Firm
Howard Laks Architects (HLA) founded in 1983, is an award-winning architectural firm located in Santa Monica, California. With long-term relationship within the regional planning and design community, HLA seamlessly integrates local requirements with specific project goals. Our approach is grounded thorough research and analysis, leveraging the latest technologies and fabrication techniques ensuring the highest quality of strategic planning and design.
Our diverse portfolio includes hospitality design, commercial enterprises, mixed-use developments, adaptive reuse, and historical restoration projects. As our network of collaborators continue to expand, so does our expertise, allowing us to explore a broad spectrum of architectural and design possibilities. These evolving partnerships drive us forward, enriching both our professional and personal growth.
Leadership
Howard Laks received his Bachelor of Architecture in 1977 and his Master of Architecture in 1980 from UC Berkeley School of Architecture. Howard Laks served as an associate professor at UC Berkeley School of Design from 1978 through 1980 and has held a teaching position at the UCLA Interior and Environmental Design Program since 1981. He served as a board member on the City of Santa Monica Architectural Review Board from 1996-2004, and as Chairperson from 2001-2002. Mr. Laks has been a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Local, State, and National since 1988. His work has contributed to the vibrant and ongoing movement of contemporary regional Southern California Modernist design. Howard is most recognized for his ability to work with owners to craft a solution responsive to each unique building and budgetary considerations. He is an expert at addressing client needs, site-specific conditions, and local building requirements into functional, sustainable, aesthetically pleasing buildings.
Master of Architecture - UC Berkeley School of Architecture
Bachelor of Architecture - UC Berkeley School of Architecture
Selected Awards:
Merit Award for LA North Hills Community Park 2013
Best Mixed Use, for Avalon Apartments, Santa Monica 2007
Citation Award AIA / Los Angeles Beverly and Fairfax Mixed-Use 'Fairfax Theater' 2013
Citation Award Westside Urban Forum Beverly and Fairfax Mixed-Use 'Fairfax Theater' 2014
California Legislature Assembly Certificate of Recognition Beverly and Fairfax Mixed-Use 2014
Los Angeles Business Council Award Santa Monica Proper Hotel 2017
Santa Monica Conservancy Preservation Award Multi-Family 2017
Los Angeles Business Council, Best Unbuilt Project Hospitality 2017
Southern California Chapter of American Concrete Institute Design Award The Proper Hotel 2019
Los Angeles Business Journal Award Santa Monica Proper Hotel 2020
Hospitality Design Awards Lifestyle Hotel including Public Space, Restoration, Transformations and Conversion Santa Monica Proper Hotel 2020
Santa Monica Conservancy Presidents Award Santa Monica Proper Hotel 2020
AHEAD Award Americas Hotel of the Year Award 2020
AHEAD Award Lobby & Public Spaces Award 2020
Hospitality Design Lifestyle Hotel Winner 2020
Hospitality Design Restoration, Transformation & Conversions Finalist 2020
Los Angeles Conservancy Preservation Design Award 2021
Santa Monica Conservancy Rehabilitation Award 401 Ocean Ave. 2022
Publications:
Los Angeles – Tim Street Porter and Dianne Keaton
Los Angeles Today – City of Dreams – Tim Street Porter
Daily Architecture News
The Design Hotels Book – Edition 2020
