History

 

1966

Carl Irwin opens Irwin Partners Architects as a general practice architectural firm
 

1967

Carl Irwin is appointed to the board of Southland Lutheran Homes in Norwalk, California. In this capacity, he begins to learn about the unique needs of senior housing and to develop ideas for making senior homes that function better for residents and operators.
 

1969

Carl Irwin steps down from the Southland Lutheran Homes board and begins his first senior housing architectural project at Southland Lutheran Homes.
 

1976

Carl Irwin is named Christian of the Year by the California/Nevada Kiwanis Club
 

1978

Irwin Partners Architects designs the $2-million expansion at Plymouth Village in Redlands, California, incorporating all of the senior community’s needs into one place. The village includes dining facilities, beauty parlor, assembly hall, retail shops, recreational and craft areas.
 

1987

Carl Irwin is elected the Regional Vice President of the executive board for the National Association of Senior Living Industries.
 

1988

Inspired by a passion for improving the lives of seniors, Carl Irwin transforms IPA into an expert architectural practice focused on senior housing and church design.
 

1989

The State of California establishes a committee to write its first Residential Care for the Elderly (RCFE) codes. Recognizing Carl Irwin’s expertise, the state names him to the committee.
 

1990

Irwin Partners Architect starts work with Josephine Sunset Home, a senior caregiving community first established in 1908. This early project blossoms into a working relationship lasting more than 10 years.
 

1993

Greg Irwin, son of Carl Irwin, begins working at Irwin Partners Architects.
 

1994

Carl Irwin becomes a the founding member of California Assisted Living Facilities Association (CALFA).
 

1995

Marriott Senior Living Services turns to Irwin Partners Architects to adapt its senior-living model to meet California standards. This leads to the design of the company’s Brighton Gardens project.
 

1996

Silverado Senior Living turns to Irwin Partners Architects for overall concept and building designs for the company’s entry into the memory-care market.
 

1997

The firm begins work on some of the first West Coast projects for KISCO Senior Living.
 

1998

Irwin Partners Architects is honored with the Best Practices Award from Hillcrest Retirement Community for its work on the Southwoods Lodge in LaVerne, California.
 

1999

Irwin Partners works with Best Bath on an innovative solution to improve shower access for limited-mobility users. The new collapsible dam invention provides a useful advance for seniors desiring to age in place while maintaining personal independence.
 

2000

After a lifetime of growing up and working in his father’s firm, Greg Irwin is promoted to partner.
This same year, Irwin Partners Architects is given a 10-year employ pin by Josephine Sunset Home, a touching tribute to a close and enduring partnership
 

2001

Greg Irwin attends an Eden Alternative course at the home of the philosophy’s founder, Dr. Bill Thomas; the experience provides new inspiration to advance the quality of life for senior communities.
 

2006

Carl Irwin is named Person of the Year at the SAGE Awards for his years of service and advancements in senior housing.
 

2008

Melisa Pence joins Irwin Partners Architects. With her expertise in BIM 3D imaging software, and architectural credits that include retail spaces, sports stadiums, and college campus facilities, Melisa brings a fresh perspective to multi-use design for seniors.
 

2009

Greg Irwin completes his tenth year of service on the Orange County Senior Housing Board, and steps down to general member.
 

2010

In recognition of her contributions to the firm’s success and client-service culture, Melisa Pence is promoted to the position of partner in the firm.
 

2018

NAHB honors Greg Irwin as Associate of the Year .
 

2018

Inland Empire Senior Living Project of the Year-Protea, Temecula California.
 

2019

First Assisted Living/Memory Care Project for IPA in the State of Alaska.