Matthew Trotter Receives Robert Kennard Award, recognized for equity, diversity, and inclusivity
Cuningham proudly celebrates Associate Principal Matthew Trotter, recipient of the 2025 AIA|LA Robert Kennard, FAIA Award for Equity, Diversity & Inclusivity.
Given out as part of Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects’ annual Design Awards and named for Robert Kennard, FAIA—a trailblazing Los Angeles architect known for his mentorship and civic leadership—the award celebrates an architect or designer whose work uplifts underrepresented voices and strengthens communities through design and advocacy.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive the Robert Kennard, FAIA Award, as it reflects my belief that architecture and the built environment is about people," Trotter said. "This recognition—of the importance of people first—is critical to designing spaces that elevate the human experience and enrich communities.”
Trotter’s leadership reflects Kennard’s enduring legacy. Across a wide range of project types—including community centers, schools, libraries, restaurants, retail, hotels, and destination entertainment venues—he creates space for meaningful dialogue, channeling collaboration into design outcomes that are both expressive and enduring
Beyond his project work, Trotter is passionate about giving back to his community and is heavily involved in the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), through the organization’s Southern California chapter. Matthew’s leadership includes planning and running the organization’s annual Summer Camp and serving on its Executive Board from 2017-2021, during which time he founded the Developing Professional Group—empowering minority design professionals to reach licensure by providing mentoring, educational seminars, study materials, and financial aid. Today, Matthew is the President of SoCal NOMA and has created additional programs to support communities recovering from the 2025 LA Wildfires.
