News & Events

Thompson’s tenure will be marked by an exploration of what it means to be an architect in the future. //for immediate release Tibby Rothman, Hon. AIA|LACommunications Director, AIA California (January 7, 2026. Sacramento, California) Ginger Thompson, AIA, will lead AIA California in 2026 as President of the eighty-two-year-old organization. Thompson’s strategic priority is to establish the role and job of the architect in the twenty-first century.“Our field is changing so rapidly that skills and positions we were trained for, just a few years ago in school, are shifting in real time due to AI,” Thompson said. “At the same time, AI and technology are simply tools. Key to what architects bring is our distinctly human ability to understand and empathize with client and community. It is this responsiveness that makes successful architecture.” “2026 is a critical year to reflect, to expand the definition of the value of an architect through today and tomorrow’s lens, to reset our identity,” Thompson said. “This identity is fundamental to us as individual practitioners, the firms we shape, and the public we serve – it is also the fundamental building block of all AIA California activities.” Thompson’s experience has long bridged the professional and civic realms. She melds numerous positions within AIA California and AIA Central Valley governance with her tenure, begun in 2023, as a commissioner on the Sacramento Planning and Design Commission and five years spent as a mentor to high school students through the CREATE program. Thompson served as AIA California’s Vice President/President-Elect in 2025;; Vice President, Academy for Emerging Professionals in 2024; and entered the Board as acting Associate Director North in 2022. She began her formal involvement in AIA activities with AIA Central Valley. Serving with Thompson on the 2026 AIA California Executive Committee are: newly-elected First Vice President/President-Elect Robert Drew Weigl, AIA and Secretary/Treasurer Daniel Perez, AIA. The three join the following already-serving officers: Vice President of Government Relations Laura Knauss, AIA; Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs Carol S. Lanham, AIA; VP of Education; and Professional Development Amy T. Eliot, AIA. 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 The post AIA California is Under the Leadership of President Ginger Thompson, AIA, in 2026 appeared first on AIA California.

Sponsorship //byline AIA California December 22, 2025 As we approach the end of the year, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support from our partners throughout 2025. Their generous contributions have played a pivotal role in advancing the mission of AIA California, benefiting our members, strengthening professional connections, and driving positive change within the architectural community. With them, we have been able to create opportunities for collaboration, education, and growth, all of which are essential to helping shape the future of our profession. Their commitment has not only helped foster stronger networks but has also contributed to the advancement of architecture, ensuring that our industry continues to thrive and evolve. With sincere thanks, we recognize each and every one of you and wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year! BQE Software, Inc. Energy Code Ace Humboldt Sawmill Company Microsoft Epic Metals CannonDesign Hy Security Gate Operators Boulder Associates Clark Construction Cumming Management Group, Inc. HKS KPFF Lionakis Ratcliff Silverman & Light Sky Factory Swinerton ELS Architecture and Urban Design Marrone & Marrone, Inc. Murray Engineers, Inc. Boldt Brascia Builders CO Architects DPR Construction Elmco Stewart GDG Healthcare Architects HDR Inc. Hensel Phelps IDS Group Layton Construction Co., LLC LPA Design Studios Skanska USA Building SmithGroup Taylor Design Vantage Technology Consulting Group ZGF Architects LLP Annadel Builders, Inc Matthew Millman Photography RIOS Crisp Imaging The post AIA California Thanks Our 2025 Partners appeared first on AIA California.

