News & Events

advocacy update //byline Scott Terrell, Director of Government Relations February 19, 2025 In response to the devastating wildfires that recently swept through Los Angeles, AIA California, alongside ACEC California and the California Geotechnical Engineering Association, submitted a formal request urging Governor Gavin Newsom to take action under Health and Safety Code Section 19851. The letter sought a waiver allowing affected property owners to access copies of their original building plans—an essential step in expediting insurance claims, reconstruction planning, and permitting processes. The letter emphasized the pressing need for homeowners to retrieve these critical documents without bureaucratic hurdles. Many wildfire victims require these plans to work with insurers, architects, and engineers to restore their homes swiftly and efficiently. Without them, homeowners could face unnecessary delays, increased costs, and prolonged displacement. Recognizing the urgency of this matter, Governor Newsom responded decisively with Executive Order N-20-25. This executive order further streamlines permitting laws and removes red tape, facilitating a faster and more efficient rebuilding process for Los Angeles communities impacted by the wildfires. The order aligns with the state’s broader commitment to supporting disaster-stricken residents by providing practical solutions that ease their path to recovery. This action underscores the importance of collaboration between state leadership and industry professionals in addressing challenges that arise from natural disasters. By ensuring that property owners can access their building plans without undue restrictions, California is taking a crucial step toward helping communities rebuild stronger and more resilient than before.

Fire Recovery //byline AIA California Staff February 18, 2025 In January 2025 we watched as whole communities were burned, important structures were lost, and thousands were impacted by the devastation and displacement. We also saw people across the region mobilize, offering on-the-ground assistance and support. In our own community, thousands of architects and design professionals want to step in and help with the recovery and rebuilding process. The AIA in CALIFORNIA is a passionate group of members and we are creating a framework that can harness and nurture that passion, transforming it into action, efficiently, and reducing duplication of efforts amongst chapters and members, so that we can best support the communities we serve, and live in. We recognize the sheer size of this task, the myriad of government agencies, relief organizations, and collateral organizations – who all want to help – and to that end, brought all the local AIA components together to develop a plan to move AIA’s coordinated disaster assistance efforts forward. Stemming from that meeting, is a critical ACTION PLAN that requires us to “dig in” to execute. Below is a glimpse of what’s underway, in terms of coordinated actions for components, and how you can help. On behalf of the thousands of disaster victims, the communities you serve, and the architectural profession in California – THANK YOU for the outpouring of support, offers of assistance, and for stepping up and leading AIA’s response. This is the time to show what architects can do and the AIA in CALIFORNIA is organized to help coordinate this big task. Here’s where we are: 1. AdvocacyLetter to Governor Newsom urging the emergency release of architectural plans to owners of properties impacted by the fires to assist with insurance claims, planning for restoration and rebuilding, permitting and coding compliance. (For full body of letter, click here.)AIA California Read about this successful action and Governor Newsom’s positive response here. 2. Member EducationUnderstanding the Local Landscape and How You Can Help – Webinar – Thursday, 03.13.25 12N – 1:00PAn education session about recovery/rebuilding efforts for members including policy changes; process and timeline; our positions about each issue.Program: AIA Los Angeles and AIA California. 3. Member Education“‘Nothing Without Us… is for Us.’ Altadena, from the Ground Up.”Steven Lewis, FAIA, NOMAC in conversation with fellow architectural leaders and Altadena residents – Date TBD. 4. Regional DevelopmentSummary of all policy changes enacted by local jurisdictions governing areas impacted by the Southern California fires (LA County Board of Supervisors, City of Los Angeles, City of Pasadena).AIA California with AIA Long Beach/South Bay + AIA Los Angeles Briefing on policy changes as of 02.07.25 from Pacific Crest Consultants (PCC)Briefing on policy updates as of 02.14.25 from Kimerlina Whettam & Associates (KWA)Read suggested Policy Changes from KWA Here 5. Barriers to Permitting and Building Standards Code ProvisionsInitiated a conversation with the California Department of Housing and Community Development to offer AIA California assistance in two key areas related Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-4-25*. a. Identifying Permitting Barriers: offer assistance identifying state permitting requirements that may unduly impede rebuilding efforts.b. Reviewing Building Standards Code Provisions: can help identify specific provisions that could be suspended to expedite recovery efforts without compromising safety, resilience, or sustainability. * Newsom’s Executive Order N-4-25 ordered relevant departments to within 30 days, provide a report to the Governor identifying other state permitting requirements that may unduly impede efforts to rebuild properties or facilities destroyed as a result of this emergency. These agencies are tasked with updating the report every 60 days, as recovery and rebuilding efforts proceed, to identify additional permitting barriers for potential suspension. Here’s where we’re going: 1. Member Supporta. Volunteer coordination across the region – if you already have volunteered, THANK YOU! If you want to help – click here.b. Financial support – distributing funds to architects impacted by disasters. 2. AdvocacyCoordinate with allied organizations in California. 3. Educationa. Public facing resources about rebuilding process, value of using an architect.b. Community workshops.c. Wildfire Prepared program. This site, from Bill Melby, FAIA, California’s Disaster Network Chair, contains valuable information and a fire-hardening certification program, via the Institute for Business & Home Safety, organization AIA works with. Click through, whether you are a member interested in certification, and learning opportunities on resilient design or share with homeowners as a resource. 5. Guiding Principals: What We BelieveAIA Los Angeles + AIA Pasadena & Foothill 6. Clients: Resource Document for ClientsAIA Pasadena & Foothill 7. CommunicationsSocial media campaign providing homeowners with actionable information. Need Assistance? Click Here. | Want to Help? Connect with Us.

Fire Recovery //byline Kimberlina Whettam, Principal – Kimberlina Whettam & Associates February 18, 2025 02-14-25 What policy changes could the County of Los Angeles and City of Los Angeles make to replace housing lost in the recent series of Southern California and house people while construction occurs? Kimberlina Whettam, of Kimberlina Whettam & Associates, a development consulting firm with an extensive presence with relevant agencies provided AIA California with her list of recommendations. Immediate Actions: LADBS Inspections to post on their website the status for Red or Yellow tagged parcels under Permit & Inspection Report OR create a separate simple site for Fire Rebuild properties. Could link to ZIMAS or the BOE/Ted Allen Build LA portal. Establish clear parameters that all rebuilds not exceeding 110% are treated as a Remodel/Rebuild and NOT a new house if the foundation is useless and demolished. Currently if you remove a wall and foundations the permit will be considered as NEW and the owners will have to pay more in taxes plus pay upfront for the LAUSD fees then file for a refund. Establish Virtual Office: Residents impacted by the fire have relocated all over the city and to other states, they need an easy virtual approach to facilitate the process, answer questions. Hold virtual meetings etc. Create a website for one-stop information for all departments (Bldg, DCP, BOE, LADWP, LA County, etc) Offer Plan Check for <110% rebuild by Virtual or In-Person Appts Establish a typical plan check corrections check list that the Architect can complete in advance filled out to demonstrate which page the key code information can be found Establish electronic submittal process to obtain copies of plans vs the in-person requirement Release clearance summary worksheet (CSW) upon payment of fees for plan check. LADBS knows what the typical clearances are and can do this in advance. This way the applicant can start the process concurrently and reduce time. LAFD will not allow a filing for their review until the CSW is released. Housing Displaced Residents Suspend short term rental restrictions to facilitate housing and suspend associated TOT fees Expedite release of permits for current housing projects in plan check or entitlement phase to get housing available for displaced residents Expedite TCO and CofO for housing under construction to create opportunities to rehouse people and reduce demand on rental stock Provide over the counter/by appt (1-day) approval for prefabricated CA State Approved Homes and buildings Honor & preserve existing non-conforming rights Prioritize life safety (building envelope will need to comply with current Fire Life Safety CA Bldg Code requirements + Title 24) Allow rebuild to preserve existing non-conforming rights including but not limited to zoning, wood burning fireplaces, gas fueled appliances etc Ensure outside regulators i.e. Coastal cannot impede rebuild of previous residential and commercial buildings Waive all Redevelopment Fees or Reduce Including but limited to: Plan Check, outside