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L.A. Business Council’s 55th LABC Architectural Awards Honors Community-Based Groups Leading Fire Recovery

via Business Wire

Andy Cohen, Global Co-Chair of Gensler, receives Legacy Award for 45 years of service;

LACMA, Intuit Dome, and LAX/Metro Transit Center take top design honors

The Los Angeles Business Council today announced the winners of LABC’S 55th Architectural Awards, honoring organizations that are uniting Angelenos around wildfire recovery and rebuilding and celebrating innovative designs that reflect the region’s leadership in culture, sports and mobility.

Over 500 leading architects, designers, building owners, developers, and city and state officials attended the awards ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire. Winners were selected by a jury panel of industry experts, including architects, construction firms, owners, and developers from a pool of hundreds of submissions.

Recognizing that the greatest local architecture and planning challenge is recovering from the Eaton and Palisades fires, the LABC jury made an unprecedented decision to recognize 19 local organizations with the Community Impact Award. These grassroots groups and charitable organizations are taking the lead in helping rebuild communities, lives, homes, schools, and businesses devastated by the January fires.

The award was accepted by L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger, whose district includes Altadena; L.A. City Councilmember Traci Park, who represents the Pacific Palisades; and Miguel Santana, CEO of the California Community Foundation, which has raised $100 million to support the recovery effort and was one of the organizations honored.

“I would like to thank the LABC, my fellow honorees, and the thousands of Angelenos who have mobilized to support each other in the aftermath of this tragedy,” Santana said. “Our collective work is helping communities heal and restoring hope as we strive to not only rebuild, but rebuild better.”

“Today’s recognition underscores the strength and resilience of communities that refuse to be defined by disaster,” said Supervisor Barger. “These organizations stepped up to support Altadena when it mattered most, helping individuals and families rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. I am proud to stand alongside them as we continue driving a recovery worthy of the residents we serve.”

“It has been inspiring to work alongside so many committed Angelenos who are proving that no matter how difficult this recovery may be, it will be community-led and government supported and achieved through broad collaboration,” Councilmember Park added.

More than 46 awards were presented, with the Grand Prize Award going to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for the David Geffen Galleries and the Chairman’s Award going to the LAX/Metro Transit Center and Intuit Dome.

“This year we are honoring projects that are building – and rebuilding – a Los Angeles that puts community first,” said LABC President Mary Leslie. “From grassroots organizations working on the ground in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades to world-class cultural, sports, and transit venues, our award winners demonstrate the determination to showcase Los Angeles for the World Cup and Olympics in the near term and create a bright, sustainable, and shared long-term future.”

Keynote speaker Andy Cohen, Global Co-Chair and former Co-CEO of Gensler, was honored with the Legacy Award. Over his remarkable 45-year career, Cohen has led award-winning projects that have reshaped skylines and strengthened communities from Los Angeles to Shanghai. Under his leadership, Gensler grew into one of the world’s largest and most respected architecture firms, with more than 6,500 employees across 57 offices in 18 countries. Guided by a deep commitment to innovative design that advances sustainability, equity, and resilience, Cohen has also been a dedicated member of LABC, mentoring a new generation of architects and serving as a civic leader—most recently through his efforts to support communities affected by the wildfires.

“I am humbled and honored to receive the LABC Legacy Award,” Cohen said. “LABC's leadership has made a profound impact on Los Angeles, and I feel privileged to have been involved with this phenomenal, trend-setting organization for 35 years.”

The Grand Prize-winning David Geffen Galleries will mark the culmination of two decades of transformation on LACMA’s campus. The building’s organic form and naturally lit exhibition hall spanning Wilshire Boulevard will create a cultural and civic hub that reimagines the museum experience.

The Chairman’s Award was presented to two major projects that will deliver enormous community benefits: the LAX/Metro Transit Center and Intuit Dome. More than 50 years in the making, the LAX/Metro Transit Center is a milestone in sustainable and equitable transportation in Los Angeles. The station is already a hub for Metro light rail and bus lines and will provide the first mass transit link to Los Angeles International Airport when the Automated People Mover begins service in 2026.

Nearby in Inglewood, the Intuit Dome sets a new benchmark for innovation in sports architecture. The home of the L.A. Clippers, the project combines sustainable state-of-the-art design with public spaces and amenities, and a community benefits program that supports local small businesses, affordable housing, and youth education through a skilled trades program in partnership with the Inglewood Unified School District.

“The LAX/Metro Transit Center and Intuit Dome demonstrate how thoughtful design, environmental stewardship, and commitment to community access can foster connection and contribute to a thriving urban environment,” said LABC Chair David Nahai. “This year, we’re proud to honor an unprecedented group of projects and organizations that exemplify the architectural excellence and community spirit that define Los Angeles.”

For a full list of winners and photos of this year’s winning projects, please visit the Los Angeles Business Council website at labusinesscouncil.org.

About the Los Angeles Business Council

The Los Angeles Business Council is one of the most effective and influential advocacy and educational organizations in California. For over 70 years, the LABC has had a major impact on public policy by harnessing the power of business and government to promote environmental and economic sustainability in the Los Angeles region. To learn more, please visit labusinesscouncil.org.

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