AIA CA Working for you //byline Nicki Dennis Stephens Executive Vice President, AIA California As the year wraps up, I wanted to take a moment to look back on all the ways AIA California has been Working for You. From pushing for policies that protect your practice and reduce risk, to delivering resources, education, and tools that make your work easier and your bottom line stronger, this year has been all about helping you thrive in a challenging and uncertain environment. One of the most positive byproducts of this biweekly publication is the number of members who take a moment to respond to this message. I sent out 23 of these emails this year, yielding hundreds of comments. I am buoyed by your messages – both positive and negative – I appreciate hearing from everyone, I love to share the kudos, and your feedback helps our team be responsive to your needs. Keep them coming! In case your inbox is overflowing and you’re interested in reviewing how we’re working on your behalf, you can find the messages here. No time to review them all? Here’s a snapshot of five ways AIA California has been Working for You in 2025: Provided you with Architectural Details to Comply with CALGreen We’ve developed partnerships to give you access to a library of architectural details to 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. Advocated for Permit Streamlining to Support Housing Delivery Last year, AIA California was asked to provide input into the California Assembly’s Select Committee on Permitting Reform. AIA California was both interviewed and active in the process, sharing our own priorities and perspectives, some of which made it into the final report (this excerpt is from section on housing reform) issued in 2025. Our work on permit reform also includes our ongoing initiatives addressing adaptive reuse; we’ve worked with members to ensure architects’ voices are heard as HCD develops recommendations to facilitate adaptive reuse and modernize California’s building standards. Provided FREE Professional Development, Member-Developed Continuing Education In 2025, AIA California offered 52 learning units, 29 of which were HSW units (including 11 ZNCD units required for licensure renewal!) All live courses are FREE to AIA California members and we also host a library of recorded sessions available 24/7/365, including required accessibility CE (which features recent design award-winning projects, sharing real-world accessibility solutions!) And – if you’re not yet licensed – these courses are available to support your AXP journey as well! Helped you Navigate Onerous Contract Conditions AIA California is standing up for members and the practice of architecture by helping members navigate contracts that can quietly shift unfair liability onto design professionals. Don’t get caught off guard by onerous indemnification clauses—especially those that sneak in a “duty to defend” – resources to help you understand the issues and important points to consider during contract negotiations can be found here. Ensured the Architects’ Voice is Heard in the Legislative and Regulatory Environment One of the most important things we do is create opportunities for members to share their expertise and feedback to inform responses to regulatory bodies across the design and construction landscape—from the State Fire Marshal and historic preservation authorities to building code development and updates to the Public Contracting Code. We’ve also created and participated in coalitions to amplify our voice. All this was possible because you stepped up – thank you! By amplifying your voice, pushing for smart, practical regulation, and investing in programs that help architects succeed in a competitive market, AIA California is focused on making sure your membership delivers real value for you, your firm and your future. These are just a few of the many ways AIA California is Working For You and will continue to in 2026! Nicki   The post Working for You All Year Long appeared first on AIA California.

President’s Message //byline Carina Mills, AIA 2025 AIA CA President Serving as the 80th president of AIA California has been a great honor, and I’m coming to the last days of this role. I am so grateful to our next two presidents for their collaboration and friendship over the past few years, and I look forward to seeing Ginger Thompson, AIA, and Drew Weigl, AIA, step up to lead, bringing their own creativity and passion while helping ensure the continuity of the organization. I am proud of the synergy we had with this year‘s Executive Committee. This team brought so much support and commitment to tackling big challenges, and I know our time spent together brings greater value to the future of this organization. If you ask anyone involved, they will tell you I was determined to make meaningful changes. I asked our leadership team to stop swimming in lanes and start playing water polo together – this was the analogy for two years. We stopped reporting on our own respective portfolios and started collaborating more meaningfully about the future of the organization as we formed this new Executive Committee, the strategic stewards of the organization. From the top down, I was determined to make everyone’s time spent with AIA California feel more valued. We were successful because no single member of the group was so attached to their elected role and the legacy of that work that we couldn’t move forward on a new governance model, with an efficient resized board, that can more nimbly tackle issues pressing the profession. I could not have been successful in this role if it was not for the humility and curiosity of my fellow leaders this year. In the midst of these changes, we were still able to address legislative issues, climate action agendas, ongoing continuing education, and awards programs, while hearing from members that committee engagement was being streamlined. I thrive on organizational improvement and hearing that people feel their time and talent are optimized. This has been my goal with AIA and in my work, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to facilitate. I know that I have gained deeper wisdom and expanded connection through AIA, especially forums like the national AIA Leadership Summit, formerly known as Grassroots, this gathering of AIA leaders has transformed my understanding of what leadership means. Observing Evelyn Lee, FAIA, and Stephen Ayers, FAIA, as they led us through our gatherings this year offers me an example of a type of leader I aspire to be—not afraid to pursue change, and never insensitive to the challenges the change brings. For me, the call to leadership has been one of service. I am energized by helping, and fascinated by the most difficult and complicated challenges. I am grateful to have put my passion to use as we move through an overdue reorganization. I am confident that the changes we are implementing now will help improve engagement and leadership development for membership across the state. I do believe strongly about sticking around to see things through, and I look forward to honoring that commitment. I will continue to be engaged as a Past President advisor to the California Architectural Foundation, and I am excited to move on to represent California on the national AIA Strategic Council. I also hope that I can do more to support the culture shift initiative in coming years. As I transition to working at the national level, I take the insights from California to help inform an ongoing conversation on the value proposition we offer to the public. While there are many ways to capture the hearts of the public, and I look forward to exploring more, I’m grateful for the collaboration this year with America ByDesign and look forward to more next year. One powerful result of spending so much time and focus on the value discussion is that I have come to a greater understanding of my own personal value. 2026 will be a great new adventure for me, and I hope you all will be following along as I continue to strive to make this a more inclusive, healthier, and happier profession for all of us. The post About Service, and a Year of Change appeared first on AIA California.

