The County Administration Center, a National Register landmark preserved for future generations while continuing its role as a center of public service. Photo by Sandé Lollis

EACH YEAR, SAVE OUR HERITAGE ORGANISATION honors the people, organizations, public agencies, and homeowners whose vision and dedication ensure that San Diego County's historic places continue to enrich our communities. The People In Preservation Awards celebrate those whose work reminds us that while preservation is about protecting our historic places and buildings it is also about stewarding the places that tell our collective story.

The 2026 People In Preservation Award recipients exemplify preservation in its fullest sense. This year's honorees include individuals whose decades of leadership have shaped the preservation movement, homeowners who embraced the responsibility of caring for significant historic residences, skilled professionals who restored architectural landmarks with outstanding craftsmanship, and public agencies that invested in the long-term future of some of San Diego's most treasured civic buildings.

Together, these projects demonstrate that preservation is not about resisting change. It is about managing change thoughtfully, repairing rather than replacing, adapting historic places for contemporary life while respecting their character, and ensuring that the stories embodied in our buildings remain visible for those who come after us. From sensitive residential restorations and compatible additions to the comprehensive rehabilitation of major civic landmarks, this year's recipients underscore how preservation and progress are most successful when they work hand in hand.

Several of this year's awards also celebrate individuals whose lifelong commitment has strengthened preservation throughout our region. Their advocacy, scholarship, leadership, and perseverance have inspired countless others and created a lasting legacy that extends far beyond any single building or project.

For more than four decades, SOHO has presented the People In Preservation Awards to recognize excellence in preserving the architectural, cultural, and historical resources that define San Diego County. More than 700 individuals, families, businesses, nonprofits, and public institutions have been honored, creating a remarkable record of those who have invested in preserving our shared heritage.

The 2026 award recipients remind us that preservation is ultimately an act of optimism. Every restored window, every carefully repaired architectural detail, every thoughtfully designed addition, every protected landmark, and every lifetime devoted to safeguarding our heritage reflects a belief that the places we inherit are worthy of care. Through their vision and stewardship, this year's honorees ensure that future generations will continue to experience the authentic character, beauty, and stories that make San Diego County unlike anywhere else.

SOHO OFFERS RESOUNDING GRATITUDE AND CONGRATULATIONS to the 2026 People In Preservation honorees. Your commitment to preserving our shared heritage strengthens our communities, enriches our sense of place, and leaves an enduring legacy that benefits us all for years to come.