DMF Design Awards 2025, 2nd Place – AIA|LA + ACLA
A dynamic space dedicated to architectural advocacy, education, and community-driven design, fostering collaboration between professionals and the public.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Products: X Series, S Series, DCD3 & DCD4 (Now replaced by M Series Commercial)
Architect & Interior Designer: Clay Holden Architects
Landscape Architect: Land Images
Structural Engineer: Nabih Youssef Associates
MEPT Engineer: Introba
Lighting Design: HLB
Acoustics & LVT: Salter
Contractor: Servco Builders
Photography Credit: Clay Holden & Erick Ley
The AIA|LA + ACLA Center for Communities serves as a hub for architectural discourse and public engagement, providing a space where professionals and the broader community can collaborate on design solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future. Located within a historic 1927 neoclassical bank building, the project seamlessly integrates modern functionality while preserving the building’s original character.
The high ceilings and classical architectural details required a subtle yet impactful design strategy. Working closely with HLB Lighting Design, the team selected high-performance, low-profile lightning solutions that seamlessly integrate into the space. The use of DMF’s Lighting’s X-Series, S Series and DCD3 & DCD4 ensures optimal illumination while maintaining a clean and unobtrusive aesthetic.
X Series
The X Series family is DMF’s two-inch high performance product line with lumens ranging from 750 to 1500. The drivers are integrated into the light engine as opposed to the housing, and the X Series housings have a unique trap door that provides post-install access to the splice box below the ceiling plane. The X Series offering includes both downlight and adjustable modules that allow for uncompromised performance, seamless finishes, and ease of serviceability.
S Series
The S Series redefines what’s possible for a surface mount downlight. Packed with technical breakthroughs, the ultra-thin S Series matches the elegance of a high-end recessed downlight. Get the most out of S Series by installing it into our advanced F4NC junction box. Together, it’s even easier to specify, install, and maintain, and includes fire, sound, airtight, and insulated contact ratings.
About Clay Holden Architects
Clay Holden Architects is a full-service architecture, design, and planning firm based in Los Angeles. The firm is dedicated to the seamless integration of architecture, interiors, landscape, and graphics/branding across projects of all scales. With a focus on design exploration, Clay Holden Architects strives to create a balanced approach that combines authentic materiality and color, blending imagination and innovation with relevance and functionality. The firm’s design philosophy emphasizes clever solutions that address multiple challenges simultaneously, ensuring each project is not only visually striking but also purposeful and sustainable.
About Land Images
Founded in 1977, Land Images is nearing its 40th anniversary, celebrating a legacy of creative design, technical expertise, and “Big Picture” thinking. Known for its master plans for institutions like Caltech, Loyola Marymount, and Pomona College, the firm has earned recognition through awards from ASLA, AIA, and others. Now under second-generation leadership, Land Images specializes in planning, site design, and implementation for a wide range of projects, including campuses, parks, and urban infill. The firm’s approach focuses on adding social, environmental, and economic value to each site, guided by a deep understanding of its character and community needs. With a diverse client base, Land Images values long-term relationships and is committed to delivering responsive, collaborative, and meaningful design solutions.
About Nabih Youssef Associates
Nabih Youssef Associates (NYA), founded in 1989, is an internationally recognized structural and earthquake engineering firm with offices across the U.S., Canada, India, and South Korea. Specializing in performance-based seismic design, NYA’s engineers are global leaders in earthquake engineering. The firm has engineered high-rise buildings, medical centers, educational and athletic facilities, and conducted seismic evaluations and strengthening of major landmarks.. The firm also values nature, integrating its principles into engineering solutions. Founder Nabih Youssef co-authored the groundbreaking “Vision 2000” in the early 1990s, laying the foundation for Performance Based Seismic Design (PBSD). Since then, NYA has contributed to major PBSD guidelines, such as the PEER Tall Buildings Initiative and ASCE 7. The firm has successfully applied PBSD to award-winning projects in seismically active regions, further advancing the field.
About Introba
Introba is a global leader in building engineering and consulting, with a presence across multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Serbia, Australia, and Singapore. The company is dedicated to transforming the built environment by creating dynamic, responsive, intelligent, and adaptable spaces that enhance communities and promote environmental sustainability. Born from the merger of Integral Group and Ross & Baruzzini, Introba combines decades of expertise in sustainability, digital solutions, and engineering. The company offers services across the entire project lifecycle, from strategy and design to construction and optimization, ensuring that clients benefit from resilient, secure, and connected environments. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Introba is committed to shaping the future of infrastructure through cutting-edge solutions that improve livability, sustainability, and well-being for all.
About HLB
HLB Lighting Design has evolved significantly since its inception in 1968. Originating from a Manhattan living room, it has expanded to seven locations across major US cities including New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, Denver, and Austin. The company was founded by Jules Horton, Stephen Lees, Barbara Horton, and Teal Brogden, who instilled a forward-thinking approach that has driven over fifty years of innovation and industry leadership. Despite its growth, HLB remains dedicated to its founding principles, striving to make a positive impact through innovative lighting design.
About Salter
Salter Consulting is a global firm that handles over 900 projects annually, with headquarters in San Francisco and branch offices in San Jose, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Seattle. Founded in 1975 by Charles Salter, the company was built on principles of sound engineering, scientific processes, inquisitive problem solving, and personal integrity. Salter’s motto, “to be better every day,” has guided its growth from a single engineer to a team of 50 experts specializing in acoustics, audiovisual, telecommunications, and security. With a legacy of 45 years of award-winning projects, the firm’s team includes Professional Engineers, LEED Accredited Professionals, Certified Technology Specialists, Registered Communications Distribution Designers, Fellows of the Audio Engineering Society, and Fellows of the Acoustical Society of America. The company’s talent pool is drawn from diverse backgrounds, including engineering, architecture, music, linguistics, business, and forensics. Standing on the foundation of its hard-earned reputation, Salter continues to look forward with curiosity and commitment.
About Servco Builders
Servco Builders is a leading construction company recognized for its exceptional service, expertise, and commitment to quality. Based in Irvine, California, with over 16 years of operation, the company specializes in a wide range of industries, including creative office spaces, retail, food & beverage, life sciences, healthcare, and industrial projects. With a team of over 48 experienced professionals, Servco is known for its attention to detail, honest bids, and design-minded approach. The company prides itself on clear communication, a hands-on presence from its leadership, and a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces. Many of its clients are repeat customers, reflecting Servco’s dedication to building lasting relationships and delivering projects that exceed expectations.
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