Eight Oculus Projects Nominated for IIDA Calibre Design Awards

Oculus has a record number of projects nominated at this year’s IIDA Calibre Design Awards! A total of 8 projects were nominated including:

The Congressman Alan Lowenthal Trade & Education Center, nominated by Studio One Eleven in the Public & Community Spaces category, features dynamic lighting that enhances the interactive exhibits describing the operations and suitability initiatives at the Port of Long Beach. The lighting design needed to evolve with the space while remaining intentional so every design decision was about balance – highlighting key moments while ensuring the flexibility to grow and adapt, much like the port itself.

In the Transformation category, 11755 Wilshire designed in collaboration with Rios, epitomizes the design goal of transforming a stale office space into a multi-functional hospitality oasis. The abundance of decorative fixtures and accent coves make every corner of this space perfect for a spontaneous work meeting or a comfortable place to take a break.

Occupying nine floors and 200,000 square feet within an existing high-rise in the heart of Los Angeles’ premier business district, this Confidential Global Professional Service Firm embodies the new standard for the modern workplace. A nominee of the Work Large category, this office was designed in collaboration with Gensler with hospitality in mind, bringing the feeling of SoCal’s iconic coastal landscape indoors.

Nominated in the Work Medium category are two distinctive offices:

• ArentFox Schiff LLP, a diverse law firm nominated by Donaldson+Partners, features decorative pendants with soft, sculptural forms and indirect cove lighting at the curved soffits to complement the architecture. The Reception/Lobby showcases an organic-formed backlit feature, giving a dramatic statement to the space.
• Designed in collaboration with Loescher Meachem Architects, BUCK embraces a refined architecture studio aesthetic through custom RLM-style pendants with integrated uplight that emphasize the vertical volume of the open ceilings. Supplemental lighting layers highlight perimeter walls and materials, elevating the space’s studio-like feel.

Our final three nominations were included as part of the Work Small category:

• Another collaboration with Donaldson+Partners, the lighting design at Behrens & Associates places an emphasis on the exterior workspaces and indoor/outdoor connection by incorporating decorative lighting with biophilic elements into the interior design and accent lighting the landscape to create a warm and welcoming outdoor environment.
• The lighting design for this Confidential Client in West LA blends modern aesthetics with practical functionality. Working together with Gensler, various lighting techniques were integrated into the design to create a harmonious environment that is both visually pleasing and conducive to productive work, reflecting a balanced approach to contemporary office design.
• Designed to inspire inter office collaboration, the new EQ Office headquarters seamlessly blends traditional office lighting with warm hospitality elements. In collaboration with both SKB Architects and Gensler, decorative fixtures were thoughtfully selected to create a welcoming atmosphere while delivering the light levels needed for productivity.

We look forward to celebrating the incredible work of our fellow designers here in Los Angeles!