News & Events

//byline Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA Greetings from the AIA California Office, Since we originated these by-weekly emails in 2023, we’ve focused on actions AIA California takes to support practitioner and firms bottom line. How are we increasing efficiency, reducing use of time resources, or advocating in ways that streamline work. But this week, for once, indulge me a pivot: what we can accomplish together at times of greatest need. As wildfires raged throughout Southern California in January, the AIA in California banded together to support individuals and communities. Now, as the first days of the disaster seem to fade, it’s important to notice our capabilities, and by doing so, keep our shoulder to the wheel for neighborhoods and neighbors with extreme losses. AIA California connected the local AIA components in Los Angeles, Pasadena & Foothill, San Fernando Valley, and Long Beach/South Bay to create a unified plan for response, recovery and rebuilding to better help the thousands of neighbors and friends impacted by the disaster. The goal of this coordination effort was to develop a plan to help the AIA – at every level – to more efficiently provide meaningful, actionable, and sustainable contributions to start the long process of recovery and rebuilding. The fires in Altadena, the Palisades, Malibu, and beyond, underscore the vital importance of uniting architects to create a more just, equitable, and resilient future. Here is what AIA in California is or has been working on: Advocacy: from outreach to the Governor’s office about release of building plans to connection with the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office about expedited permit review, to support a professional certification initiative, to outreach to FEMA to extend the deadline to file a claim AIA in CALIFORNIA has engaged with elected officials to advocate for policy solutions that positively impact the built environment. Professional Development: AIA Los Angeles has developed a six-part series to help architects and design professionals understand the rapidly changing policy environment, the complex insurance landscape, while also sharing best practices about resilient design strategies, home hardening techniques, and sensitivity to the diverse of needs of each community. Click here for recordings and upcoming sessions. Public Outreach for Property Owners: AIA Pasadena & Foothill launched “Ask an Architect,” connecting individuals who had lost their homes with a team of architects who could provide an overview of a pathway forward, supplying volunteers with information and training. It held a series of events to connect with the public, provide useful and actionable information for homeowners navigating the complex rebuilding process, and launched a landing page – the “Ask an Architect” program was recently featured in the news. To expand the reach of these efforts AIA California then launched – “Here to Help” a FB & IG social media ad campaign featuring short videos of architects providing, real, useful, actionable information for property owners impacted by the disasters (View the Phase 1 of these reels, here.) The campaign was intended to develop connection between community members and architects. Both boosted Instagram Reels and Facebook ads forwarded viewers to AIA P&F’s Ask an Architect page. If you’ve read this far, aren’t involved yet, and are asking what you can do… here are two options in addition to what your local chapter may have: Volunteer to participate in AIA P&F’s Ask an Architect program; sign up here. Or, if you are interested in increasing your capacity to serve clients through resilient design, the following article has seven things you can do right now to design for resiliency—regardless of whether you’re responding to a disaster or designing for the future changing conditions: Resilient Design: Why It’s Important to Architects/ Bringing people together, maximizing resources, gathering industry research to educate the profession, reaching out to the public to demonstrate how we can help, providing tangible tools you can to design for resiliency…are important resources AIA California can and will continue to deliver. Nicki

Recipients span a broad swath of contributions. //for immediate release Tibby Rothman, Hon. AIA|LA Communications Director, AIA California For images and more information contact: trothman@aiacalifornia.org (April 8, 2025. Sacramento, California) Three acclaimed architectural names who encompass the elevation of design excellence, the actualization of core values, and rigorous commitment to the expansion of the capabilities of the field, were announced as the recipients of the prestigious California Awards, by AIA California today. This year’s Lifetime Achievement recipients are Steven Ehrlich, FAIA, and Lorcan O’Herlihy, FAIA, two individual exceptional architects, founders of their own practices, with differing contributions, but each with a lifetime of influential achievements. The 2025 Firm is Studio Gang, a practice that makes true its own phrase: “actionable idealism.” “We will see the achievements of each 2025 California Awards recipient influence design, practice, community, for generations,” said AIA California President, Carina Mills, AIA. “The AIA California Board of Directors, which bestows these awards, is humbled to have the work of Steven Ehrlich, FAIA, Lorcan O’Herlihy, FAIA, and Studio Gang, in its midst.” For more on each individual recipient, scroll down. //lifetime achievement