News & Events

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  

//byline Tim Culvahouse, FAIA March 4, 2025 arcCA (Architecture California) was, from 2000 to 2012, the print journal of AIA California (then known as AIA California Council (AIACC) and, before that, as California Council AIA (CCAIA)). arcCA’s goal was to illuminate the context, broadly conceived, within which California architects practice. arcCA was the third iteration of the Council’s journal, which was first published in 1979 as Architecture California and began publishing regularly in 1981, with CCAIA’s move from San Francisco to Sacramento and the appointment of a new executive director, Paul W. Welch, Jr. For its first decade, it was an 8.5” x 11”, saddle-stitched, mostly bi-monthly production, comprising both feature articles and component news. In 1990, in the face of a significant budget cut, an editorial board composed of Barton Phelps, FAIA (Chair), Joseph Esherick, FAIA, and William Turnbull, FAIA, with Orlando Maione, AIA, Vice President of Communications, ex officio, reshaped the journal, eliminating news and advertising, which had become an economic drain, rather than a revenue source. The goal, as Phelps put it, was to “produce a meatier, better written, more informative magazine at less expense.” For this purpose, The Dunlavey Studio designed an elegantly frugal, 6” x 9”, perfect-bound format. Three architect-editors guided Architecture California through the decade of the ‘90s: Alicia Rosenthal, AIA, in its first year, followed by Lian Hurst Mann, AIA, and, beginning in 1997, W. Mike Martin, PhD, FAIA. Reflecting on this phase of the journal’s history, Martin has written, “There were 18 issues published in the 1990s. Each was based on a thematic construction, ranging from The Politics of Design Review to Places of Learning. The majority of the contributing writers were AIACC members dedicated to expressing their views on matters of importance to California architects and the profession.” Martin’s reflections appear in his outgoing editor’s introduction to the first edition of arcCA, the journal’s third manifestation, conceived under the leadership of Editorial Board Chair Carol Shen, FAIA. In his introduction, Martin writes, As the journal moves into a new era, it is important to remember some of the factors that brought it to this point. The vision of Esherick, Turnbull and Phelps gave life to the material. That vision positioned Architecture California as not just another trade magazine but a fully refereed scholarly journal. For six years, through the work of editor Lian Hurst Mann, the journal earned local and regional acclaim as well as national recognition. In her words, “Each edition of Architecture California has become a kind of chapbook of primary writings on a particular topic, with many points of view, including those that can contribute to the field for years to come.” The transformation from Architecture California to arcCA was also driven by financial pressure. To make the journal self-sustaining, there would again be advertising, but now it would be sold by AIACC’s new publishing partner, McGraw-Hill Construction. arcCA began in 2000 in a 7” x 10”, duotone, perfect-bound format, designed by Bob Aufuldish of Aufuldish + Wariner. It was edited briefly by Therese Bissell and subsequently by Tim Culvahouse, FAIA. In 2006, a change from sheet-fed to continuous roll printing allowed the format to expand to 9” x 10” and made full-color affordable. The first edition of arcCA, “Zoning Time,” 1st quarter 2000, and an example of the expanded, full-color format, “Preserving Modernism,” 3rd quarter 2006. The breadth of arcCA’s perspective can be seen, for example, in the 2nd quarter 2003 issue, “Global Practice.” Recognizing that California architects were increasingly practicing across the Pacific Rim and elsewhere around the world, the issue invited architects from thirteen nations to describe how practice is conducted in their home countries. The focus nevertheless remained on California, which wasn’t difficult, since in architecture, as in many areas, California often leads. In the 1st quarter issue of 2010, “Parametrics and IPD,” for example, arcCA explored Integrated Project Delivery, a method first defined by an AIACC working group; and parametric design, which had among its pioneers a large cohort of California-based practitioners and teachers. Of course, California has its share of problems, as well, and arcCA regularly addressed them, in issues such as “Housing Complex” (2nd quarter 2001), “H20 CA” (4th quarter 2001), and “The Future of CA” (2nd quarter 2010). The Great Recession of 2008 brought yet another financial challenge to arcCA. The construction industry was deeply affected by the downturn. According to ConstructConnect, “The number of construction firms fell by nearly 150,000 between 2007 and 2013 and over 2.3 million jobs were lost due to layoffs, early retirement, and workers leaving for greener pastures.” McGraw-Hill Construction suffered accordingly and gradually withdrew from its participation in arcCA, as well as other regional journals. It soon became clear that, without McGraw-Hill’s support, AIACC could no longer afford to publish the journal, printing its final issue, “On Good Behavior,” in early 2012. Following a period of online experimentation, publishing arcCA-like content on the AIACC website, arcCA DIGEST was launched in 2019 as a standalone, web-based journal. arcCA DIGEST was a themed compendium, comprising invited articles, articles linked from admired sources elsewhere on the Web, and selections from the arcCA print archive. arcCA DIGEST ceased publication at the close of 2024.

