The American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles Chapter (AIA|LA) brought together the architectural community for an unforgettable evening at the 2023 AIA|LA Design Awards. Themed “RE,” the event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to reflect, rewind, reconsider, and rejoice in the transformative power of architecture.
A highlight of the evening was the posthumous presentation of the Gold Medal to the late Earl E. Gales Jr., AICP, founder and chairman of LA-based Jenkins/Gales & Martinez, Inc., who passed away in November 2022. As a widely admired role model for minority architects, Gales made significant contributions to the community and played a pivotal role in mentoring students of color.
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Leslie Sydnor, AIA, president of AIA|LA, presented the Gold Medal to Mr. Gales’ son, Ryan Gales, and recognized Earl E. Gales Jr.’s outstanding legacy in advancing architecture and positively impacting the lives of thousands of Angelenos.
As founder and chairman of one of the nation’s largest minority-owned AEC firms, Gales and his team at JGM designed numerous civic projects that made significant improvements to the daily lives of thousands of Angelenos. He was a widely admired role model for minority architects and valued for his extensive community involvement and mentorship of students of color.
JGM made significant contributions to the building of the L.A. Metro Line, L.A. Community College District and California’s high-speed rail system. The firm also directed or partnered on civic projects such as the Hollywood Park Development, Banc of California Stadium, Vermont-Adams Shopping Center, L.A. Convention Center and LAX Landside Access Modernization Project.
Gales’s legacy extends beyond L.A.’s built environment through his work as an advisor to political leaders and as a mentor. In this capacity, he established the Earl Gales Jr. Environmental Design Scholarship at Cal Poly Pomona to increase accessibility to higher education in urban planning and architecture.
In the area of community service, Gales served on the Boards of the Cedars-Sinai Hospital Board/Sports Spectacular, UCLA/Graduate School of Arts and Architecture, UCLA Board of Counselors, Loyola Marymount University Engineering School, African American Unity Center, Vermont Village Community Development Corporation. He is also past chairman of the Young Presidents’ Organization, Bel Air Chapter.
In addition, he co-authored three books and penned books on African art and architecture, and infrastructure development for various African countries (West and South Africa). Also, he wrote numerous articles on topics including multi-family housing development, transportation policy and design, correctional facilities, and the delivery of educational planning and design.
Other topics he wrote about included air transportation infrastructure in West Africa, the design of small correctional facilities, the effects of integration on real estate values, and the impact of transportation systems in the minority community.