AIA CA Working for you //byline Nicki Dennis Stephens Executive Vice President, AIA California The State of California is a challenging client to be sure, and for those that engage in public work, anything that can be done to reduce the bureaucratic processes helps your bottom line. Earlier this year, AIA California, with a large group of organizations representing the design and construction industry, was successful in amending a bill which had the potential to significantly delay public work. AB 339 (Ortega) was drafted to require local public agencies to provide at least 60 days’ written notice to employee organizations before issuing or renewing contracts for services that fall within represented job classifications—and to engage in potentially lengthy “meet and confer” negotiations upon request. A large coalition of statewide and local government associations, including AIA California, opposed the measure, arguing that it imposes new costs, delays, and administrative burdens without addressing any demonstrated problem. Existing law already requires good-faith negotiations under the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act when contracting decisions affect represented employees, and agencies that fail to comply can be challenged before the Public Employment Relations Board. The coalition warned that AB 339’s broad scope could have subjected nearly every contract to negotiation, severely hindering agencies’ ability to deliver timely public services. For architects and design professionals, the bill posed a particular risk to project delivery: it would have delayed contracting for planning, plan-check, and design work by at least 60 days—potentially compounding at multiple phases of a project. This could have halted housing, infrastructure, and permitting activities and exposed agencies to liability for missing statutory or regulatory deadlines. Many agencies also lack in-house licensed design expertise and rely on outside professionals, so these restrictions could have prevented them from meeting essential public obligations. Following sustained coalition advocacy, the author and sponsor of AB 339 agreed to amend the bill to exempt architectural, engineering, and other design-related professional services, ensuring that professional services governed by the Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) process and similar frameworks are not subject to the 60-day notice and negotiation requirements. With these changes in place, AB 339 was ultimately signed into law, preserving the ability of architects, engineers, and related professionals to continue contracting with public agencies without added procedural delay. Building coalitions with others in the AEC industry to protect architects from potentially harmful legislation – just one more way AIA California is working for you. Nicki   The post Advocating for Architects in the Public Contracting Process appeared first on AIA California.

AIA CA Working for you //byline Nicki Dennis Stephens Executive Vice President, AIA California The State of California is a challenging client to be sure, and for those that engage in public work, anything that can be done to reduce the bureaucratic processes helps your bottom line. Earlier this year, AIA California, with a large group of organizations representing the design and construction industry, was successful in amending a bill which had the potential to significantly delay public work. AB 339 (Ortega) was drafted to require local public agencies to provide at least 60 days’ written notice to employee organizations before issuing or renewing contracts for services that fall within represented job classifications—and to engage in potentially lengthy “meet and confer” negotiations upon request. A large coalition of statewide and local government associations, including AIA California, opposed the measure, arguing that it imposes new costs, delays, and administrative burdens without addressing any demonstrated problem. Existing law already requires good-faith negotiations under the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act when contracting decisions affect represented employees, and agencies that fail to comply can be challenged before the Public Employment Relations Board. The coalition warned that AB 339’s broad scope could have subjected nearly every contract to negotiation, severely hindering agencies’ ability to deliver timely public services. For architects and design professionals, the bill posed a particular risk to project delivery: it would have delayed contracting for planning, plan-check, and design work by at least 60 days—potentially compounding at multiple phases of a project. This could have halted housing, infrastructure, and permitting activities and exposed agencies to liability for missing statutory or regulatory deadlines. Many agencies also lack in-house licensed design expertise and rely on outside professionals, so these restrictions could have prevented them from meeting essential public obligations. Following sustained coalition advocacy, the author and sponsor of AB 339 agreed to amend the bill to exempt architectural, engineering, and other design-related professional services, ensuring that professional services governed by the Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) process and similar frameworks are not subject to the 60-day notice and negotiation requirements. With these changes in place, AB 339 was ultimately signed into law, preserving the ability of architects, engineers, and related professionals to continue contracting with public agencies without added procedural delay. Building coalitions with others in the AEC industry to protect architects from potentially harmful legislation – just one more way AIA California is working for you. Nicki   The post Public Contracting appeared first on AIA California.

Member Input The Standard of Care for architects includes the need for greater building resilience in response to climate change. AIA California needs your 5-minute feedback on a survey to better understand what resources architects in California need on the topics of resilience, vulnerability assessments, supporting client decision making, and designing to mitigate risks. Your responses will assist us in setting priorities for resource development, protecting the profession and creating a more resilient future. Please share your thoughts by EOD Thursday 12.11.25. Click to Give Input The post What Resilience Resources Should AIA California Furnish? appeared first on AIA California.