advocacy update //byline Scott Terrell – AIA CA Director of Government Relations Tibby Rothman, Hon. AIA|LA – AIA CA Director of Communications March 4, 2025 Fire recovery was the priority discussion when AIA California leaders met with the offices of Senator Alex Padilla’s and Senator Adam Schiff’s Offices on #AIAHillDay during National’s Leadership Summit on February 26. The discussions included how architects are on the front lines of rebuild efforts, able to assist as needed, and extending the FEMA and Small Business Administration (SBA) application deadlines for victims of the recent wildfires. The current deadlines are too short, with many individuals and businesses unable to apply by the March 10, 2025 cutoff due to delays in processing, website issues, and necessary fraud investigations. AIA California members also voiced their support for Governor Newsom’s ask for $40 billion in aid to help rebuild homes, infrastructure, businesses, schools, churches and health care facilities, while supporting the needs of people affected by the devastation. An item made more urgent by the disastrous firestorms in Southern California fires was the second topic brought up in the meetings–a Resilient Design Policy. AIA’s national position is to support a resilient design policy such as the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program, The Resilient AMERICA Act, and the SHELTER Act. With AIA members reminding Senators that natural disasters caused over $350 billion in damages in 2024. Another talking point that demonstrated how harmful these disasters are to the economy: Nearly 50% of small businesses that close after a disaster never reopen, making resilience essential for economic stability. Investing in resilience policies benefits public safety, economic stability, and long-term cost savings; architects play a key role in designing resilient communities and require adequate funding and policy support to scale impactful solutions. Housing was the third topic broached in meetings with Senate Office staff. AIA supports housing policies such as HOME, Community Development Block Grant, and Low-income Housing Tax Credits to create safe, affordable, and resilient communities. Expanding these programs is critical to ensuring adequate housing supply, housing affordability and economic stability and growth. We were encouraged to find that our state representatives are leading on these critical issues and that our priorities were closely aligned. Their commitment to disaster recovery, resilient design, and housing affordability reinforced the importance of our discussions and gave us confidence in the collaborative efforts ahead.

AIA CA Working for you //byline Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA 02.27.25 Greetings from the AIA California Office, I am sure you spend much of your time heading off problems with clients, contractors, or consultants. You’re constantly putting out small fires before they erupt and when you have good relationships and alignment, the process is much easier. Well, for AIA California, our work is much the same. Lots of what we do is heading threats off before they become a bill or working with regulators about the process for the design and delivery of projects to make sure they understand how architecture may differ from other professional boards. Since this biweekly message started in 2023, I have tried to share the direct ways AIA California is helping you – from tools for your practice, ways we’re advocating for your interests, or information that impacts your bottom line. This message is a bit different as I was in Washington DC this week for the AIA Leadership Summit (visiting DC in the current political environment is a uniquely different experience, but I digress). This national AIA event brings together 600 architects and design professionals – the elected leaders and professional staff from AIA chapters from across the country. I am continuously impressed by the commitment of our volunteers to this organization and this program is one of the best opportunities to learn, share and innovate from one another. They share a common goal to expand the relevancy and impact of the architectural profession across the nation. This conference also brings together some of the collateral organizations that are part of the profession together – both NOMA and NCARB were included. I took the opportunity to meet with NCARB CEO, Michael Armstrong and his team about the new NCARB competency standards and the rumors swirling around that this may change the licensing exams. Periodically, NCARB assesses what it means to be an architect – the “competency” required in 16 areas – the knowledge, skills, and abilities that architects must demonstrate to meet professional and licensure requirements. This process is part of their diligence to ensure the examination is relevant to the profession and that “architects are prepared to practice safely, ethically, and effectively”. Key aspects of NCARB’s competency standards include: Technical Knowledge – understanding building systems, construction methods, and codes. Design Skills – ability to create functional, sustainable, and aesthetically appropriate designs. Project Management – handling contracts, budgets, and schedules. Ethics & Professionalism – upholding legal and ethical responsibilities in practice. Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) – ensuring public safety and well-being through architectural decisions. This updated standard was established with input from thousands of architects across the nation, several NCARB Committees, and the members of NCARB (the 55 licensing jurisdictions around the US) over the last few years.  While they will undoubtedly use this information to modify the content of the exams, I was pleased to learn there is no truth to the rumor that NCARB is changing the ARE from 6 to 16 divisions or talk of the elimination of the AXP and experience. If you’ve read this far, you may be asking why I am sharing this story for NCARB and what this has to do with “heading off problems before they get big”. Whether you’re an emerging professional on the path to licensure or an experienced practitioner, supervisor or mentor, you should know that the content of the ARE will continue to evolve, but the steps toward licensure will remain predictable. Having direct access to NCARB leaders, engaging in meaningful discussions about the impact of these changes on the profession, and actively connecting with California’s members to clarify the process are all essential – and should there be a problem, these types of relationships are important as we advocate on behalf of the profession in California. This is just one more way AIA California is working for you. Nicki