award Steven Ehrlich, FAIA Lifetime Achievement Award : Steven Ehrlich, FAIA First known for initiating Multicultural Modernism®, which he evolved while working, traveling, and teaching architecture in North and West Africa, Steven Ehrlich, FAIA, went on to build an award-winning practice over the course of fifty years, generously mentoring partners and multiple generations of architects, both within and well beyond his firm. “Steven Ehrlich, FAIA’s, innovative, culturally responsive approach to architecture has shaped both the built environment and the next generation of architects,” observed the AIA California Board of Directors in bestowing the award. “He exemplifies excellence in multiple categories: Design, mentorship, teaching, publications, African regionalism and development, and firm growth. Any one, individually, would qualify him for this award.” //lifetime achievement award Lorcan O’Herlihy, FAIA Lifetime Achievement Award : Lorcan O’Herlihy, FAIA Described by peers as a visionary practitioner who blends artistry with a commitment to social responsibility, Lorcan O’Herlihy, FAIA, utilizes architecture as a catalyst of change to shape and enrich the complex, urban landscape of the contemporary city. His career reflects what it means to be an architect in California today. “Lorcan O’Herlihy’s work combines design excellence with a deep commitment to social equity,” said the AIA California Board of Directors in bestowing the award. “His focus on urban transformation and advocacy for affordable housing positions him as a leader in socially responsible architecture. Pairing that with his extensive award-winning portfolio and educational contributions, his career reflects significant service to the field of architecture.” //firm award Studio Gang Firm Award : Studio Gang Driven by an ethos that seeks to “articulate the big ideas that move us” and find ways to methodically pursue and accomplish them through design, Studio Gang realizes innovative work all while fostering a highly collaborative environment and forming a strong design community. Using design to connect people, communities, and the environment, the San Francisco office is an integral part of award-winning projects across the world. “Studio Gang has demonstrated a ripple effect: their impact is felt on local, national and global levels — and their influence extends beyond architecture. It has produced stunning buildings that have become landmarks in the communities they are placed,” stated the AIA Board of Directors. “They consistently push the boundaries of their projects, not only in sustainability and inclusivity, but also on both the practice and theoretical side.” About the American Institute of Architects California (AIA CA) AIA California is dedicated to serving its members, and uniting all architecture professionals in the design of a more just, equitable, and resilient future through advocacy, education, and political action. The organization represents the interests of more than 11,000 architects and allied professionals in California. Founded in 1944, the AIA CA is the largest component of the national AIA organization. For more information, visit www.aiacalifornia.org

President’s Message //byline Carina Mills, AIA – 2025 AIA CA President For those close to the business of AIA California you know that we’ve been working slowly and thoughtfully towards a significant organizational change. We’ve been tasked with this mission because our first and foremost responsibility as elected leaders of the institute is to be good stewards of members’ resources. For many members who are not in leadership, I suspect this is brand new information, so as your President this year I want to give you some insights into why this change is needed and why I was compelled to lead us to the finish line. I know now, after many years of observing this pattern and having others urge me to stop it, that I am drawn to big complicated organizational problems. It is truly an urge that I cannot fight and no longer try to, it’s my gift. These types of problems are intimidating and can feel unsolvable, because in most cases there is no perfect solution but there is the promise of improvement for those who have the courage to change the status quo. I have commented on the sometimes painful compulsion for architects to hold fast to our traditions. These habits are not just motivated by risk aversion, they are more often protected by the love of our legacy, which makes facilitating change a treacherous adventure filled with emotional resistance. I believe part of my gift as a change agent is that I am a very empathic person; I know when to pause and how to adapt solutions so that they are sensitive to the values and traditions we hold dear. I hope this gives you all hope, because I also know how to persist through unreasonable resistance. When I joined the AIA California Board in 2016, the very first meeting I attended offered us an activity to reimagine a new governance structure and explained that our current 60+ person board was not an ideal way to conduct business. At that time, the initiative was suspended because our long-time Executive VP, Paul Welch, was preparing to retire. So, we didn’t change everything all at once, which was an act of compassion and a smart decision to observe and learn from other restructuring efforts that would play out in components across AIA. When I joined the Executive Committee in 2020, with all that year had to offer in forcing everyone to re-evaluate our ways of doing business, the timing