News & Events

In Memoriam //in memoriam November 12, 2024 Sim Van der Ryn, 1935 – 2024 | ‘Father of Green Architecture’ The theme of Sim Van der Ryn, AIA’s, career was: applying principals of physical and social ecology to architecture and environmental design, pioneering sustainable design at the community and the building scale. In the early years of his life, Van der Ryn’s family fled the Holocaust and war-torn Holland to the outskirts of New York City. The unspoken tragedy that he and his family left behind and his experiences of deserted marshes, beaches and vacant lots gave him a lifelong concern for social justice, equity, and ecology. As State Architect from 1975-1978, he developed the nation’s first government-initiated and energy efficient office building program and led adoption of energy standards and disability access standards for all construction in California. As an educator and researcher, Van der Ryn played a major role in bringing ecological design to children and adults of all ages. As a professor, he was a key force in establishing UC Berkeley’s international reputation as a leader in socially and environmentally responsible design. He was the author of several books about sustainable planning and design including Sustainable Communities (1986) with Peter Calthorpe and Ecological Design (1996) with Stuart Cowan. As a ‘Tribal Elder,’ Van der Ryn spoke at the famed Monterey Design Conference in 2003; the theme that year was ‘Doing Good.’ Van der Ryn was also founder of the Farallones Institute and its successor, the Ecological Design Institute, which offers training, education, and research services in ecological design to businesses, government agencies, professional organizations, and educational institutions.

AIA CA Elections //byline AIA CA Staff November 12, 2024 November 11, 2024. We are delighted to announce the election of the following AIA California Executive Committee Officers, Board Members, and Strategic Councilors (a National Position), elected at the Friday, November 8, 2024 AIA California Board of Directors meeting: 2025 First Vice President/President-Elect: Ginger Thompson , AIA2025-2026 VP of Government Relations: Laura Knauss, AIA2025-2026 VP of Education and Professional Development: Amy Eliot, AIA2025-2026 VP of Communications and Public Affairs: Carol Lanham, AIA2025-2026 VP of California CACE: Kristine Hammond, MBA2025-2027 AIA Strategic Councilor (National Position): Winston Thorne, AIA2025-2027 Young Architect Representative (National Position): Magdalini Eleni Vraila, AIA2025-2026 Associate Director, South: Rebekah Dalton, Assoc. AIA2025-2026 Student Director South: Kyle Kim The above individuals will be joining the 2025 AIA California President Carina Mills, AIA, and already elected and serving officers. AIA California leadership is comprised of two main groups, the Board of Directors and the board’s Executive Committee. Each holds different responsibility. The Board of Directors establishes policy. With elected leaders from across the state, it is composed of: individuals who represent 21 local components, ex officio members of the Executive Committee, and members who represent California at AIA, the national level. Implementing policy and overseeing organizational operations is the Executive Committee, which is comprised of the AIA California President, and eleven other elected members who oversee different areas such as the Vice-President of Government Relations, the Vice President of Professional Practice, and the Vice President of Climate Action. These Board Members are empowered to conduct the business of AIA CA and responsible for implementation of Board-directed policies.

wycdrn //byline Tibby Rothman, Hon. AIA|LACommunications Director, AIA California October 29, 2024 For the past 30 years, freshwater flooding in the US resulted in an average of $8.2bn loss[1] per year, though this average accounts for an upward trend recently. According to a 2018 study titled “Estimates of present and future flood risk in the conterminous United States” published in Environmental Research Letters, nearly 41 million people live within the floodplain nationally, and damage estimates from a 100-yr flood is $1.2 trillion. With sea-level rise, the impacts of flooding will continue to grow with more people getting affected and the damage estimates increasing (Wing, 2018). The following graph shows future flooding trends and the expected damage. The following graphs show the future flooding scenarios in various cities in the US. Where to Start You can make a difference in mitigating the flood impacts on buildings by adding a few simple steps to your design process. Carry out high-level studies to determine if the project location is in a flood plain or can be affected by floods in the future. The following link provides flood maps for various locations for current and future climate scenarios. https://coastal.climatecentral.org/. In addition, FEMA flood maps indicate flood hazard areas for various locations. It is recommended that projects in flood risk zones involve qualified consultants or engineers who can carry out accurate flood modeling and (a) identify Design Flood Elevation (DFE) and (b) identify all critical assets below the design flood elevation. (Tak, 2019). Design Flood Elevation (DFE) refers to the elevation that is used for determining the elevation of building elements in new construction[2]. Critical assets include components that support the function of the building during emergencies and otherwise. The Resilience Design Toolkit that is compiled by AIA and HKS recommends performing a Benefit Cost Analysis for each of the identified strategies for the project. The analysis yields a Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) which is the ratio of the initial costs to the savings during perilous events. If the BCR is one or more, the strategy can be considered beneficial. What Designers Can Do Now The figure below summarizes the various strategies that designers can use to “flood-proof” the building. Building layout and access: As shown in the figure above consider elevating building access, emergency exits, and pedestrian infrastructure above the design flood elevation. Emergency exit stairways and corridors must be wet floodproofed and designed with flood vents to maintain the operation of the exit door. Critical Services: For projects that are in flood risk zones, floodproof low-lying electrical and other critical components. Locate electrical components and other critical components such as emergency power backup, and chemical storage facilities at an elevation higher than the Design Flood Elevation. Alternatively, the project can use a “compartmentalizing” approach to protect spaces that hold critical components from flood water. Electrical: The project can enhance the redundant power supply which entails serving the project with multiple power sources. While each of the power supplies provides a fraction of the power depending on the number of power sources, one or more power supplies can provide the entire power when other power sources fail (Vechy, 2021). Potable water storage: Plan for potable water storage on-site if the municipal potable water supply is compromised during floods. Sewer Lines: Installing backflow prevention valves on sewer lines can minimize stormwater and sewage flowing into buildings (City of Hoboken, 2015). Stormwater systems: Design stormwater systems to manage excess stormwater runoff during flood events and infiltration, where feasible. The following resource provides an online stormwater assessment tool https://coast.noaa.gov/stormwater-floods/analyze/ Foundation:a. Construct floors above the design flood elevation with the grade sloping away from the building. Consider raised slab and elevated pier foundation, if applicable, as opposed to the slab foundations[4]. Placement of fill under floor slabs is not recommended in flood-prone areas, rather allowing for “wet levels” under DFE by accommodating flood openings are recommended to allow flood water to flow in and out of the space and prevent foundation collapse because of uneven hydrostatic pressure[5] as shown in the figure below. Openings must be equally proportional to the floor area that it is enclosing as shown in the figures below. Areas exposed to flood water requires wet flood proofing. Building Enclosure: The following table from Designing for Natural Hazards: A Resilient Guide to Builders and Developers Volume 2 summarizes some of the building enclosure strategies to mitigate flood impacts to the building. Materials below DFE: The Resilient Building Design Guidelines published by the City of Hoboken recommends using reinforced concrete or steel below DFE and limiting the use of decay-resistant lumber, marine-grade wood, and carpeting. The guidelines recommend using only closed-cell insulation and avoiding the use of fiberglass insulation in areas that may encounter flood water. More detailed information is available in FEMA Technical Bulleting 2: Flood Damage Resistant Material Requirements. Miscellaneous:a. Elevators: While elevators can access areas below the Design Flood Elevation (DFE), it is recommended to locate elevator control equipment above the DFE. Float switches can prevent a can from going below the DFE during floods. FEMA’s Technical Bulletin 4: Elevator Installation for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas provides additional guidelines for elevator design and installation in flood-prone areas. Tools and Resources https://coastal.climatecentral.org/. FEMA Flood maps https://coast.noaa.gov/stormwater-floods/analyze/ https://buildingscience.com/documents/building-science-insights/bsi-128-designing-floods#:~:text=All%20flood%20risk%20is%20reduced,foundations%20and%20crawl%20space%20foundations. https://longislandsoundstudy.net/our-vision-and-plan/thriving-habitats-and-abundant-wildlife/living-shoreline-projects/ https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ https://opc.ca.gov/2024/01/draft-slr-guidance-2024/#:~:text=Key%20takeaways%20from%20the%20updated,in%20the%20next%2030%20years. FEMA Technical Bulletin 2: Flood Damage Resistant Material Requirements FEMA’s Technical Bulletin 4: Elevator Installation for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas Resilient Building Design Guidelines by the City of Hoboken Resilience Design Toolkit by AIA and HKS Flood Damage Resistant Materials Requirement- FEMA Technical Bulletin 2 Designing for Natural Hazards: A Technical Guide for Builders and Developers- Volume 2 Water [1] (Wing, 2018) [2] https://fontanarchitecture.com/base-flood-elevation-design-flood-elevation/ [3] Resilience Design Toolkit, HKS and AIA [4] https://buildingscience.com/documents/building-science-insights/bsi-128-designing-floods#:~:text=All%20flood%20risk%20is%20reduced,foundations%20and%20crawl%20space%20foundations. [5] Resilient Building Design Guidelines by City of Hoboken

//byline Scott Terrell, Director of Government Relations October 29, 2024 AIA California is actively seeking input from our members working in the field of adaptive reuse to shape proposed changes to building standards that could facilitate adaptive reuse projects statewide. Your valuable insights will directly influence our formal response to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) as they work to identify barriers and opportunities within adaptive reuse for residential projects. Background on AB 529 and the AB 529 Working Group Assembly Bill 529, passed as Chapter 743 of the Statutes of 2023, directs HCD to convene a working group to identify ways to support adaptive reuse. This process will ultimately inform HCD’s recommendations to the California Legislature, with findings due by December 31, 2025. The bill’s aim is to increase housing availability by exploring ways to repurpose existing buildings—like commercial spaces or offices—into residential units. The AB 529 working group, which AIA California has been a part of since its inception, is a collaborative