May 6, 2010
Architect Ted Tokio Tanaka is selected as a recipient of the 15th Annual Local Heroes Awards by Union Bank and KCET public media television station.
The awards will be presented on Thursday, May 6 at the KCET studio in Los Angeles.
Ted Tokio Tanaka, FAIA, principal of Ted Tokio Tanaka Architects, has made significant contributions to Los Angeles urban landscapes, including the well-known Los Angeles International Airport Beautification Enhancements Project.
In 1994, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) honored Mr. Tanaka for his outstanding work.
He has served as president of AIA/Los Angeles, the organization’s first Asian president, president of the Asian American Architects and Engineers Association and chairman of the board of governors at Otis College of Art and Design.
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Tanaka moved to the United States with his family at the age of 15.
After he received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Arizona State University at Tempe, he moved to Los Angeles and worked for several reputable architectural firms, before establishing his own firm in 1974.
He has since designed numerous public, private, commercial and residential projects in Southern California and overseas.
His projects in Los Angeles include the Los Angeles International Airport Beautification Enhancements Project; Banning’s Landing Cultural Community Center for the Port of Los Angeles; Little Tokyo/Art District Gold Line Station; Los Angeles Community College Beautification Project (several campuses district wide); and award-winning residential homes.
He has served as president and chair of the Asia America Symphony Association for 12 years. In 2011, AASA will be celebrating its 50th anniversary, and Tanaka will be serving his 13th year as president.
He has also served on the Ambassador’s Council at Japanese American Cultural Community Center, Board of Governors at Little Tokyo Service Center, and Board of Governors at Los Angeles County Natural History Museum.