Architects, like actors, love to be recognized for their work. When San Francisco’s architects gathered last Thursday to recognize their best work, there were some expected winners and one possibly controversial surprise.
Stanley Saitowitz’
Beth Sholom synagogue has been alternately praised and criticized, but the awards jury, led by well known Chicago architect Stanley Tigerman, called the stone and metal a winner.
On the other hand, Craig Hartman’s (SOM)
Christ the Light Cathedral was no surprise at all. Look for the Cathedral to continue to garner national and international awards.
My personal favorites (other than the Cathedral) are
355 Eleventh Street (Aidlin Darling Design), the
Sava Pool (Mark Cavagnero & Paulett Taggert), and the
Portola Valley Town Center (Siegel & Strain/Goring & Straja). In all, 31 projects or individuals received awards from the American Institute of Architects San Francisco.