Last night, the American Institute of Architects Orange County (AIAOC) presented HMC Architects with an Inspire Award for our City of San Clemente Marine Safety Headquarters design at the 2022 AIAOC Design Awards Ceremony at the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) in Costa Mesa, California.

The new San Clemente Marine Safety Headquarters makes creative use of the coastal topography of the Pacific Coast, placing the structure within the hillside, cradled in the earth’s thermal mass. The underground space would enjoy plentiful natural light, passive ventilation, and extreme energy efficiency, with the building anticipated to use 87 percent less energy than average. Removing the old building would give the beach back to the public, providing 20,000 SF of new public space along the shore.

The AIA is the most prominent membership organization for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners. The AIAOC serves the public, the profession, and its members in Orange County and is committed to connecting architects with the community through advocacy for design, planning, sustainability, education, professional development, and civic leadership. The annual design awards program celebrates the architectural design conducted in the region.