Ted Tanner, executive vice president of real estate for AEG, recalls the difficulties of moving forward with the visual centerpiece of the L.A. Live entertainment district—the 54-story JW Marriott Hotel and Ritz Carlton boutique hotel and condominium complex—when the recession hit in 2009.

"Gensler was patient with us as we wrestled with some tough decisions," Tanner says. "They knew how to make this a landmark without breaking the bank."

Additional resiliency was needed, Tanner adds, as Marriott was in the process of refreshing its hotel brands. "We placed a strong emphasis on public spaces, and Gensler responded with interiors that created ambience and a sense of place," he says. "We also achieved LEED Silver certification, which was very important to us."

AEG has once again turned to Gensler to design a $500-million expansion of the JW Marriott hotel, which will include a 38-story tower with 755 rooms and meeting space.

"You need architects to design smart buildings, which is why they are one of our primary go-to firms," Tanner says.

Though the California design market is expected to remain strong for the foreseeable future, it is not immune from a host of challenges, ranging from resource scarcity to cost escalation.

"Clients' budgets don't go as far as they used to," Price says, "which is why we've started ongoing Cost 101 classes to help our staff understand the factors behind these increases and how to address them."

Yet amid California's diversity, Cohen sees integration as a growing trend.

"Where once the state had separate cultures, we now see a greater interest in looking for expertise in other areas, such as Silicon Valley people coming to Southern California looking for ideas," he says. "We're becoming one huge economy and market."