effort to analyze and address the challenges and opportunities surrounding adaptive reuse. Now, as HCD has issued a Request for Information (RFI), it’s critical that stakeholders in the adaptive reuse sector provide detailed feedback on the current standards and regulations. Your perspective could be pivotal in influencing future policies that may simplify adaptive reuse conversions across California. Why Your Feedback Matters The information gathered from this RFI will play a central role in shaping policy recommendations that could streamline adaptive reuse projects, making them more feasible and accessible for developers, architects, and communities. Whether it’s specific building codes, zoning regulations, or other standards that impact the viability of these projects, your firsthand experience will be invaluable in guiding AIA California’s response to HCD. How to Participate To ensure that AIA California’s feedback is comprehensive and reflective of our members’ expertise, please complete the following survey sharing any obstacles or suggestions you believe are critical in improving adaptive reuse standards. Responses are requested by Monday, November 11, so we can incorporate your insights into our official response. View the Google Form for feedback. Thank you for your time and expertise. Your feedback could be instrumental in transforming California’s approach to adaptive reuse, making it a viable solution for housing needs across the state. For further information on AB 529, visit the HCD website or email AB529Workgroup@hcd.ca.gov. Let’s work together to make adaptive reuse a cornerstone of California’s housing future.

//byline Tibby Rothman, Hon. AIA|LA Communications Director, AIA California October 29, 2024 (October 30, 2024. Sacramento, CA.) The California Architectural Foundation, an AIA California organization that ignites interest in architecture and equips budding architects to thrive on their academic journey, is honored to announce the 2024 Robert J. Kain Healthcare Design Education Scholarship recipients. Four students who embody the mission of the scholarship—that architects have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of healthcare by creating hesaling environments that promote wellness, compassion, and innovation—were selected by a jury of architects with lengthy and recognized expertise in design and health care design: Lincoln Ruiz-Truong who thoughtfully addresses cultural and human issues Romi Sadlik whose work conceptualizes healthcare within a broader context Zahabiya Sakarwala who demonstrates a strong understanding of how healthcare design can be integrated with beautiful imagery Sheree Sparks who understands the healing aspects of environment The four are recipients of $8000 in scholarship funds. Ruiz-Truong and Sadlik were awarded $2500 each; Sakarwala and Sparks were awarded $1500 each. (See full jury comments below.) “This scholarship is not just an award; it represents a commitment to the future of healthcare architecture. It is a testament to the power of education, and an investment in the potential of young, passionate minds,” said AIA California President Winston L. Thorne, AIA. In awarding Ruiz-Thruong, Sadlik, Sakarwala, and Sparks, the jury noted how the four are already adeptly integrating contextual ideas with design. Lincoln Ruiz-Truong impressed the jury with the energy, passion, and commitment he brings to architecture. The jury went on to note that Ruiz-Truong combines his design work with a multicultural approach that thoughtfully addresses cultural and human issues. His focus on community sets him apart, and his sophisticated grasp of technology clearly informs his design decisions. Romi Sadlik’s ability to conceptualize healthcare within the broader context of society and societal equity was exceptionally strong, noted the jury. Addressing her submission, they said: the coherence between the personal essay and the work was remarkable, with each informing the other. The jury was impressed by how Zahabiya Sakarwala has successfully translated her personal experience with healthcare and wellness spaces into designs that connect on a human scale. The jury noted, Sakarwala’s project work demonstrates a strong understanding of how healthcare design can be integrated with beautiful imagery, showcasing an elevated level of design thinking across a range of projects. Sheree Sparks has a very interesting personal connection into healthcare and leveraged that as an interest point to develop her design sensibilities, noted the jury, who were impressed that her work showed an understanding of the healing aspects of environment with well developed and presented projects. The jury was comprised of: Amy Eliot, AIA – AIA California VP of Education & Professional Development; Gary R. Goldberg, AIA; Kent Hetherwick, AIA; Julia Weatherspoon; Assoc. AIA. This year, AIA California’s parent organization, the American Institute of Architects again provided matching grants through the 2024 AIA Component Matching Scholarship Grant Program. AIA National is pleased to support state and local components, or their affiliated foundations, in their efforts to provide and develop scholarship programs with the AIA Component Matching Scholarship Grant Program. The grant is provided to augment existing component scholarship programs and reinforce the role AIA has in preparing the next generation of architects. The California Architectural Foundation is grateful to all those who donated to the organization’s scholarship fund, creating a legacy through the students supported in these awards. About the California Architectural Foundation The California Architectural Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting excellence in architecture through scholarships, grants, and educational programs–bridging the gap between the academic and professional worlds. CAF exists to provide a mechanism for members of the AIA and the general public to contribute to an organization with a great benefit to society.

