms, projects that are shaping a more vibrant and thoughtful built environment—one that reflects the needs, values, and aspirations of our communities.”
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About AIA San Francisco | AIASF.ORG
Since 1882, the American Institute of Architects, San Francisco (AIASF) has represented architects and building industry professionals in San Francisco and Marin County. In 2023, AIASF opened The Center for Architecture + Design in the historic Hallidie Building, becoming the Bay Area’s hub for architecture and design.
As one of the largest AIA (American Institute of Architects) chapters in the US, AIASF is a vital resource for architects, allied members, and the public. Our mission is to connect, elevate, and advocate for our members who create resilient, inclusive, and thriving built environments.