Walter “Walt” Richardson, Class of 2013*
For over four decades, RNM Architects/Planners has pioneered in integrating innovative master planning with architectural design for a wide variety of new towns, and specific programs for residential, commercial/office and recreational facilities.
Known as the “dean of Orange County architects,” Walter Richardson, FAIA, refined his community planning skills by designing military housing after graduating from Berkeley in 1950. High-density land planning was key to making those middle-range houses affordable to the home buyer and profitable for the builder.
Solving the density issue has led to many innovative lot configurations and, consequently, fresh ideas about floor planning. Understanding the link between density and housing costs, Richardson has found innovative ways to optimize the use of the land by changing lot layouts and increasing density. While doing so, his firm has mastered high-density cluster housing, which it used to great success on many Irvine projects.
Marc Thee, Class of 2016
Marc Thee is the principal and co-founder of Marc-Michaels Interior Design, ranked by Interior Design Magazine as the No. 1 residential design firm in the nation. Thee has been named among the Top 100 designers in the world by Architectural Digest and most recently was named as one of 12 trendsetters in the world by American Express.
Doris Pearlman, Class of 2022
A respected thought leader in both the design and home building industries, Doris Pearlman founded Possibilities For Design more than 30 years ago to bring her trendsetting concepts to a marketplace eager for innovation. With well more than 200 accolades to its name, Possibilities is widely recognized as one of the most awarded home builder-centric interior design firms in the country.
Based in Denver, Pearlman is an in-demand speaker at design conferences across the nation and has been honored with the prestigious Industry Legends Award and the Excellence in Education Award.
Pearlman is a former chair of NAHB’s Design Committee and has led the Design Education Subcommittee. She has also been a member of the HomeAid Board in Colorado, NAHB’s Institute of Residential Marketing Board of Trustees, and NAHB’s 55+ Housing Industry and National Sales and Marketing Councils, where she chaired The Nationals Awards committee. Pearlman continues to shape the future of design with her consumer-focused perspective and national influence.
*Has passed away since receiving the award.