Bill Positions //byline Scott Terrell, Director of Government Relations October 22, 2024 How did bills that AIA California took positions on in 2024 fare? Here’s a wrap-up. First, a word about the process. How did AIA California reach official positions on these bills: Every year, the AIA California Board of Directors positions on legislation impacting the architecture profession, evaluating bills for both their positive and negative effects. The 2024 legislative session was particularly busy, with 2,124 new bills introduced—1,505 in the Assembly and 619 in the Senate. AIA California staff reviewed all the bills and identified several hundred relevant to the architecture profession, which were assigned to subcommittees for Climate Action, Housing, and Advocacy. Together, about 40 AIA California members from these subcommittees reviewed the legislation and provided recommendations to the Board. California’s legislative session adjourned on August 31, 2024, and Governor Newsom had until September 30 to take action on the bills. Out of the 1,206 bills that reached his desk, the Governor signed 1,017 and vetoed 189, resulting in a 16% veto rate. The legislative environment was marked by concerns about the state’s budget deficit, which is projected at approximately $47 billion​. Despite these challenges, California continued to cautiously lead on issues like climate change and housing, key priorities also shared by AIA California. The final results on all of our bill positions can be found here. Below are some highlights: Successes: Signed Bill HighlightsIn 2024, AIA California supported several key bills that were signed into law by Governor Newsom. Among those: AB 3057 (Wilson) simplifies the creation of junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) by exempting them from certain environmental review processes under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), speeding up housing development in single-family zones. SB 1207 (Dahle) revises the Buy Clean California Act by updating the list of eligible construction materials to include more environmentally friendly insulation options, promoting sustainable public building practices. AB 1957 (Wilson) extends a pilot program allowing counties to use “best value” criteria—considering factors like design quality rather than just cost—when awarding public construction contracts. These legislative wins enhance opportunities for architects to contribute to housing solutions, sustainable design, and high-quality public projects. Disappointments: Important Bills That Did Not Move ForwardSeveral key bills that AIA California supported in 2024 did not advance, but they represent crucial opportunities for the architectural profession and will hopefully be revisited in future legislative sessions. Among those: AB 2934 (Ward) sought to establish a working group to review California’s building standards, aiming to improve the efficiency of housing construction by considering an expansion of the types of projects that can utilize California’s Residential Building Code. This bill would have allowed architects to play a pivotal role in updating building codes to better meet modern residential needs and streamline processes. SB 1227 (Wiener) focused on creating a CEQA exemption for projects in San Francisco’s downtown revitalization zone, which would have expedited urban renewal and redevelopment efforts. This bill represented a missed opportunity to simplify regulatory hurdles and drive forward revitalization in one of California’s most important urban centers. AIA California believed this bill could have been used as a model for other jurisdictions in the future. AIA California remains optimistic that these bills will be revisited in upcoming legislative sessions to support efficient, high-quality design and development. Vetoed Bills and Their ImpactTwo key bills supported by AIA California in 2024 were ultimately vetoed by Governor Newsom, but they remain highly relevant to the architectural profession, and AIA California hopes they will be revisited in future sessions. AB 3068 (Haney) sought to streamline the approval process for adaptive reuse projects, which convert nonresidential buildings into residential or mixed-use structures, and provided incentives to developers as part of California’s housing solution. AB 2513 (Pellerin), which would have required warning labels on gas stoves to inform consumers about potential air pollutants, aligns with architects’ increasing focus on designing healthy and sustainable residential spaces. While the veto delays these efforts, both bills represent important pathways for advancing California’s architectural and environmental priorities, and AIA California remains hopeful they will return to the legislative agenda. Looking AheadAIA California will continue to advocate for legislation that promotes high-quality design, sustainability, and affordable housing solutions while hoping for future opportunities to revisit bills that did not pass this year. The efforts of AIA California’s Board of Directors, subcommittees, and advocacy teams demonstrate the organization’s commitment to shaping a built environment that reflects the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and design excellence.