agency Clearances, Utility Connections, Development assessment, Linkage, Mansion tax, Quimby, Permit & inspection Fees, Temporary Power fees for victims of the fire Local Governments to obtain reimbursement from State & Federal Government Expedited Approval process Temp shelter allowance (RVs, campers, tents, mobile homes, state approved modular buildings etc) Plan Check By virtual appointment Develop an Expedited Program for Architects & Engineers (structural, civil, mechanical, electrical and plumbing) to self-certify that their designs meet code and policy related to rebuild, including necessary insurance support and indemnification as needed. Create a typical Plan Check submittal Check-List per residential zone to further improve process review so that the architects can detail which pages each critical plan check item can be found easily. With this, I think that they could have a virtual appt to review and cut down on timing. Type V construction self-certification w/checklists for owner design/rebuild of what was already existing with over-the-counter approvals. People can purchase plans on line with some great designs. Then they’d only need an architect or draftsperson to help with a site plan and then self-certified structural. Develop expedited & streamlined process for any/all owners designing a re-build that exceeds existing permitted structure size/configuration, including ADUs, that meet current code, including plan check, clearances and permitting. Expedited LADWP undergrounding options and overall power service Expedite review and approval for alternative construction methods and building systems acceptable in Seismic Zone D i.e. SIP panels, trusses etc Government could fund program to expedite approvals which ultimately expedite rebuild. Or reduce fees. Expedite & streamline Septic/OWTS rebuilds/repairs (City, County and RWQCB) Provide automatic relief from: Coastal, Specific Plans, Historic (local, state or federal), zoning overlays including but not limited to Base Line Hillside Ordinance limitations, grading limitations etc) Waive haul route requirements (including waiving associated fees, bonds & hearings). The directive calls for a ministerial process. Per my conversation, I think you can do away with the entire process. Happy to go into more detail. Provide an immediate “Stay” on any plan check or permit expirations that are currently in plan check (Provide time to figure out what they want to do with pending plan check and/or recently issued permits for sites that have sustained fire damage) like provided with COVID tolling orders. Reduce & Expedite Clearances from outside agencies (i.e. no need for Public Works fee for each permit, no dedications or improvements, no “roof site drainage” no LID, provide rain barrel option). Departments can create standard plans/details that can be adhered/included in permit set for ease of approval process and design. Remove/prohibit Appeals to building permits and required agency clearances Reciprocity Program: Create an expedited Reciprocity Program for out-of-state Architects, Engineers and Deputy Inspectors to support the rebuild Land Use Entitlements Provide immediate “Stay” any/all current expirations for any/all entitlements previously approved including variances, zone changes, CUPs, ABC Approvals, Subdivisions etc Retain rights held within existing entitlements (conditional uses, variances, etc) for previous projects and buildings, including projects that were approved but had not yet been built or operating Prohibit zoning appeals for projects designed to meet current code Prohibit local design review process for any/all projects proposing

Fire Recovery //byline Kimberlina Whettam & Associates February 14, 2025 What are the current policies the City of Los Angeles is following and taking in regards to fire recovery in areas under its jurisdiction? What special services, such as a One-Stop Rebuilding Center, are being set up for home owners and professionals working with them? Kimberlina Whettam, of Kimberlina Whettam & Associates, briefs AIA California members and property owners on the current status (as of February 14, 2025) of: site access hazardous waste and debris removal owner opt outs to privately execute the above the use of temporary dwellings on a site estimates of time one can expect individual phases may take options to rebuild city agencies involved where plans can be filed, etc. As well as useful links including to municipalities governing rebuilds in Malibu and Altadena. Find the briefing, it’s a PDF, here. About KW&A Launched in 2008, Kimberlina Whettam & Associates (KW&A) provides development consulting and is a leader in municipal permit expediting for land use projects. A boutique development consulting firm with decades of combined experience, KW&A’s twenty-member team in Downtown Los Angeles keeps a strong presence with various city departments on a daily basis, and has the human-power and resources to meet tight deadlines and provide ongoing project support.