was apparent and the restructuring project came off the shelf. Research was conducted, consultants were brought on, and last year engagement ramped up under the stewardship of then President, Winston Thorne, AIA. It was again a compassionate decision to slow the process down with the 2024 board and make sure we were listening to important petitions to preserve the most valued traditions. We made adjustments to protect what our Directors felt passionate about, and we also pressed continual reminders of the need to evolve in a time of rapid change and limited resources. Our goal has always been to protect the legacy of the institute and better serve our members so that you can better serve our community. There is a real need to maintain relevance – and that does require change. It takes curiosity and courage to change, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to stand in this leadership role as we come to the final stages. This is the time when change agents are faced with the least glamourous and most laborious tasks, and in some cases peak emotional reaction. The AIA California Board will convene in Sacramento on April 24th to work through our last major charrette activities as we work to refine the roles and expectations of future directors, representatives, and executive leaders, as well as refining our election process that will hopefully offer enhanced engagement from our membership across California. I started on this path with AIA to meet people and develop my networking skills, but I stayed to change things, to show myself and my colleagues a courageous and tenacious leader who is willing to do the unglamorous work in support of the profession I still love.  I hope these words give you the opportunity to reflect on what you are called to change in pursuit of relevance and in support of our shared legacy. Carina

Practice Advisory //byline AIA California Staff (March 31, 2025) California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Cal Fire, has released the fourth and final round of new Fire Hazzard Severity Zones (FHSV) maps. These color coded maps show the potential level of risk for an area within the state and as a result, “roughly 1-in-10 Californians are now subject to an array of building code, defensible space and real estate disclosure rules, all of which could have lasting effects on how people live, communities plan and housing markets function in the state’s most flammable neighborhoods” according to CalMatters. What is a “Fire Hazard Severity Zone,” or FHSZ?  According to the Public Resource Code 4202; The State Fire Marshal shall classify lands within state responsibility areas into fire hazard severity zones. Each zone shall embrace relatively homogeneous lands and shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors present, including areas where winds have been identified by the department as a major cause of wildfire spread.  Government Code 51178; The State Fire Marshal shall identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.  Why are fire hazard severity maps being updated?  The maps are being updated to more accurately reflect the zones in California that are susceptible to wildfire.  The hazard mapping process will incorporate new science in local climate data and improved fire assessment modeling in determining hazard ratings.   The FHSZ maps are created using computational models that evaluates factors influencing fire risk and behavior to determine a hazard score. These factors include fire history, existing and potential fuel sources (such as natural vegetation), projected flame length, airborne embers, terrain, and typical fire weather conditions for the region. In State Responsibility Areas, hazard levels are classified into three categories: moderate, high, and very high. Important to note – these new maps are based upon current climatic conditions; as climates changes continue, the zones may expand in area and may increase in severity level. In addition, the maps’ boundaries are for legal purposes in the present not for predictive design models in the future. At this time Cal-Adapt is a resource to help predict these changes: Cal-Adapt What resources are available to determine the FHSZ of an area? CalFire has created a several educational resources and a tool to search a specific address for its FHSZ here: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones In addition, the California Department of Insurance also released frequently asked questions information regarding the impact of modifications to the FHSZ maps on the insurance landscape. What are the requirements for landowners in FHSZs in local responsibility areas?   California’s WUI building codes (CBC Chapter 7A) apply to the design and construction of new buildings located in High and Very High FHSZs in Local Responsibility Areas.  Local ordinances may require ignition resistant construction for remodel projects.  Check with your local building department to determine which ignition resistant building codes apply to your project. In addition, Government Code Section 51182 calls for defensible space clearance and other wildland fire safety practices for buildings.  Owners are also required to make a natural hazard disclosure as part of a real estate transfer. For information regarding “home hardening” and defensible space clearance, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.  For more information about the new FHSZ, the process used to develop these maps, and the integration with the Wildfire Urban Interface code click here.