Academy for Emerging Professionals //byline AIA California Staff The path to licensure is a long, arduous journey. The surface is only touched when one graduates from university—there is still the Architecture Experience Program (AXP) to complete; preparation for enduring the seven Architect Registration Examinations (ARE), then of course passing the AREs, all while trying to earn a living as an associate architect. The pomp and circumstance march which traditionally accompanies a graduation ceremony normally signifies the end of a journey. In the case of the architect, it is only the beginning. In honor of those who have endured the process and are now licensed, AIA California would like to take a moment to recognize those who have earned their license: Newly Licensed 2024 Q2 Levi Rippy, AIACharles BoydAnnie Lee, AIASteven Cheung, AIABolivar Iniguez, AIAMatthew Hoefler, AIAInkon Kim, AIABrian Schaller, AIADavid Gray, AIASarah Gunawan, AIASofia Ospina Garcia De La Concha, AIARichard Horth, AIACharlie Lum, AIAElliot Kwon, AIALauren Rath, AIABenjamin Bye, AIASatyendra Jenamani, AIAEechin Wong, AIAAnisha Prakash, AIAMaria-Clara Myers, AIASergey Lipsky, AIAHaoran Wang, AIAXin Zhen, AIAMin Hyoung Choe, AIAJennifer Tai, AIAKristopher Fuentes, AIAMichele Hausauer, AIAAlexander Arizala, AIAHannah Howland, AIAMiguel Gonzalez Ramirez, AIAAnna Lim, AIAFrancisco Owens, AIACarolyn Geyer, AIAVely Zajec, AIAOwen Wright, AIAAileene Simbulan, AIAMan Tai, AIADeborah Woodbury, AIAKelsey Malott, AIAWilliam Hood, AIACristina Difazio, AIAAngel Borjas, AIANatalie Hagobian, AIAHooman Monfared, AIARoya Chagnon, AIATiantian Guo, AIAYixin Li, AIAMariia Kuzminsk, AIA, AIAMarcelo Farias, AIABrandon Creasy, AIADanwei Wang, AIAJacob Kackley, AIAIsmael Magana, AIAZhang Jiang, AIAJanet Pangman, AIAYuxuan Chen, AIAJeremy Schacht, AIAGabriel Strzepek, AIAMary Casper, Assoc. , AIAJennifer Gilly, Assoc. , AIARandall Winston, Assoc. , AIADara Lin, Assoc. , AIAJessica Pope, Assoc. , AIAStacy Hickman, Assoc. , AIAEric Roberson, Assoc. , AIAAnshul Gupta, Assoc. , AIALina BoellernoMichael GonzaguirrenoBrandon EickhoffnoKeith EdwardsnoZachary HeinemannoCecilia GianolionoJulie LeenoKatherine LiangnoSharon OkadanoNatasha MorozovnoZohar SchwartznoReagan LaudernoLiliana RobinsonnoCora ButlernoCristian BarragannoEmily HazelwoodnoXinying HuangnoSeyed Mohammad DavaminoHannah MicallefnoRebecca JohnsonnoManuel Gutierrez De RuedanoT S Nizam Uddin AhmednoSean DavisnoAimee DewantenoThomas AldrichnoKai Siu ChengnoClaire DuncannoVita ReynoSean MurphynoGrace ChunoJonathan TurnernoChristine FongnoAndrea Maldonado LopeznoYin Ching ChannoGirem KwonnoRobert GillisnoCelina ChonoSamantha WrightsonnoMiranda McqueennoBrian LaundernoJohn LoestnoReiko MichlignoSteven CollardnoBrian MurillonoAshley FitzgeraldnoMegan LeichtnoShen LinoKevin GeraghtynoWeston ButeranoMichael GreggnoDing DingnoTaylor CornellnoNaeiri PetrosiannoSamuel KevillenoRobert GilsonnoIan AshenfelternoCutler PatiernonoManuel Vivar NietonoJeffrey SchaefernoWilliam ClerknoElizenda DurannoShunran LiaonoKe YangnoLuiza De SouzanoZihan YangnoOmar HaquenoJuhee PorwalnoGranite LandisnoDavid SancheznoJames OdomnoLong PannoJoshua BarnabeinoKristin HoffmannoMatthew JefferiesnoBrian KrallnoGrant NunneleenoMaria Grazia LeenoKristen DaviesnoGurpreet WarnanoAnastasia BespalovanoEugene ChennoMilagro CarpionoAndrew SidlernoGihan ShihatanoMichael HernandeznoChaoyi WangnoDong HenoEverritt PhillipsnoLeticia ColnagonoEdward HuangnoHiba KharsahnoEddy SolisnoEric