The modernist faithful gathered downtown in October for the 2025 Architectural Preservation Awards, where five honors were presented by the Palm Springs Modern Committee. The evening began in the Annenberg Theater with a playful audio intro — voices in the style of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin joking about high-tailing it to the awards — a knowing nod to the city’s midcentury mythology. Guests then ascended to the museum’s main floor for a dinner reception catered by Eight4Nine Catering & Events. Palm Springs Life served as a media partner for the event.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognized Peter Moruzzi, whose early organizing helped establish the case for protecting midcentury architecture in Palm Springs long before it was fashionable. The Residential Restoration Award honored the meticulous revival of the Koerner Residence, a 1955 E. Stewart Williams design in Deepwell Estates, while the Garber Residence in Southridge received the Residential Preservation Award for thoughtful, ongoing stewardship. Downtown’s Cork ’n Bottle Building, a rare example of Streamline Moderne architecture in the desert, earned the Commercial Restoration Award, and the Hermann Bungalows received the Excellence in New Design Award for creating new work that understands how the desert modern vocabulary truly works.
Kim Zakowski, Palm Springs Modern Committee board member.
Jay Nailor and MiShell Modern, owners of The Shag Store.
PS ModCom founder and board member, Peter Moruzzi, received the Lifetime Achievement Award to a standing ovation.
David Monaghan accepted the Commercial Restoration award for the historic Cork ’n Bottle building on behalf of Jim Murphy and Hal Keasler.
Presenting sponsor Trina Turk with Eddie Schachnow and Christine Kantner.
John Vitale, Liz Armstrong, and James Spindler.
Representatives from Design Within Reach, a presenting sponsor, included Kristy Burke, Anna Huston, Paul Rangel, Mark Allen, Bradley Burch.
Debra and Richard Hovel.
Presenting sponsors Tim and Dirk Von Gal, owners of Intersect Palm Springs Art + Design.
Sponsor and PS ModCom board member Trina Turk with Eddie Schachnow.
Joy Ryan and PS ModCom president, Courtney Newman, at the step and repeat.
Dr. William Grimm with his award for Residential Preservation of the Garber Residence.
Kenya Avery Knight, PS ModCom’s social media director.
Following the awards presentation, a lively crowd gathered for a cocktail reception on the main floor of the Palm Springs Art Museum.
David Monaghan.
Dr. William Grimm accepting his award for Residential Preservation of the Garber Residence.
Guests enjoy the awards presentation.
Sponsors Tito’s vodka was served at the open bar.
Mosaic Wine poured at the bar.
Guests enjoy a dinner catered by Eight4Nine Catering & Events.
Guests received a gift bag, provided by Intersect Palm Springs Art + Design, with a copy of October’s Palm Springs Life, luggage tag and passport holder by Trina Turk, and an awards keepsake program.
