Recently, two SOM projects in California’s Bay Area were named 2025 Honor Award finalists by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Northern California Chapter. Our update and refresh of Carmel Valley Manor was awarded in the Heal category while Jackson Square Workplace Renovation was awarded in the Work Medium category. The 2025 IIDA Northern California Chapter Honor Awards program celebrates design through the recognition of outstanding project work in all practice areas of interior design.
Carmel Valley Manor is a senior living community located on a magnificent 28-acre farmland site, seven miles outside of the storied Carmel-by-the-Sea. Sixty years after completing the original design, SOM returned to upgrade and unify decades of piecemeal updates, bringing visual cohesion to the campus. The renovation includes updates to the main resident lounge, reception area, restrooms, formal dining room, private dining, retail store, and administrative areas—as well as adding a new casual bistro and outdoor social area.
The design team worked with residents to identify priorities, such as having public spaces function as an extension of their homes. Material and furniture selections create a hospitable, welcoming, and colorful interior that connect to the surrounding nature. Leveraging panoramic views of Carmel Valley, the formal dining room was overhauled to create a fresh, open contemporary environment. The expanded amenity program and the high-quality design has allowed Carmel Valley Manor to be on par with other world-class retirement communities.
Additionally, the Jackson Square Workplace Renovation leverages a rich architectural legacy with state-of-the-art workspaces, furniture, and materials to create a dynamic new office for an investment firm in San Francisco’s Jackson Square Historic District. With a range of natural light levels, the spaces suit neurodiverse working style, all designed with the technology to support focused work or team collaboration.