Fire Recovery //byline Pacific Crest Consultants February 7, 2025 What are the policies the City of Los Angeles has in place as of February 7, 2025 to guide post-fire rebuilding? Pacific Crest Consultants supplies this briefing, broken into the three phases of debris removal, permitting, and construction. It includes status updates, actions for property owners to take, updates to timelines for items such as debris removal, and a resource list for AIA California members and homeowners. EPA Speeds up Phase 1; Army Corp Starts Phase 2The estimated timeline for the toxic cleanup of neighborhoods decimated by the recent wildfires has improved thanks to an increased amount of state and federal assistance, officials announced this week. Originally, recovery experts had predicted that it would take 3-6 months for the Environmental Protection Agency to catalogue and remove the most egregious of the hazardous materials and then an additional 12-18 months for the US Army Corp of Engineers to complete a thorough removal of the debris. But after strong public outcry that the rebuild of the Pacific Palisades and Altadena communities couldn’t begin for 2 years, officials scrambled to tighten the timelines by bringing in additional resources. The EPA announced earlier this week that it would complete Phase 1 in 3 months. And the USACE said “80-90% of properties would be cleaned in a year or less.” In fact, the first Phase 2 cleanup by the USACE started at two schools in the Pasadena Unified School District, the county announced yesterday. For the Phase 2 cleanup, property owners have to file a Right of Entry form, either opting into the corps service or opting out. Those forms must be filled out by March 31. The sooner they are turned in to the county, the sooner the county hands them over to the Army Corps and the sooner the corps can begin planning. The following is a summary of the steps needed before construction can start in Los Angeles, Altadena, and Malibu: Step 1: Debris RemovalProperty owners in the wildfire burn areas can rebuild after both phases of the toxic debris cleanup is completed for their site. The EPA is required to complete the first phase cataloguing and removal of significant hazardous materials. Phase 2 to remove the remaining toxic materials can be done for free by the USACE or at owner’s expense by a private contractor. Step 2: PermittingOfficials with the cities of Los Angeles and Malibu and the County of Los Angeles have said that homeowners who propose an eligible replacement home will be given an expedited review of the building plans. Eligible projects are those that propose to replace the previous home and accessory structures “up to 110%” of the previously permitted floor area and height. The new homes are also expected to occupy roughly the same footprint as before. The cities of LA and Malibu and LA County are accepting permit applications for fire rebuild, but formal guidelines are expected to be released in the coming days on how the reviews will be expedited for eligible projects and what plans will be needed. LADBS announced yesterday that demolition permits won’t be needed for rebuild projects that meet certain criteria. For properties in the Coastal Zone, Gov. Newsom announced that eligible rebuilds won’t need Coastal Commission review. Step 3: ConstructionProperty owners can begin the permitting process before the debris process is complete but construction cannot begin until both phases of cleanup are completed. Community ResourcesDebris Removal Right of Entry FormPalisades Fire Damage MapLA City Emergency InfoLA County Emergency InfoSanta Monica Fire UpdatesSanta Monica Emergency OrderSanta Monica Office Emergency ManagementMalibu City Hall Status & OperationsReal Estate Records RequestEmergency HousingLAUSD Realtime UpdatesReport DWP OutagesWildfire Debris RemovalConsilodated Debris Removal ProgramLocal Air Quality Financial ResourcesWildfire Insurance ClaimsFEMA Assistance ProgramSmall Business Assoc. Disaster LoansLA County Economic Development CorporationCommunity Investment Resource Centers About: Pacific Crest ConsultantsPCC stands out as the premier residential permitting company in greater Los Angeles, backed by an unparalleled wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge in the realm of residential permitting. With a dedicated team of experts who have successfully navigated the intricate web of regulations, codes, and permitting procedures, PCC is your trusted partner in transforming your residential vision into reality. Our extensive track record demonstrates a profound understanding of the unique challenges and nuances of permitting projects in cities and counties around Southern California, ensuring that every project is seamlessly executed and compliant with all local regulations. When it comes to residential permitting, PCC is not just a service provider; we are your dependable source of expertise, efficiency, and excellence.