SchulznoHannah WilliamsnoColin MccroskeynoGabriel GuerrieronoWeiran JianoPaul SteidlnoMengyi XunoVictoria FongnoJenna WentznoAshleigh RanneynoCatherine ArreazanoJarrett LantznoTaoran ZhaonoCaleb FletchernoWilliam SearcynoAdrienne WestlundnoWilliam Ho Newly Licensed 2024 Q3 Katherine Sistek-Bigger, AIAMihnea Dobre, AIAJohn Vincent Hernandez, AIAOtis Gallagher, AIAKaren Chin-Zoschke, AIAChristopher Hunter, AIAJiming Bai, AIAYilin Zhang, AIAErick Moden, AIAMarc Pembroke, AIASean Martino, AIAHyung Moon, AIADiane Zoura, AIATimlok Li, AIARohit Joshi, AIAYen-Han Liu, AIAAnne Randall, AIAAlmarine Kitchens, AIAYan Zheng, AIACynthia Sigler, AIAShivayogi Gajare, AIAMoises Acosta, AIAJason Ridings, AIAYin Fu, Assoc. , AIAJuan Duarte, Assoc. , AIAEryan GwinnoMaxwell PittmannoRyan Wan Hei WongnoNathaniel MerrissnoPablo HernandeznoLauren AndersonnoRobert WestovernoPeter BlackburnnoSara SchwartznoVictoria OakesnoDarren Raymond-LombardonoBrian CroninnoBrian PekarnoMoheb HezkialnoKimberly CastillonoAngelo RazonoVernon RoethernoClayton HakesnoMarc WhitleynoGoldielyn LopeznoDaniel FieldnoJiacheng XunoKristina KaurnoSonya MaldonadonoThomas WalbornnoJasmine ChengnoRobert HiganoVictor RochanoCaroline SinadinonoEli BeniteznoJames SpencernoWilliam SchreibernoElsa BrownnoRobert MathewsonnoAnya Riddell-KaufmannoCharlotte FleishelnoCraig PrestininzinoDenis SkripchenkonoHeeyoung LeenoRyan LonoColleen MohnsnoCody ClarknoJennifer HindelangnoPatricia AlesiinoYun FengLauren TiltonMargaret Haar FarrisKim LagercrantzVictor FongFranziska Garcia George ZervosChun LiuDonald ToddAmanda BusbySergio SanchezVictor SmithSteven TorresSarah HovsepianRaymond TamTingji GuoYuko OkamuraElyssa WehanNatalie MarciszClayton DoddMaya Los BanosKelsey HugginsMeghan FusonStephanie Vaz FerreiraSara SepandarLiona AveryMuhsin LihonyBing BuRyan StoneAnant TopiwalaNicholas TedescoAndrew WangDuke JackelsKevin MacdougallWilliam HaynesSamuel NieburgsDrishti ShahAnam AkhterDylan CurleyKhulan BatsaikhanKenta KameiHudson DeatonBenny LinLogan GillisMin PanJad IsmailJesus LaraThomas PompeaniJessica YamauchiEvan HursleyValentina LeoniSiwen MaJoseph SettingClayton MuhlemanChristopher BoquaKatelyn LentzSoham MehtaRaymond ChanJoshua KievenaarRebecca RothAshley HintonXian ChiQingyang LiStephanie SaundersMay WangMitchell DeansAnthony MullAlyssa KinneyNicholas HopkinsAdam BradshawJing ChenLeslie WilsonTrevor EberzNha-Tran TranAubin GastineauAustin RiversDevin SmithVajra HodgesQing XueJessica BakerJoonhee Lee

AIA CA Working for you //byline Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA October 10, 2024 Greetings from the AIA California Office, Members often ask, “what’s AIA doing for me?” Well, I am happy to report we have a new practice resource to provide all members with access to legal resources as a benefit of membership.  As an AIA California member, you have telephone access to qualified, senior attorneys who have each represented architects in all areas of practice for over 25 years and are available to answer questions about your practice or help guide you to resources that may best suit your need. LegaLine is geared especially to smaller firms who have questions or concerns about their business but may not be ready to engage legal counsel. From questions about corporate structures to insurance to contracts and copyright, LegaLine inquiries are handled by senior attorneys from the California office of W&D Law, LLP. These attorneys have represented design professionals, contractors, manufacturers, and owners in