More than 36 design project teams earned accolades at the 45th annual Los Angeles Architectural Awards on June 18, with many of the leading projects taking into account California's drought and its implications. The LADWP Community Impact Award Landscape Design Competition further highlighted conservation-focused design, awarding winners in residential, commercial and industrial categories for blending both environmental sustainability and aesthetic sensibility.

Interiors winner: Legendary Entertainment

Interiors winner: Smashbox Studios

The overall Grand Prize went to the project team behind the restoration of the iconic Hollyhock House, which included City of Los Angeles architects and contractors. Located in East Hollywood’s Barnsdall Art Park, the home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1919 and has been designated a National Historic Landmark and nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  In addition to addressing seismic issues, water leaks and damage, and the foundation settlement, the team continues to restore and preserve historical architectural features including the living room, dining room, porch and garage. Other honored projects include Brooks Watershed and Green Residence in Venice; Doheny Residences, a mixed-use 50-unit residential project; and the 8th and Hope Residential Tower in downtown L.A., among others, while notable Interiors winners included Legendary, an entertainment and media company designed with an Old Hollywood aesthetic exemplified by a dramatic two-story city view; and Smashbox Studios, a Gensler project designed with a newly reimagined, focal-point lobby.

Emerging talents were also invited to take part in the festivities, with a design contest for students at the top six architecture schools in L.A. The students participated in a two-week competition to develop design for the South L.A. Wetland Park Facility. Cal Poly Pomona was selected as this year’s winner, while the team from the Southern California Institute of Architecture won honorable mention.