//byline Corey Squire, AIA;Jonathan Feldman, FAIA;Marisol Foreman, AIA February 3, 2025 Sustainable design has historically taken a back seat when it comes to single family residential. Big commercial projects might seem to have bigger impacts, while homes are often evaluated for qualities other than their environmental performance, such as careful detailing, fine material finishes, and quality of craft. In addition, custom homes can be opulent; larger projects with larger budgets for the select few who can afford them, and conventional wisdom has presumed that luxury (often seen as more) and sustainability (often seen as less) are fundamentally incompatible. This perception has led to single family residential projects being all but excluded from the architecture profession’s focus on Design Excellence. The COTE Top Ten awards has celebrated hundreds of high performing schools, libraries, and other commercial buildings while recognizing just 11 single family homes in 27 years. While a net-zero office building or toxin free hospital might seem to be addressing major challenges, are we collectively leaving our largest opportunity for impact on the table by ignoring the world’s ubiquitous building type? Single-family homes represent 90% of all buildings in the United States and account for more than 60% of total built square footage. 70% of Americans currently live in a single-family home and another 10% aspire to in the future. If we’re going to reduce carbon, as well as address health, equity, and resilience in a warming world, the design of single-family residences is an important place to focus. While the design of homes comes with unique challenges, there are equally unique opportunities that can be leveraged to achieve performance that rivals even the top projects out there. The Buildings Are Similar, But Clients Are DifferentWhile different from commercial projects in a variety of important ways, the fundamentals of high-performance building design do not change when the scale shifts to homes. A quality enclosure will still provide comfort and efficiency, while a reasonable number of well-placed windows can offer daylight and views. It’s worth noting that single-family homes are almost always (and should always be) externally loaded buildings as opposed to larger buildings which are more likely to be internally loaded. This offers many great opportunities for houses to take better advantage of orientation, shading, and natural ventilation – strategies that aren’t as available for larger buildings. Another major difference–and opportunity–comes from the client’s motivation and knowledge. Unlike commercial projects, where often a board or committee of diverse stakeholders makes decisions in line with some existing standard, the single-family residential client is an individual or couple who are making personal choices that will deeply impact their own lives. Though these clients are often highly intelligent and professionally accomplished, they might not have previously collaborated with an architect during the design process. Architecture requires a learning curve, and the architect can help guide decisions in a positive direction. The way a person lives conveys their values and many clients are committed to making sustainable choices. They are also attuned to the impact of their image and will look to the architect to reflect their personal values in the design of their home. This presents an opportunity for the architect to both educate and listen. By building trust over time, the architect can tailor communication and effectively advocate for the client’s best interests. Strong personal relationships also allow architects to “pull at the heartstrings” as necessary in their communication to keep a project on track for high performance outcomes. This is not manipulation but a necessary responsibility in addressing persistent bad incentives, such as pressures to maximize developable square footage, keep up with trends, or focus excessively on resale value. Architects should talk to clients early about project outcomes on health and carbon. We can share our own values with our clients and collectively set ambitious goals for success. Then the architect can design to achieve those goals and help the client build pride and excitement for project performance. Considering “Good Taste”In our society, architects are considered an arbiter of taste. Clients seek our services not just for construction documents, but to navigate cultural trends and help create a sophisticated image that reflects their personal values. Without extensive design training, they often rely on their architect to offer expertise and guidance on taste. Tasteful design has shifted over time and is more about a particular zeitgeist than it is an objective ideal. There was a time when the Palace at Versailles was considered the height of refinement, but we’re no longer designing halls or mirrors with gilded chandeliers. To address climate, health, and equity in residential design, architects need to align good outcomes with good taste in the eyes of their clients. Restraint can be presented as an important aspect of good taste. In a world where celebrities are scrutinized for their extravagant choices, such as private jet use, architects can connect restraint with refinement and sophistication. Begin with the obvious values of a healthy home; greater comfort with a better enclosure, better air quality without gas, and resilience in times of crisis. These are desirable qualities that clients can be proud of and point out to their friends when they’re over for dinner. These strategies also happen to support societal goals around electrification and energy conservation. People generally want to do the right thing and to be recognized for it. The architect can define good taste in a way that prioritizes positive impacts for health and climate. Given the state of the climate, it would be easy to present resilience as the ultimate luxury. Today, wastefulness, gas, toxic building materials, and glass boxes can be just as gaudy as gold leaf. A Living Room or a Train StationHome size is the biggest area for impact since the larger a home is, the more carbon intensive it will be. More energy will be needed for operations, and more upfront emissions will result from manufacturing more construction materials. How we talk to clients about size and how we think about it ourselves

