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American Institute Of Architects Santa Barbara Design Awards Exhibition
Reception: First Thursday, February 5th, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Event Location: Faulkner Gallery, 40 E Anapamu St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Open to the Public: Thursday Feb 5 – Friday Feb 27, 2026
Reception: First Thursday – Feb 5, 2026 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Experience the artistry and vision of contemporary architecture at the AIA Santa Barbara Design Awards 2025 Exhibition, opening this February at the Faulkner Gallery. This distinguished showcase invites the public to engage with the region’s most celebrated architectural achievements and gain insight into how exceptional design shapes the spaces we inhabit.
Presented by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Santa Barbara Chapter, the exhibition features submissions from this year’s awards and winners, which were announced on December 4, 2025. From elegantly crafted residences to groundbreaking commercial projects, each design reflects a thoughtful synthesis of creativity, craftsmanship, and architectural vision. Visitors are invited to meet the architects and learn about the methodology and process behind their acclaimed work.
The 2025 jury was comprised of Annie Chu, FAIA, NCIDQ, WELL AP, a renowned architect and co-founder of Chu-Gooding; Duncan Paterson, Principal, Studio Leader, and Design Director at Gensler; and George Proctor, AIA, Professor in the Architecture Department at Cal Poly Pomona. One project received the Honor award, three projects were recognized with Merit, and nine projects earned Honorable Mention.
Matt Gries, 2025 President of AIA Santa Barbara, stated: “The AIA Santa Barbara Design Awards represent more than just a tradition; they are a celebration of architectural progress. Our upcoming Faulkner Gallery exhibit will capture the artistry, innovation, and relentless dedication our members bring to shaping the environment around us.”
The following firms and projects received awards:
Honor Award
- Michael Burch Architects Santa Barbara Heritage: Casa Paz
Merit Awards
- Kupiec Architects Commercial Buildings: Hollister Industrial Campus
- Kupiec Architects Conservation Project: Ojai Playhouse
- DMHA Architecture + Interior Design Conservation Projects: Hotel Santa Barbara
Honorable Mention Awards
- Blackbird Architects Commercial Buildings: Library & Inquiry Hub
- Winick Architects Commercial Interiors: Louis Vuitton Wynn
- agps architecture Mixed Use and Multifamily Residential: 99 Cent Space
- Barton Myers Single Family Residential: Recreation Pavilion
- Marmol Radziner Single Family Residential: Toro Canyon Residence
- William Henfer Single Family Residential: San Ysidro Retreat
- Warner Group Architects Proposed and Unbuilt Projects: Hillcrest
- AB Design Studio Proposed and Unbuilt Projects: Axis
- Schwaller Studio Architecture Proposed and Unbuilt Projects: Canyon of Light
High Resolution Photos Can Be Found Here
https://drive.google.com/
About AIA
Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. For more information, visit www.aia.org.
The AIA Santa Barbara Design Awards 2026 Exhibition is open to the public from February 5 through February 27, 2026. Whether you are a design enthusiast or new to the world of architecture, this exhibition offers an inspiring look at how architecture can transform the spaces we live, work, and gather in.
