AIA California Council bestows top honors on two L.A. firms
By Antonio Pacheco
The Architect's Newspaper
6 March 2018
Photo courtesy of Courtesy Mitsui Fudosan America/Johnson Fain
Image: Johnson Fain’s 42-story 8th & Figueroa tower. 

Architecture firm Johnson Fain, founded by College of Environmental Design alumni Scott Johnson, FAIA (B.Arch '72), and William H. Fain, Jr., FAIA (B.Arch '68), was recognized last month by the American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC) with one of the council’s most prestigious awards, the Firm Award.

The Firm Award is the highest honor the AIACC can bestow on an architectural firm, and is intended for firms that have consistently produced distinguished architecture for a period of at least 10 years. The award also recognizes mentoring, continued collaboration among individuals and significant contributions made by the firm to the profession in areas of design, research, planning, technology, practice and innovation. This year’s award honored Johnson Fain for “the practice’s 28-year track record of delivering thoughtful and diverse project types while also praising the company’s enriched office culture as reasons for bestowing the honor.”

“How they blur lines between personal and business is inspirational. They seem to be cornering a niche on the work/life balance for their employees and it shows in their innovative work,” said an unnamed AIACC juror in regards to the Johnson Fain amenities. Included in those amenities are watercolor classes and in-studio yoga sessions.

Johnson Fain has had a busy start to the year as the firm works on a variety of high-profile projects across Southern California, including a 42-story tower in Downtown Los Angeles, a renovation of Philip Johnson’s Crystal Cathedral in Orange County, and a 355-unit mid-rise apartment complex in L.A.’s historic center.

In addition to Johnson Fain, the AIACC also awarded Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects (LOHA) its Distinguished Practice Award.