At the beginning of 2022, CAA lost one of its most loyal champions. Over a timespan of over 30 years, Ron Wallace volunteered his time and energy to CAA as an architect and construction manager, during a long and illustrious career in architectural design, in which he also served limited-income families and community-based organizations like ours.
Ron led Mock Wallace Associates, a design firm that worked in partnership with architect Philip Choy to renovate CAA’s home at 17 Walter U. Lum Place after the Kuo family donated it to us in the mid-1980s.
In 2015, Ron and business partners Larry Mock and Chris Ahn returned to the building – this time, to make our community space more accessible to CAA’s growing network of team members, clients, and supporters – who use our office to congregate, collaborate, and celebrate. Over time, thousands of people have set foot inside CAA’s Chinatown headquarters, and all of them have benefited from the architectural and design talents of Ron and his firm.
Shortly after the second renovation, during our 48th annual Celebration of Justice fundraising gala, CAA recognized Ron, Larry, and Chris for their leadership in the community and for their contributions to 17 Walter Lum Place.
In his acceptance speech, Ron said, “As architects, you start out thinking you can change the world. Whether it’s improving a family’s living conditions or a workplace environment, architectural design is emotional and meaningful. It goes to show that everyone can do something to help.”
Our thoughts remain with Ron’s friends and loved ones. His legacy will live on at 17 Walter U. Lum Place and in our work for civil rights and social justice.