a wide variety of actions, ranging from simple lien actions to multi-million dollar private and public works construction cases and single-family residential projects collectively for decades. LegaLine does not provide legal advice but does offer real-world suggestions and insight pertinent to architectural practice. This includes helping one determine whether to hire a lawyer in a specific situation. Ultimately, the goal of LegaLine is to help firms to manage their risks and potentially minimize the impact of claims and lawsuits. For questions and details about how LegaLine™ can help you with your business needs: call 800.688.9780 and identify yourself as an AIA CA member. For more information, https://aiacalifornia.org/ or you can also visit www.theaiatrust.com/legal/legal-line It is important to remember, LegaLine services are offered as an informational resource on practice-related topics and are not offered as legal, architectural, accounting, or other professional services. Neither your AIA membership nor any telephone conversation will establish an attorney-client relationship. Providing this connection as a benefit of your AIA membership is just one more way AIA California is working for you.   Nicki

MDC What People are Looking Forward to at MDC //byline AIA California Staff October 8, 2024 In just two weeks, the architecture community will gather at the Monterey Design Conference (MDC) to celebrate design and the built environment. With a wide range of inspirational speakers – diving deep into their creative processes, philosophies and projects – and an opportunity to connect with colleagues, MDC provides a refreshing reminder of the power of design. What are attendees looking forward to? Read on: “Looking forward to MDC and spending a weekend immersed in an environment where the focus is design.” Ed Ong, FAIA The incredible Monterey Bay setting itself providing inspiration for many attendees where the natural environment becomes part of the conference’s broader dialogue about the intersection of architecture, sustainability, and the profession’s ability to create positive change. “Power of Place. Power of inspiration. Power of Peers.” Jack Paddon, AIA, LEED AP – 19six Architects An enriching experience for anyone passionate about where the field of architecture is headed, MDC offers both a platform for inspiration and a space to consider how design shapes our world. “This will be my first time at MDC! Looking forward to feeling better connected to the wider design world through both the presentations and maybe more so the in-person discussions that fill in between them, something hard to get through Zoom!” Gustave Heully, AIA, LEED AP – Gruen Associates Thoughtfully curated sessions and a diverse lineup of exhibitors, showcasing cutting-edge designs, innovative materials, and groundbreaking ideas, MDC delivers the latest trends, technologies, and creative solutions from thought leaders and emerging talents alike. “Humboldt Sawmill is proud to sponsor the Monterey Design Conference and is looking forward to educating attendees on California grown redwood lumber with its low carbon footprint and overall strong sustainability story.” Jessica Hewitt – Mendocino Companies Got FOMO? Can’t make it in person? It is not too late to register. Join us virtually. International headliner Go Hasegawa will sit down for a unique conversation accessible to virtual attendees ONLY. Plus, we have other goodies if you’re connecting virtually. Find out more.