design awards //byline AIA California Staff https://www.youtube.com/embed/cBkuQAyQ-tw?si=fOOcHZ5tIyOA3Kx6 AIA California is impassioned about bringing the power of architecture to communities across the state, and the capacity of California-based members to states across the country. Locally, we can connect neighborhoods with architects committed to supporting their communities through social media and similar channels. On a national basis, this year we will access television viewers through a partnership with ByDesign—along with AIA National and other Chapters. ByDesign is the producer of America ByDesign, a television show that explores design, and features the designers who bring ideas to life. Airing on CBS during primetime, production company also offers deeper dives on its streaming platforms. Initiating in Australia, the brand has a global reach extending to Europe. To deliver architecture that speaks to design excellence, and AIA California values such as sustainability, ByDesign is working with AIA California design award and residential design award winners. We are delighted to announce the first two projects by AIA California members, which ByDesign will tape this spring: Fire County Lookout, Architect: Studio VARA, a 2024 Design Awards Citation recipient, and Boulder Creek Library, Architect: Jayson Architecture, also a 2024 Design Awards Citation recipient. The latter project was realized by a small firm, embodying the capacity of the awards program to increase the profile of smaller firms. Fire County Lookout, Architect: Studio VARA. Photo: Matthew Millman Photography This family retreat west of Healdsburg, CA was developed as a prototype for sustainable dwelling and resilient development in the “post-climate-change” West. The simple form provides optimum orientation for passive ventilation and solar exposure, while shading the outdoor areas against the scorching summer heat. Its concrete base, a wrapper of standing-seam zinc panels envelops the roof and walls, creating a protective outer shell shielding the inner volumes from sun and frequent wildfires. Boulder Creek Library, Architect: Jayson Architecture Photo: David Wakely Photography The renovation of the Boulder Creek Library creatively addresses issues arising from the age and disrepair of the existing building. The non code compliant main entrance, lobby, circulation desk, and restrooms were all demolished, allowing an open and easily navigable central reading room to take form. New ADA compliant restrooms were added, as well as glazed partitions, allowing the community meeting room to operate as its own entity, independent of the library’s hours of operation. New wood paneling in the main reading room provides acoustic control, as well as creating an aesthetic connection to the building’s location among the redwoods. Historic graphics are integrated throughout the library, sourced from the nearby local history museum. In the children’s area the reading room was re-imagined as a playful treehouse, complete with mossy stone floor and fairies hidden in the wall graphics, and with windows looking out on the forest canopy beyond.

advocacy update //byline Mike Malinowski, FAIA 04.01.25 (April 31, 2024) In 2022, AIA California played a significant role in the launch of a California innovation: a new entity called the California Carbon Reduction Collaborative (CCRC). Founded by three of the key Code Adopting State agencies (Department of the State Architect [DSA], California Housing and Community Development [HCD] and California Building Standards Commission [CBSC]), we worked within the CCRC framework and its wide-ranging stakeholders in an intense year-long effort that led to the adoption of the first Embodied Carbon Mandatory Measures in the country–applicable to certain large buildings. This breakthrough set of standards, effective statewide in July of 2024, was widely lauded in the US and around the world. By establishing three alternative paths for compliance: prescriptive, performance, and building reuse options, we ensured design teams have maximum flexibility and impact, while at the same time minimizing the cost and effort required. This model is already being emulated by other jurisdictions, ranging from Seattle all the way to Tokyo, Japan, which sent a study group to interview AIA California and State of California leaders. Today, the California Carbon Reduction Collaborative process was reopened, with a public hearing attended by over 110 individuals and organizations.  AIA California again was a leading voice, invited to present a curated list of recommendations espoused by leading subject matter experts and a wide range of collaborating organizations. The three part-program we envision for this upcoming intervening code cycle: Continuing the important work the CCRC completed in the last code cycle which is making consideration of embodied carbon a part of business as usual for California.There are some minor incremental adjustments and advances we can take.  We also suggest making progress on foundational work to allow for carbon budgets in future code cycles. This shift away from comparative assessment models toward simpler budget-based modeling can be considered now based on newly available California-specific data, and moving in this direction will ensure we are respectful of the many partners involved in shaping a cost-effective and impactful path forward. Laying groundwork to further incentivize and incrementally move toward a circular economy. We believe that existing buildings and infrastructure represent both our biggest opportunity, as well as a challenge that requires thoughtful, measured, and strategic shifts over time. We can help expand the tent by bringing foundation definitions and equivalencies to the table. Continuing to clean up CALGreen, which will allow us all to focus more clearly on what we now know are the most important areas for progress Are you interested in being a part of this unfolding adventure, joining our optimistic and passionate move toward a sustainable, resilient and beautiful future for us all?  Drop us a line. Contact AIA California staff at svasquez@aiacalifornia.org. Found out more on CCRC current cycle of development and collaboration, including an opportunity to sign up for updates, click here: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Rulemaking/2025-Intervening-Cycle/PreCycle Find background information here. https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Rulemaking/2022-Intervening-Cycle/2022-PreCycle/#CCRC A collection of embodied carbon tools, training, guides are here. https://calgreeninfo.com/

