The San Diego Architectural Foundation (SDAF) has announced the return of the 43rd Annual Orchids & Onions program for the best and “not so best” projects in San Diego County, and two Coronado projects have been nominated for an Orchid, a project that is a functional and memorable place or space to be. The projects in Coronado are Feast and Fareway for interior design and Serẽa at the Hotel del Coronado for historic preservation.
The SDAF’s mission is to educate and promote outstanding architecture, landscape, interior, and urban design to improve the quality of life for all San Diegans. Community nominations were accepted through July 6 and projects that garnered the most online interest during the nominations period become eligible to be nominated for a People’s Choice Award. Following the nominations period, a group of design professionals will determine the official Orchids & Onions based upon the submissions. Between August 1 and August 31, the public can get involved by voting online for the People’s Choice Award.
“Orchids & Onions provides the community an opportunity to be a part of a larger discussion about the quality of San Diego’s built environment and how it impacts their day-to-day life,” said Laura Warner, Orchids & Onions Program Co-Chair and Principal Architect for CityWorks. “It provides San Diegans the opportunity to share their thoughts about what makes for a good or bad place that ultimately results in better planning, growth and future development of San Diego.”
Projects were nominated in the following categories: architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, interior design, historic preservation, and miscellaneous. The ‘miscellaneous’ category encompasses other environmental design features such as public art, lighting programs, and wayfinding systems.
“We’re thrilled to launch this one-of-a kind-program again this year! Orchids & Onions opens the discussion for locals to share feedback on the beautiful designs and inspiring architecture America’s Finest City has to offer,” said Rachel Morel, O&O Communications Director and PGAL Senior Associate. “We invite everyone to share their insights and feelings on our city’s buildings – this includes Downtown, North County, South County and everywhere in between.”
The community-based program culminates with the 43rd Annual Orchids & Onions Awards Ceremony at the historic U.S. Grant Hotel on Oct. 3.
To comment and share ideas about nominated projects go online to www.orchidsandonions.org.
Orchids & Onions Program of Events
Nominations Period: June 1 to July 6
Jury Process: July
People’s Choice Award Nominations: Aug. 1 to Aug. 31
Annual Awards Ceremony: Oct. 3