design awards Recipients include a prototype for low carbon farmworker housing, supportive housing, and an addition that encourages nesting for doves as well as single family and multifamily residential projects. //contact trothman@aiacalifornia.org For images of winning projects, click here. October 3, 2024 (October 3, 2024. Sacramento, CA) Thirteen select residential projects illustrating the capacity of architecture to elevate lives in a unique range of living space types while adhering to tactics that address climate change have been named American Institute of Architects California (AIA CA) Residential Design Awards recipients. This year’s recipients demonstrated the wide range at which architects resolve societal, environmental, and design challenges. Amongst the recipients are: a “Low Carbon Farmworker Housing Prototype,”; a small studio addition that encourages nesting for doves; and a renovation of a home originally designed by the celebrated Richard Neutra. Projects were awarded at three levels. From highest: Honor, Merit, Citation. As a component of design excellence, each embedded significant sustainability and building performance standards. This year’s Residential Design Awards featured a single Honor level recipient: Pacific Landing Affordable Housing, Patrick Tighe Architecture. The Net Zero, LEED Platinum, 100% affordable housing project is designed for people living with disabilities and those on limited incomes. “As a professional organization, AIA California advocates for new means to increase housing in the midst of California’s housing crisis; individually, architects demonstrate intelligent solutions through design excellence with which it can be realized,” said AIA California President Winston Thorne, AIA. See a complete list of recipients below. For images of winners, comments from the jury on each project, and more, click here. HONORPacific Landing Affordable Housing (Santa Monica, California)Architect: Patrick TIGHE ArchitectureJury Notes: This affordable housing project is designed with brilliant massing on the exterior and interesting courtyard interstitial space between the two main blocks. It’s a really well done project that has a feeling of restraint but its expression is fun and exuberant. That takes a lot of care and skill. MERITHouse of Gables (Los Angeles, California)Architect: Yu2eJury Notes: A modestly sized house with a clean, appealing design on an infill lot with exceptional attention on environmental performance. This project elevates its typology and shows a replicable all-electric home, net zero home. lightBAR (Sacramento, California)Architect: RegroupJury Notes: A rigorous, cost effective but compelling approach to form for a small infill multi-unit complex. Low Carbon Farmworker Housing Prototype at Blue Dot Farm (Nicasio, California)Architect: Arkin Tilt ArchitectsJury Notes: A comprehensive and beautiful approach to a prototype that addresses a significant need in California: compact livable shared dwellings for farm workers. The jury appreciated the understanding of the vernacular of farm worker housing and how the prototype brought it into the 21st century with thoughtful sustainability features. Meadow House (Carmel-By-The-Sea, Santa Lucia Preserve, California)Architect: Mark English ArchitectsJury Notes: A very well-done single-family residence. The jury was impressed by how it works with the topography–the sensitivity to the site is really fantastic–the warmth in the materiality, and the connection of the house to nature. MLK1101 Supportive Housing (Los Angeles, California)Architect: Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects [LOHA]Jury Notes: The jury admires the dynamic, artfully composed use of cost-effective materials in this supportive housing project, the thoughtful approach to environmental strategies and the successful arrangement of shared spaces to foster connection within a tight infill site. All elevate this complex beyond the ordinary. Mourning Dovecote (Sonoma, California)Architect: S^A | Schwartz and ArchitectureJury Notes: This innovative design incorporates nesting boxes for mourning doves into a small addition, uniting environmental response, poetic formgiving, and spatial drama. Yale Mixed-Use (Santa Monica, California)Architect: Patrick TIGHE ArchitectureJury Notes: A restrained multi-family project, with a clear material pallet that resisted the temptation to get too clever. The jury admired the straight forward approach to form and materials of this floating metal box with beautiful detailed windows. CITATIONLock Island Compound (Richmond, Virginia)Architect: 3NorthJury Notes: The jury appreciated the thoughtful restoration of the Neutra house and the very precise, surgical interventions that pay homage to the original design, but don’t try to copy the original. Rather it tried to understand the original design and extend it through interventions. Shelter Island House (Shelter Island, New York)Architect: KoningEizenberg ArchitectureJury Notes: The jury appreciated the rigorous structural model – post and beam approach – that really carries through sets up light-filled interior spaces; really well done overall. Its focus on sustainability, its restraint and modestness are appreciated. The Axolotl (Los Angeles, California)Architect: Yu2eJury Notes: A multi-family residential project that is commendable for its clever densification of an infill lot into seven appealing apartments with one access stair; a thoughtful solution to the housing crisis. The St. Clare at Capitol Park (Sacramento, California)Architect: Page & TurnbullJury Notes: This re-use of a handsome existing building into high-density, well-located affordable housing is realized with a detailed and well-informed approach to environmental performance. It is a really wonderful upgrade. Trestle Residence (California)Architect: Aidlin Darling DesignJury Notes: A beautiful, wonderfully detailed, single family residential project, with a very nice connection to the site, that generates spacial quality from an otherwise flat plan while integrating passive sustainable features. The jury that reviewed and selected the 2024 AIA California Residential Design Awards recipients is comprised of: Colin Flavin, AIA – Flavin Architects Carl Smith, AIA – Telemachus Studio and LAIAD Anne Torney, AIA – Mithun 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 – end –