//byline Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA 03.31.25 Greetings from the AIA California Office, A frequent comment I receive from members is “why isn’t AIA doing something to make my work easier?” That’s a tall order and if the design and delivery of architecture was done in a vacuum, that would surely be easier to achieve. However, we live in a world of increasing complexity, rate of change, and interconnectedness. Most of the work of architects is subject to numerous external regulations and codes which originate from sources far removed from architectural practice. For example, California has, for years, adopted goals and policies that mandate carbon reductions, so as these become embedded into codes, it is imperative that we are at the table to ensure considerations of architectural practice are included in the ever-changing regulatory landscape. The addition of embodied carbon benchmarks in our building code was going to happen, regardless of who the players were. What’s different this time is that AIA California was in the room which ensured that new code was tailored to best support architects be efficient in attaining sustainability goals and realizing commissions. Throughout the process, we guided and shaped the way the standards were developed. We helped manage a diverse team of professionals and organizations, and as a result we advanced code changes that supported the work of architects, created option choices best suited to individual commissions, and, through this, made architects’ work more efficient. We now have a very flexible framework with three optional compliance paths for design professionals to choose from. Reuse of existing buildings, with many cases a simple percentage that can be documented with the same area analysis that is already part of a construction document set. Prescriptive path – is limited to gathering a handful of EPD’s for the same set of materials already covered by BuyCleanCalifornia (plus concrete). Note: BuyClean was enacted in 2017 and already applied to any state building.) A performance approach that is based on a Lifecycle Assessment. No project is required to use WBLCA, it is always an option. This highly flexible approach is the direct result of AIA California’s engagement in the process; if we were not engaged, we could have ended up with a code that required every project to be modeled – just as we have with the current energy code – or for more information on these optional compliance paths, click here. To put this into another perspective: consider California’s energy code and how it has evolved. While it is undoubtedly the most advanced such code in the country, it takes thousands of pages to describe it, leading to an environment of specialist consultants to navigate it effectively. And yet, as professionals, architects bear responsibility for compliance. While it’s “scientifically correct”, from a practical standpoint it’s a spiderweb of highly technical information that takes a full-time job to keep up with! Many practitioners in California believe that as code has moved to more fully consider “carbon accounting” we are off to a much better start and on a track that is thoughtful, usable and good for BOTH the environment and business (including architecture firms!) And as the code landscape continues to evolve, AIA California will be your advocate for both streamlining and efficiency so you can provide your clients with higher value for your work. While it’s a heavy lift between competing interests, the many stakeholders, and the state bureaucracy, this is just one more way AIA California is working for you. Nicki

advocacy update //byline Scott Terrell, Director of Government Affairs March 18, 2025 As California’s 2025 legislative session gets underway, a dynamic political environment is shaping the state’s policy direction. With 30 new legislators entering office and new leadership taking the helm of key committees in both the Assembly and Senate, the state’s approach to critical issues—including housing, resilience, and the built environment—will be influenced by fresh perspectives and evolving priorities. Additionally, California’s legislative response to increasingly disastrous fires and shifting national policies will further define the landscape in which architects and designers operate. At AIA California (AIA CA), we recognize the profound impact that new policies can have on the architectural profession and the communities we serve. Over the next several weeks, AIA CA will conduct a thorough review of nearly 100 bills relevant to our industry. This process will involve review by many different committees and knowledge communities across AIA California and a final vote from the AIA California Board on official positions. Our analysis will cover a wide range of topic areas, including, but not limited to: Accessibility, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), CEQA Reform, Permit Streamlining, Adaptive Reuse, Alternative Project Delivery Methods, Resilience, Public Contracts, Housing, Historic Preservation, and Disaster Response. A key area of focus this session will be housing policy. As detailed in the Terner Center’s 2025 California Legislative Preview, lawmakers are considering strategies to accelerate housing production, strengthen tenant protections, and refine policies to make development more efficient. These conversations will intersect with many of the issues AIA CA is tracking, including CEQA reform, permit streamlining, and adaptive reuse. As bills progress through the legislative process, AIA CA will remain engaged, providing insights, advocacy, and expertise to help shape policies that support architects, improve the built environment, and advance California’s resilience and sustainability goals. Stay tuned for updates as we continue our legislative review and advocacy efforts throughout the session.

