2025 Architectural Review Board Awards

Architect: YSM Design
The Mercedes-Benz dealership designed by YSM, is a refined example of contemporary commercial architecture that reflects both the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand and the character of its local context. Reviewed twice by the Palo Alto Architectural Review Board, the project balances high-end design with environmental responsibility. Located near the sensitive Baylands ecosystem, the project faced unique challenges related to site elevation, drainage, and ecological preservation. In response, the design team implemented a range of sustainable strategies and tailored the aesthetic design. The use of durable, high-performance materials—such as aluminum panels, high-efficiency glazing, and sustainable cladding—contributes to both the building’s aesthetic presence and its long-term resilience. They also used a unique living green-wall system to blend in with the neighboring ecosystem while using minimal water. The result is a dealership that not only meets the functional needs of a modern automotive showroom, but also respects its environmental setting and enhances the architectural landscape of Palo Alto.

Architect: Studios Architecture
The Hub had a grand opening in 2022 and has served the community as an amenity building welcoming individuals who work in Stanford Research Park. The building offers a café, social and professional opportunities, and is the headquarters of SRPGo where workers access transportation programs and a bike repair shop. Since 2022 the Hub has hosted over 200 events for workforce and the larger community. The ARB spent a considerable amount of time and input on this project’s design. Particular items of note for this project are the thoughtful attention to site planning and the circulation design. The end result was a structure that had a well-planned indoor and outdoor relationship, thoughtful material selections and a community aspect that all together make this a great example of a building that contributes positively to the community.

Architect: Montalba Architects
Restaurant aimed at creating harmonious transitions between neighboring Nobu Hotel and an adjacent historic storefront in downtown Palo Alto, as well as a place of respite in the urban environment. The intent was to carve open space into the city but to balance this and retain the character and volume of the urban environment from the street. At the street-front entrance to the garden, a large display window framed by limestone columns peers into the open garden and dining areas. A decorative, bronze element inspired by the Japanese Shoji Screen creates a sense of arrival and variation to the recessed entrance, while façade plantings and a subtly lit garden offer a tranquil experience. The lush garden space is designed to improve air quality, support pollinators and mitigate urban heat island effect. The structure is afforded natural ventilation through bi-fold doors that retract along the entire frontage and gravity ventilators. Retractable fabric coverings shelter the exterior dining areas from sun and rain. Shallow retention basins in the garden percolate storm water through the soil avoiding excess discharge to the street. Hot water and a radiant floor for the indoor dining room is supplied by solar-heated hot water coils on the roof.

Architect: Finn Wijatno Architects
Sushi Roku brings a modern interpretation of Japanese dining to Palo Alto, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. A standout architectural feature is the floating wooden lattice façade, offering filtered light and visual interest. The entry is defined by walls clad in Homura Japanese tile, which nod to Japan’s ceramic traditions and the wabi-sabi aesthetic. Inside, a modular ceiling with suspended lanterns enhances acoustics and ambiance, while a cohesive material palette—plaster, tile, wood, and textured wall covering to create a warm, refined atmosphere. The design reflects a high level of detail and cultural sensitivity, resulting in a thoughtfully executed space that enriches the community’s architectural landscape.

Design Architect: Aidlin Darling Design 

Architect of Record: BDE Architecture 

This project provides 19 high-end residential units and two floors of office space on a prominent corner lot in downtown Palo Alto. The massing provides a subtle and sophisticated transition between Palo Alto’s central business district and an adjacent residential neighborhood, thereby binding the urban fabric. Designed as a courtyard building with apertures to the street at grade and at the large third-floor terrace, the project provides a central green space for the enjoyment of tenants and the broader Palo Alto community. In keeping with this design approach, building materials are natural in color and provide significant warmth and texture to relate to the human scale and to complement neighboring structures. The resulting project is a dynamic mixed-use asset that encourages a pedestrian lifestyle, creating a biophilic environment that unifies work and domestic living. Aidlin Darling Design served as Design Architect and BDE Architecture served as the Executive Architect.

Architect: Pyatok Architecture + Urban Design
Completed in 2022, Wilton Court is the first project under the City’s Affordable Housing Combining District, providing 59 affordable homes, including 21 for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The project team engaged with neighbors and City officials to ensure community cohesion, selecting durable materials, such as terracotta cladding, and designing for environmental performance that exceeds Palo Alto’s Energy Reach Code. A central courtyard, active ground floor uses, durable materials, all-electric systems, and sustainable features make this a strong example of inclusive, community-oriented housing.