June 2026 (Los Angeles, CA) — The American Institute of Architects Los Angeles (AIA|LA) proudly announced the winners of the 2026 Residential Architecture Awards, celebrating the program’s 10th anniversary and recognizing excellence in residential design. More than 110 submissions were reviewed by an esteemed jury representing architecture, sustainability, and design leadership.
“Residential architecture is where innovation becomes deeply personal. Every home represents an opportunity to improve quality of life, strengthen communities, and respond creatively to today’s environmental and social challenges. These awards celebrate architects who continue to push the boundaries of residential design while creating places that are beautiful, resilient, and profoundly human,” said Carlo Caccavale, Hon. AIA|LA, Executive Director of AIA Los Angeles.
The Climate Positive Honor Award was received by a Souther California Certified Passive House Project: “Small-Scale Density, Big Performance: SB9, ADU & EnerPHit Retrofit”, designed by PARAVANT Architects with Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHD/C) and Architect Christian Kienapfel.
The Jury noted …” A highly intentional sustainability project that integrates rigorous high-performance standards from the outset while retaining portions of the existing structure to reduce embodied carbon. Through Passive House strategies, solar generation, airtight construction, and advanced filtration systems, the project demonstrates how small-scale density can achieve exceptional environmental performance.”
