Congratulations to the 2026 Jury Winners
Architecture
Award of Excellence – Cardinal Child Development Center (LPA Design Studios)
Outstanding Award – UC San Diego, Ridge Walk North Living and Learning Neighborhood (Hensel Phelps + EYRC + HMC Architects)
Honor Award – MiraCosta College Health and Wellness Hub (HMC Architects)
Residential Architecture
Award of Excellence – Thunderbird Cuatro (o2 Architecture)
Outstanding Award – Rancho Uno (o2 Architecture)
Honor Award – Desert Breeze at Sandpiper (H3K Home & Design)
Unbuilt Architecture
Award of Excellence – SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library (CannonDesign)
Outstanding Award – San Benito High School District New High School #2 (HMC Architects)
Honor Award – Rosena Ranch Fire Station (CannonDesign)
Best of Show
Cardinal Child Development Center (LPA Design Studios)
Congratulations to the 2026 Member’s Choice Winners
Architecture
Irvine Unified School District, Greentree Elementary New Treehouse Multipurpose Building (HMC Architects)
Residential Architecture
Thunderbird Cuatro (o2 Architecture)
Unbuilt Architecture
San Benito High School District New High School #2 (HMC Architects)
Best of Show
UC San Diego, Ridge Walk North Living and Learning Neighborhood (Hensel Phelps + EYRC + HMC Architects)
About the Design Awards
The Clare Henry Day, FAIA - AIAIC Biennial Design Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in architecture and design throughout the Inland California and Desert chapter regions. Held biennially by AIA Inland California, the program recognizes projects that demonstrate exceptional design excellence, innovation, technical achievement, and positive impact on the built environment. Inspired by the legacy of Clare Henry Day, FAIA, a respected architect and civic leader whose work helped shape the Inland Empire, the awards honor projects that elevate communities and exemplify the highest standards of the profession.
The awards provide an opportunity to showcase the creativity, vision, and expertise of architects and design teams working across a wide range of project types and scales.
Entries are evaluated by a distinguished jury of architects from across the United States, bringing a national perspective to the recognition of regional work. Winning projects reflect excellence in design, functionality, sustainability, and their contribution to the quality of life within the communities they serve.
The awards culminate in a presentation and reception where design professionals, clients, students, community leaders, and industry partners come together to celebrate architectural excellence and the enduring impact of design in Inland California.
Meet the 2026 Design Awards Jury
Deirdre “Dee” Leclair, AIA, NCARB -
Atlanta, Georgia | SSOE Group
Senior leader specializing in complex project delivery, multidisciplinary design leadership, and strategic planning. Dee is recognized for her commitment to mentorship and advancing opportunities for women in architecture and engineering.
Elizabeth Camargo, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP
Miami, Florida | EC Architecture + Design
Founder and Principal of EC Architecture + Design. Elizabeth is nationally recognized for community-centered design, sustainability, and advocacy for diversity within the profession.
Douglass Lacy Alligood, Jr., FAIA
New York, New York | AlligoodSong Architecture
Founding Principal of AlligoodSong Architecture and member of the AIA College of Fellows. Doug returned to serve as a juror for a second Design Awards cycle, bringing nationally recognized expertise in design excellence, educational leadership, and equity in architecture.
Joshua Flowers, FAIA, Esq.
Nashville, Tennessee | Gresham Smith
2025–2026 Secretary of the American Institute of Architects, architect, attorney, and national leader in professional practice.
Krystyn Haecker, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Houston, Texas | Mirador Group / Vedetta Design
Leader in corporate, hospitality, and mixed-use design known for creating people-centered environments.
Kenneth J. Filarski, FAIA
Providence, Rhode Island | Filarski Architecture + Planning + Research
Nationally respected architect, planner, and preservation specialist whose career has focused on architecture, culture, and community.
Megan Harte, AIA, NCARB, EDAC, LEED AP
La Grange, Illinois | 845 Design Group
Principal specializing in evidence-based healthcare design.