Torti Gallas and Partners, Inc. is proud to announce that Neal Payton, FAIA is the 2016 recipient of the Paul Crawford Award given by the Congress for the New Urbanism's California Chapter! The Paul Crawford Award is given each year to an outstanding member of the CNU who has made considerable contributions to the advancement of the principles of the New Urbanism. The award was created in honor of the late planning director of San Luis Obispo, professor at Cal State San Luis Obispo, and nationally recognized coding expert, Mr. Paul Crawford.

Neal was honored for his work in Los Angeles and beyond, and especially for his efforts in revitalizing and reconnecting isolated public housing throughout the country. Following his 10 years in Torti Gallas' Silver Spring, Maryland office, Mr. Payton helped establish the firm's Los Angeles office in 2005. He currently leads its urban design and planning efforts in the western United States and Asia. Mr. Payton's projects have been honored nationally with numerous awards from the American Institute of Architects, the Congress for the New Urbanism, the American Planning Association and the National Association of Home Builders. including a 2012 CNU Charter Award for the New Wyvernwood, Boyle Heights Mixed-Use Community in Los Angeles. 

In bestowing this honor, the selection committee said of Mr. Payton "We truly admire his dedication and results in making better places for the citizens of California." 

Mr. Payton is the fourth recipient of the CNU California Paul Crawford Award, following in the illustrious footsteps of Stefanos Polyzoides and Elizabeth Moule (2013), Rick Cole (2014), and Jeffrey Tumlin (2015). 

Congratulations, Neal!!