2025 AEP Awards //for immediate release Contact: trothman@aiacalifornia.org March 12, 2025 (March 17, 2025. Sacramento, California) The American Institute of Architects California is delighted to announce the recipients of its 2025 Academy for Emerging Professionals Award recipients. Collectively, two emerging practitioners, a firm, and an AIA component, demonstrate the capacity for early career excellence, advocacy that advances emerging professionals as a whole, commitment to mentorship and support, and valuable education. The field has a unique relationship with next-generation architects. With these precepts in mind, AIA California is honored to celebrate this year’s Academy for Emerging Professionals Award recipients. In 2025, we honor the following recipients: Young Architect Award – Daniel Zweig, AIA Associate Award – Ali Rafieetari, Assoc. AIA Firm Mentorship Award – SmithGroup Chapter Award – AIA Silicon Valley //young architect award Young Architect Award Recipient: Daniel Zweig, AIA Jury Notes: Daniel Zweig’s work within his peer group is exceptional. His opportunity to work on select projects for a very well recognized firm speaks highly of his capabilities and his firm’s respect of his capacity to take on challenging work. He demonstrates an exemplary balance of in-office work effort as well as outreach to his peers and the community, exactly what this award is intended to showcase and promote. //associate award Associate Award Recipient: Ali Rafieetari, Assoc. AIA Jury Notes: Ali Rafieetari’s dedication to sustainability, equity, and the advancement of emerging professionals is exemplary. His work bridges practice and advocacy, making a significant impact on the architectural community and beyond. He has truly contributed to the emerging professionals community. He understands how to express his values and beliefs in social justice and climate action in design for the built environment. //firm mentorship award Firm Mentorship Award Recipient: SmithGroup Jury Notes: SmithGroup’s comprehensive, innovative programs support emerging professionals in meaningful ways, setting a high bar for mentorship within the industry. The jury is impressed by the scholarships that they offer, particularly for underrepresented students and young designers. Their influence on the next generation of architects is profound and they exemplify a firm that prioritizes mentorship at every level of practice. //chapter award Chapter Award Recipient: AIA Silicon Valley Jury Notes: AIA Silicon Valley has established itself as a leader in professional development for emerging architects through innovative programs and strong community engagement. It’s clear that the resources that AIA Silicon Valley provides for their emerging professionals and young architects is incredible and impressive. The chapter really prepares other early career architects and designers to contribute to bettering the built environment. About the American Institute of Architects California (AIA CA) AIA California is dedicated to serving its members, and uniting all architecture professionals in the design of a more just, equitable, and resilient future through advocacy, education, and political action. The organization represents the interests of more than 11,000 architects and allied professionals in California. Founded in 1944, the AIA CA is the largest component of the national AIA organization. For more information, visit www.aiacalifornia.org

AIA CA Working for you //byline Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA 03.12.25 Greetings from the AIA California Office, In September 2024, AIA California was asked to provide input into the California Assembly’s Select Committee on Permitting Reform. The Committee has completed its whitepaper and while the full report is a whopping 292 pages, we’ve excerpted 16 pages here that address permitting of Housing. AIA California was both interviewed and active in the process, sharing our own priorities and perspectives, some of which made it into the final output. A few of the critical issues we advocated for: The need for clear and straightforward description of the information required for a ‘complete’ application, and the steps involved in verifying completion. There have been several laws that mandate timelines for permit processing, but with the start of the clock not in control of the applicant, they are not effective.  Elimination of uncertainty needs to be the mantra used by every jurisdiction. We stressed the need for clear and definitive timelines for all steps of the review process – from intake triage and completeness determination to the detailed technical reviews that follow.  We also stressed the importance that the reviews are conducted in parallel rather than sequentially, so that one slow step does not bog down the entire process. We advocated for a collaborative culture. Recognizing culture is very important to permitting success. Jurisdictions need to treat permit applicants as partners – and work proactively and collaborative to identify any issues and get to solutions that work for everyone.  The emphasis should be on outcomes, not the internal process and procedure. We highlighted best practices across jurisdictions, identifying how an increasing number of jurisdictions are using a ‘project manager’ approach with success, which sets up a single individual as the main point of contact.  The manager is also the person on the ‘inside’ who finds out where things might be “gummed up” and helps in getting things moving forward. In the best jurisdictions, this process is provided at low or no cost – as it saves time and money on both sides of the counter As part of our housing initiative, we are continuing to push these ideas forward with various bodies, including in communities devastated by the recent fires. Discussions about permit streamlining and reform are gaining momentum throughout the City and County of Los Angeles, We have several groups working on this with various jurisdictions – join the effort here. Our work on permit reform includes our ongoing initiatives addressing adaptive reuse, an area in which AIA California has achieved success for members and residents of the state. Most recently, we worked with members to ensure architects’ voices are heard as HCD develops recommendations to facilitate adaptive reuse and modernize California’s building standards. Advocating for housing reform/removal of barriers, amplifying the architects’ voice in conversations about these critical issues, and bringing people together to affect change – just a few ways of the many ways AIA California is working for you. Nicki