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San Diego’s Preservation Awards Season Is Underway
July/August 2025
Every year, San Diego’s preservation and design communities come together to recognize outstanding achievements in saving, restoring, and celebrating the region’s historic and cultural resources. With multiple awards programs honoring the people behind these efforts, 2025 is already shaping up as a standout year for preservation.
SOHO’s People In Preservation
Awards (PIP)
Our annual People In Preservation awards celebrate outstanding achievements in preservation throughout San Diego County.
With nominations now closed, the 2025 class of awardees promises to be one of the most inspiring yet. The 43rd year of winners will be announced in September, honoring individuals and their projects, representing the highest standards in craftsmanship, advocacy, and stewardship of our irreplaceable cultural and architectural resources. For more information about the People In Preservation awards and past winners, please visit SOHO's website.
La Jolla Historical Society – The Jewel Awards
The Jewel Awards spotlight excellence in architectural restoration and rehabilitation in La Jolla. Nominations are open through July 21, 2025, and the program invites submissions from homeowners, architects, builders, historians, and members of the public. Eligible projects must reflect a commitment to preserving La Jolla’s distinctive charm and historic character. Winners will be announced in October. For more information or to nominate a project, contact Jewel Award Chair Meredith Baratz.
Mission Hills Heritage – Preservation Awards
Mission Hills Heritage (MHH) is accepting nominations for its 2025 Preservation Awards, which honor individuals, homeowners, architects, contractors, and craftspeople who have significantly contributed to the preservation of the Mission Hills neighborhood. Restored homes or community members who’ve played a leadership role in protecting the area’s historic character are also eligible. Nominations are open through the end of August, and the awards will be presented at MHH’s annual meeting in October. Submit nominations online.
Orchids & Onions – Historic Preservation Category
Run by the San Diego Architectural Foundation, the Orchids & Onions awards program highlights the best and worst in local design. While the awards span a wide range of categories—from architecture and urban planning to interior and landscape design—the historic preservation category is especially relevant to SOHO supporters. If you’ve seen a recent preservation project that deserves wider recognition, now is the time to nominate it. Submit nominations and learn more online.
Also Honored Earlier This Year…
In April, the Coronado Historical Association presented its GEM awards, celebrating the homeowners, professionals, and volunteers who have contributed significantly to the preservation of Coronado’s historic architecture and island charm.
And in May, the City of San Diego recognized several outstanding preservation projects and individuals during its annual Preservation Awards. These honors are detailed in this issue of Our Heritage eNews under our San Diego Historical Resources: Designations and Board Reports.
The American Institute of Architects San Diego Chapter presented its 2025 Legacy Award to Vacation Village/Paradise Point Resort in Mission Bay Park, also in May. In September 2025, SOHO will host tours of this iconic Mid-Century Modern island resort, architecturally intact and lush with more than 600 mature tropical plant species. Learn more about the limited tours in this issue's article, "Paradise Point Exclusive Tours."
Together, these awards show that historic preservation in San Diego is thriving. Across the county from private residences to public landmarks, these honors lift up the people and promote the projects that keep our shared history alive and visible.
As nominations continue to roll in and the fall announcements approach, we invite you to take part in the celebration. Submit a nomination, spread the word, and help us honor those preserving San Diego’s story, one place at a time.
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