CHOC Monarch Wins IDA 2021 Design Recognition
(Fairfield, CA). - CHOC Monarch Architect Maria Song, AIA, LEED AP, won Honorable Mention from the International Design Awards over the weekend, recognition for her landmark Interactive Design Corporation designs for The Monarch Apartment Homes, the first affordable housing to be built in Palm Springs in over a decade; this development broke ground on October 28, 2021.
View IDC’s Monarch Apartment Homes, IDA 2021 Honorable Mention
“Interactive Design is honored and humbled to be a part of this team—client, agencies, investors, designers, engineers, and contractor—recognized by the International Design Awards, “ said Maria Song. “We’re hopeful this honor continues to bring attention to the need for housing at all economic and social levels. Well-designed and affordable housing is essential for emotional and physical health. Every person deserves housing that is stable, beautiful, and livable.”
Interactive Deisgn Corporation Architect Maria Song, AIA, LEED & AP.
Photo: IDC Palm Springs
“We saw a large number of designers reflecting on the current state of the world including the pandemic, social distancing, sustainability, climate change, and circular economies all of which were clearly evident,” said Jill Grinda, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development for the IDA. “The jury had an enormous task in selecting the winners from some truly outstanding design submissions. The IDA has always been about seeking out truly visionary designers showcasing creativity and innovation.”
CHOC Southern California Regional Director Joy Silver said she was “elated” to learn of Ms. Song’s recognition by this global design authority. “IDC has proven that affordable housing design is a key factor in community economic and regional integration, and serves to purge the dated notions of those who cling to a Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) philosophy. As CHOC’s Southern California Regional Director, my sincere congratulations to Maria and gratitude to IDA for this wonderful recognition. I’m so proud to be a part of this monumental effort of beauty and innovative community development.”
About The Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC)
Founded in 1984, the Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC) is a non-profit, affordable housing developer based in Fairfield, California with offices in Palm Springs. CHOC creates and manages equitable communities for individuals, families, seniors, and those with special needs. CHOC believes that economically integrated affordable housing is key to self-sufficiency and is achievable with enriching, supportive programs that give pride to residents, stabilize families, and improve local economies. Visit CHOCHousing.org.
About The International Design Awards
The International Design Awards (IDA) exists to recognize, celebrate and promote exceptional design visionaries and discover emerging talent in Architecture, Interior, Product, Graphic and Fashion Design worldwide. The Farmani Group founded the IDA as the design sibling of the Annual Lucie Awards for Photography, which has emerged as one of the world’s most prestigious photography awards. Visit idesignawards.com to learn more.
About the Interactive Design Corporation
Based in Palm Springs, California, the Interactive Design Corporation (IDC) provides planning and architectural services to create environments allowing people equitable access to reach their potential and give back to society. IDC’s mission is to create sustainable, healthy housing and communities for families, seniors, and special-need people who are vulnerable and underserved. Visit interactivedesigncorp.com to learn more.