San Francisco, California—David Baker Architects received the 2020 AIA California Firm Award, announced David Baker, FAIA, principal of the firm. Each year, the American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIA CA), gives this award to a firm that has consistently produced distinguished architecture for a period of at least 10 years. AIA CA recognized the firm not only for the quality of its work, but also for its impact-driven design philosophy dedicated to helping solve the housing crisis.
DBA is a collaborative firm with a focus on equity and social justice in both their practice and their firm culture. Over the past four decades, DBA has assembled an outstanding body of work with a focus on the design of affordable, sustainable housing that fosters a strong sense of community. Their work has received more than 400 design awards, with 38 from the AIA. The firm has grown in size and impact, expanding with national projects and a southeastern office.
Notable projects include Five88, 200 workforce housing units in San Francisco; 222 Taylor, 113 units of affordable family housing in San Francisco; Lakeside Senior Apartments, 92 units of supportive senior housing in Oakland; Williams Terrace, 41 units of independent housing for low-income seniors in Charleston, South Carolina; Potrero 1010, 453 units of mixed-income housing in San Francisco; and Harmon Guest House, a 39-room boutique hotel in Healdsburg, California.
The AIA CA awards jury consisted of Debra Gerod, FAIA, partner of Gruen Associates and president of AIA California; Kelly M. Farrell, AIA, president and CEO of CallisonRTKL; and Randy Regier, AIA, principal and chairman of the board of Taylor Design.
About AIA CA
Founded in 1944, AIA CA represents the interests of more than 11,000 architects and allied professionals in California. AIA CA’s mission, in collaboration with local components, is dedicated to serving its members, advancing the value of architects, and improving the quality of the built environment. Today, AIA CA is the largest component of the national AIA organization.
About David Baker Architects
Founded in 1982, David Baker Architects is a progressive architecture firm located in San Francisco, Oakland, and Birmingham, Alabama, that has become well known for combining social concern with a signature design character. A leader in affordable and market-rate housing, mixed-use projects, and sustainability, the firm has received more than 400 local and national architectural design awards and honors, including several national AIA/HUD Secretary’s Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing Design, two AIA COTE Top 10 Awards, the AIA Housing Award, an EPA Smart Growth Achievement Award, the 2012 Distinguished Practice Honor Award from the AIA California Council, and several ULI Global Awards for Excellence. The firm’s portfolio also includes commercial and retail projects, interior architecture, fabrication, and urban design.
