Christopher Hawthorne, formerly an architecture critic for the Los Angeles Times, was named Los Angeles’s first chief design officer by Mayor Eric Garcetti.
Hawthorne is responsible for enhancing “the quality of civic architecture and urban design” citywide. He is one of the first to assume the title of “chief design officer” in a U.S. city.
Los Angeles faces tough challenges in transportation and housing. The city is also preparing to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will attract many visitors.
In an interview with Curbed LA, Hawthorne noted his interest in working to build more affordable housing and on how the city streetscape, including sidewalks, could be re-imagined.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 28, 2020
Updated Engineered Wood Construction Guide now available
Provides guidance on building engineered wood floors, walls, and roofs.
Codes and Standards | Jan 24, 2020
Fenestration Rating Council earns ANSI certification
FenStar Certification Program ensures windows, doors, and skylights meet Energy Star specifications.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2020
Rent control policies backfire on goal of boosting affordable housing
Natl. Apartment Assn. study says rent control decreases housing supply, harms condition of housing stock.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2020
Potential energy savings from smart meters is largely unrealized
Most utilities underuse the technology that can help customers save money.
Codes and Standards | Jan 21, 2020
Contractors pay practices reviewed in new database
Fastest and slowest paying GCs revealed.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2020
Several states with ambitious climate goals will have to restrict natural gas as a fuel
Buildings would have to heat and cook with electricity.
Codes and Standards | Jan 16, 2020
New solar-ready mandate affects commercial and residential buildings in St. Louis
All new buildings must have reserved rooftop sections for PVs.
Codes and Standards | Jan 15, 2020
Trump Administration blocks new light bulb efficiency standards
Move defies bipartisan 2007 law.
Codes and Standards | Jan 14, 2020
L.A.’s expedited permitting process credited with faster approvals on $1 billion project
Parallel Design-Permitting Process includes flagging elements for correction during conceptual design.
Codes and Standards | Jan 13, 2020
Kansas City is first in nation to offer free public transportation
Aim is to increase mobility to spur more economic activity.