//byline Carina Mills, AIA – 2025 AIA CA President January 30, 2025 I can’t help but appreciate the renewal that the new year ushers in, even when it brings unexpected chaos and tragedy. 2025 and the year of the snake marks the beginning of my tenth year in AIA leadership, and while it has been a consistent progression from local board member to AIA California President, I am reminded that many of you may be wondering, how did I get here? So many of us are trying to make a difference in this world, and there are countless avenues to pursue that dream. For me, for as long as I can remember, I wanted to be an architect.  I also knew I never wanted to be someone who resented their job because I saw how that dissatisfaction could spread. It wasn’t until I was well through architecture school that I realized these goals may be in opposition. As a student and a young professional, my ambition was to prove that I could navigate the most technically challenging projects, and for the most part I felt I was succeeding.  Despite my personal sense of accomplishment, I was surrounded by disappointed peers, and I could never ignore it. After my first year of working full-time I reached out to my peers with this bleak question “Does anyone like their job?”  I got one reply and moved to that firm where I spent almost 7 years. Even in that environment, I saw talented and passionate problem solvers put to task on executing a project as if it were a manufacturing line. A few of the most senior staff had the privilege of knowing a project from infancy to completion, but most were told to put their head down and follow the tradition of learning as if we were still at drafting desks. This was the era of transitioning from linework to building digital models, but leaders seemed to assume the learning curve was unchanged. The value that the young digital natives brought to this monumental shift in the way we execute our work was too often overlooked and underappreciated. What happens when people don’t feel valued? Helping us collectively feel happier about our contribution to the work process and product gradually became my cause. I wanted to put an end to bragging about late nights and unrealistic demands because I had been able to protect my own health and personal time – so I felt it was possible. Today, I believe we are called to save our planet and to treat each other with compassion and respect, and the January fires remind me we cannot do one without the other. The future depends on the actions we take now just as surely as the crisis of today stems from past negligence. There is plenty of hope to be had! Just as consistent as our new-year reminders to do better; we have more bright, passionate, and innovative students graduating each year. How do we plan to respond to their passion? How will we empower or discourage them? Last year, AIA California launched a campaign to help our culture shift towards the direction we need it to move, and January reminded us that we need to do more than talk about the change we need. If we are pursuing a significant change, where do we start or how do we double down when we feel stalled? In many of our initiatives the first action is to take inventory – to be honest with ourselves about where we are. Denial of our problems persists because all of us have blind spots of some kind, and to address this, we have a simple assessment tool coming soon to help grow the Culture Shift momentum. When I began my leadership life with AIA, promoting the role of the citizen architect was a national campaign in full force. I latched onto the idea that the design of ideas and programs can create a better society, and in my pursuit of that goal I found my role as Senior Director of Talent Management. I describe the responsibilities of that role as the bridge between HR and operations leadership. Just as AIA asks our mayors to bring an architect on staff to bring design thinking to the needs of civic leadership, I hope that more firms will also see the value of dedicating an architect to designing a better practice. What does that better practice look like? See the ten action items of the Culture Shift pledge. I do believe, will all my heart, that we can make the shift and be the profession the future needs us to be.

Architecture at Zero //byline Contact: Margie O’Driscoll(415) 350-9955margie.odriscoll@gmail.comwww.architectureatzero.com January 30, 2025 SACRAMENTO, Calif—The American Institute of Architects California (AIA CA) announces the winners of the twelfth annual Architecture at Zero competition, a design competition for decarbonization, equity and resilience that is open to students and professionals worldwide. It serves to engage the fields of architecture, design, engineering and planning in the pursuit of sustainable design while also considering the impacts of equity and resilience. The 2024 competition challenge, a theoretical project, was to design a new building on a middle school campus in East Los Angeles (East LA), California. The building would replace relocatable classrooms and include science labs, art classroom, maker space, outdoor learning environments, and a teacher workroom. While the competition program location was Griffith STEAM Magnet Middle School, in East LA , LAUSD asked that this be an ideas competition and not a “real” project. Recipients were chosen by a panel of international experts and awarded $25,000 in total prizes. For images and individual project descriptions, click here. “The American Institute of Architects California is excited to collaborate on this important initiative in keeping with the organization’s commitment to sustainability, equity, and the fostering of future architects,” said AIA California President Carina Mills, AIA “The recent fires in the Los Angeles region have reminded us what a terrible toll climate change brings to residents and habitat; we are dedicated to continuing our advocacy for and realization of net zero buildings.” Competition entries will be juried by international experts including Paul Torcellini, Principal Engineer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Lance Collins, AIA, a Director at Partner Energy; Group and Allison Williams, FAIA. This competition is funded by California utility customers and administered by SCE, SoCal Gas and PG&E under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. Recipients receive four levels of award: Honor, Merit, Citation and Special Recognition: Professional award recipients include: An honor award for the entry “Agua-alta STEAM Engine” by the firm: Design Draw Build Inc, in Oakland, California A Merit award for the entry “Middle School for Fun Innovation and Technological Sustainability” by the firm:  Adamakis Architects & Associates in Volos, Greece A Merit award for the entry “Link plus” by the firm: McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture in South Carolina A Special Recognition award for the entry: “Griffith STEAM” by Bruna Campos, from San Jose, Brazil College and graduate school student winners included: A Merit award for the entry “The Courtyards” was awarded to students from Cal Poly Pomona A Citation, award for the entry “Little farms” was awarded to students at Cal Poly Pomona A Special Recognition Award for the entry, “El Barrio” was awarded to the National School of Architecture in Morocco A single High School entry award was awarded: A Special Recognition Award to the entry, “Green Steam Team” by students from Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village in Southern California.  Winning entries are displayed on the Architecture at Zero website:  http://www.architectureatzero.com/2024-recipients ###

Black History Month //byline Staff January 29, 2025 This Black History Month, inspire the next generation by teaching a lesson about the groundbreaking architect Philip Freelon, FAIA. Through the California Architectural Foundation (CAF) Architecture by the Book program, you can engage children with Freelon’s incredible contributions to architecture, including his design of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Architecture by the Book is an education program that introduces children to architecture and design concepts through book readings, interactive presentations, and hands-on activities. Each lesson highlights diverse architects, fostering creativity and inclusivity in the architectural profession. Why Volunteer? As an architect, you have a unique opportunity to serve as a role model and mentor, sparking interest in the built environment and encouraging students to explore careers in architecture. The lessons are designed to be about 90 minutes, flexible, and require no formal training—just your enthusiasm and expertise! Curious about how the program works or what’s involved? Check out our comprehensive Architecture by the Book FAQ. How to Get Involved 1. Sign up to volunteer: Visit the CAF volunteer page and scroll to the bottom to fill out the form: Volunteer Sign-Up. 2. Access the lesson: Download the free Philip Freelon lesson materials here: Learn About Philip Freelon, FAIA. 3. Prepare your session: Bring the story of Philip Freelon to life by engaging children with his inspiring legacy and guiding them through a fun, hands-on activity. By volunteering, you can make a difference in your community while honoring Philip Freelon’s legacy. Sign up today and join CAF in inspiring the architects of tomorrow.

AIA CA Working for you //byline Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA January 9, 2025 Happy New Year from the AIA California Office, For this email, I had originally planned to update you on a tool that indexes materials that help firms detail in compliance with CALGreen requirements. But I can’t begin without checking in with everyone on the horrific fires that are affecting communities in the Los Angeles area. We’re thinking of all those who have been impacted by the devastation, fear, heartbreak, and a result of the these tragic fires. In the next few days, we’ll let you know actions you can take to support your colleagues, or ways the AIA in California can help you.  In the wake of this week’s disaster, our commitment and advocacy for a more resilient and sustainable built environment is resolute. In 2025, we will create resources to help the architectural community in California respond. AIA California wants to make sure these tools are effective and valuable, providing you with what you need in an actionable format. Now, what I had planned to connect with you on: We need your help to identify those resources that would be of greatest value. One of the projects we’re partnering on is a library of architectural details to help you implement CalGREEN in your daily practice. Under the EnergyCodeAce™ Resources banner  you can access the current result: a library of existing details, searchable by Code/Year and or Regulation/Year, Building Type and more, offers downloadable materials with practical guidance on compliance.  But in response to California’s ambitious code requirements we are expanding it—working with a focus group of practitioners to dive into further specifics and drill more deeply into QC. A key aspect of this improvement, is addressing the needs of firms—so, I’m reaching out. How can we make this valuable resource work for you? What do you need to make your (architectural) life easier Take a few moments to tell us here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AIAdetails Would you like to participate  on a focus group? To join us, click here: For both members seeking to elevate their profile by participating in an AIA California related subject matter expert group and both members and firms using the result to increase efficiency and firm knowledge, this project is just one of the many ways AIA California is Working for You in 2025. Nicki