Southern California
This time last year there seemed to be nothing more consequential on everyone's minds than awaiting the conclusion of 2020 and counting down to New Year's Eve in anticipation of a better year ahead. And, while we did not rid ourselves of COVID 19 in 2021, we are learning to live with it. After a trying year causing everyone to retreat to our home screens and endless Zoom meetings, the focus for the Chapter in 2021 was to re-energize an environment of connection moving forward. Southern California did not give up the new world of Zoom altogether; therefore, the Chapter did continue to host some virtual webinars in the first six months of the year. With the anticipation of being able to get vaccines, the Chapter's leadership took a leap of faith, deciding to move forward in person with one of the Chapter's biggest signature events.
Quality-of-Life Design Awards
Having postponed from 2020, the Chapter moved forward with the Quality-of-Life Design Awards on Thursday evening, September 30. Just over 200 members, colleagues and other allied professionals attended the biennial event on the Water Court Plaza at the Omni Hotel in Los Angeles. What seemingly was the last perfect summer evening, the event couldn't have been more spectacular! Over 50 projects from members and firms were awarded, including an award for Public Stewardship presented to the Mountains Recreation Conservation Authority (MRCA) and a new award for the Equitable Communities Champion which was presented to Kounkuey Design Initiative. As always, the event was videotaped. The Chapter wants to thank Team PMP and Pulse Staging, producer of extraordinary award events for the building industry. To view the videotape, project winners and download photos from the evening's event, click https://socal-asla.org/2021-design-awards.
2021 ASLA Student Honor and Merit Awards