Michael Rotondi, principal at Los Angeles–based RoTo Architecture, received Cal Poly Pomona’s Richard J. Neutra Medal for Professional Excellence on November 3. Rotondi, a Cal Poly Pomona alum, has practiced for more than 30 years. He also founded the graduate program at SCI-Arc and became that school’s first director of graduate studies in 1980. He was the school’s director from 1987–1997.
The Richard J. Neutra Medal rewards “individuals who have dedicated their careers toward researching and developing new environments in which to work, live and play.” Past honorees include Raphael Soriano, Thom Mayne, Ray Kappe, Tadao Ando, Lawrence Halprin, Garrett Eckbo, and even Al Gore.
“You’re delivering architecture and you’re trying to trigger the imaginations of students and show how to solve problems in a creative way,” said Rotondi, of his complementary efforts in practice and education.
AN West Editor Sam Lubell’s full interview with Rotondi will appear in December’s West issue of AN.
