PHHS is proud to report that they were selected by the San Diego Architectural Foundation (SDAF) to receive the coveted Orchid Award for outstanding building design that was reviewed by the SDAF.

Orchids & Onions is the only interactive, community-based program geared toward raising awareness and encouraging practical discourse in response to San Diego’s built environment. Nominations and feedback are given from a website. Based on the interest, a jury of design professionals was selected to determine the official Orchids and Onions based upon public submissions in categories including: architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, historic preservation and miscellaneous. The ‘Miscellaneous’ category encompasses anything and everything that the existing categories do not, including public art, environmental graphics, and sustainable design. Nominations are accepted year-round, with the nomination period closing in August.

While giving the award, the following citation was read regarding the selection of Patrick Henry High School’s Orchid Award:

“The Patrick Henry High School Arts, Media & Entertainment Center and Production Studio (PHAME) building is a comprehensive revitalization project seeking to transform the community through collaborative use. The jury said the enthusiasm was infectious from school leadership as they explained the value of the facility for their students. What could have been a typical bare bones building has become a sense of pride that makes the students feel special and inspires creativity. The jury noted that this Orchid stands an example of the positivity that good architecture can have on education. This building was smart, the materials were simple and the colors were fresh!”