The American Institute of Architects Santa Barbara (AIASB) is proud to award the honor of the Lutah Maria Riggs 2020 Presidents Award to Santa Barbara architect and AIA Fellow, Cassandra Ensberg, FAIA.

Cassandra has been a resident and leader in the Santa Barbara design, art, and architectural community for over 30 years.  She and her architect husband Tom Jacobs,  AIA,  work together at their firm Ensberg Jacobs Design Inc with a focus on art, design, sustainability, the environment, and our community.  In 1987 she founded the Kids Draw Architecture Program during formation of the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara (AFSB) and to fulfill the Foundation’s mission of increasing public awareness about the built environment and the importance of design, art, and architecture. 

In 2016 Cassandra was recognized by AIA nationally and elevated to Fellow of the American Institute of Architects for her work focused on the art of architecture.   She is a board member of AFSB and AIASB and serves as AIASB advocacy co-chair to promote excellence in the built environment through improved regulations, particularly governing housing.  

Cass’ recognition as a recipient of the LMR Award is a fitting tribute for this unprecedented year.  Her extraordinary contributions and commitment have highlighted the importance of design, architecture and art in our built environment and the importance of AIA involvement, inclusivity, communication, and working together as a community to result in positive outcomes.

About the Award 

The Lutah Maria Riggs Presidents Award recognizes an AIA Santa Barbara member or firm whose work, community service and civic engagement have had a lasting influence for the betterment of Santa Barbara’s built environment. Recipients must have both a body of distinguished architectural design and a history of advocacy for community architectural engagement in the area.  The award is sponsored by the American Riviera Bank.