//byline AIA California Staff Housing is more than shelter—it is the cornerstone of economic vitality as well as healthier, more equitable communities. At a time when California faces an unprecedented housing crisis—we have heard from many of you that one thing straining our communities, limiting opportunities, and threatening the long-term prosperity of our state is the widely variable interpretation and amendment of local building codes. As key drivers of the housing delivery system, these decisions shape what gets built, the timelines for construction, and the overall cost of development. AIA California is partnering with the Terner Center for Housing Innovation to advancing effective public policy solutions that address California’s housing challenges. Earlier this week, they published a commentary which “explores how the current system works, investigates other parts of the state’s building code that might serve as models for future reforms, and offers areas for further policy exploration as the State tries to reconcile local control with the need for increased housing production.” Read the Terner Center commentary here. While there is currently a seldom-used code-appeal process available is broken as evidenced by its been used only “once or twice in 15 years” – AIA California is advocating for ways to improve the process because unclear or inconsistent pathways create delays, increase costs, and add uncertainty for architects and their clients. A fair and efficient system ensures consistent code interpretations, reduces unnecessary obstacles, and supports timely, high-quality development across the state where local innovations can become California innovations. This work matters because it provides the data and clarity needed to design responsibly, advocate effectively, and support housing that’s more equitable, sustainable, and within reach for Californians. And while we’re in early days to reform the current process, AIA California recognizes that when we design homes, we strengthen the future of our state. The post AIA California Partners with Terner Center on California’s Building Code Appeals Process appeared first on AIA California.

AIA CA Working for you //byline Nicki Dennis StephensExecutive Vice President, AIA California AIA California is standing up for members and the practice of architecture by helping members navigate contracts that can quietly shift unfair liability onto design professionals. Don’t get caught off guard by onerous indemnification clauses—especially those that sneak in a “duty to defend”. In 2017, SB 496 strengthened Civil Code Section 2782.8 to ensure architects and other design professionals can only be required to defend clients in proportion to their share of fault—and that this protection can’t be waived. Yet many agencies still use outdated, noncompliant clauses that demand architects cover defense costs upfront, creating unfair and often severe financial burdens, especially for smaller and under-resourced firms. Confused as to what this may mean to your bottom line? Accepting these terms in your contracts can result in… Immediate, out-of-pocket legal costs—often before fault is determined. Uninsured exposure beyond what professional liability policies cover. Severe cash-flow strain that disrupts operations and project delivery. Diversion of resources away from staff, technology, and growth. Paying to defend claims unrelated to the architect’s actual work. Potential six-figure hits that threaten small or emerging firms. Higher insurance costs tied to defense-related claims. Reduced ability to pursue work due to excessive contractual risk. Faced with these onerous contract conditions? We have created a campaign to assist – resources you can use in negotiations and a process where AIA California will advocate on your behalf with the agency – more information and these practice resources are available here. Protecting architects from onerous duty-to-defend clauses by advocating for fair laws, challenging noncompliant contracts, and giving you the tools to avoid risky terms—just one more way AIA California is working for you. Nicki The post Protecting Architects in Public Contracts appeared first on AIA California.

advocacy update //byline Scott Terrell – Director of Government Relations AIA California’s 2025 advocacy efforts delivered major progress for the profession—strengthening the licensure pipeline, protecting project delivery, advancing housing and climate priorities, and supporting firms through key practice initiatives. These accomplishments reflect the coordinated leadership of AIA California members, committees, and statewide partners, who are committed to improving the built environment. The year’s signature victory was the passage of AB 759 (Valencia), establishing the new “Architect-in-Training (AIT)” title for individuals formally pursuing licensure. Beginning January 1, 2027, candidates identified by the California Architects Board who have passed at least one ARE division and work under a licensed architect may apply for the designation. Usable for four years—with a possible four-year extension—AIT aligns architecture with engineering and land surveying, strengthens public understanding of the licensure pathway, and supports retention and diversity. This achievement follows nearly a decade of advocacy by AIA California and the Academy for Emerging Professionals. AIA California also secured a significant project-delivery win through amendments to AB 339 (Ortega). As introduced, the bill would have imposed 60-day notice and negotiation requirements on most local contracting decisions, delaying planning and design work. After sustained coalition advocacy, architects, engineers, and related design services were fully exempted, protecting timely project delivery and the Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) process. Additional legislative priorities advanced, including AB 507 (adaptive reuse), AB 39 (local electrification planning), SB 79 (transit-oriented development), and AB 253 (private plan review). AIA California also helped advance key disaster-recovery measures and continued work on AB 1265 (Historic Tax Credit) and AB 368 (Passive House Standards), the latter now signed into law. AIA California played a major role in statewide policy development through the AB 529 Adaptive Reuse Working Group, submitting more than three dozen technical proposals—over half statewide—and extensive comments on HCD’s draft report. Climate leadership remained central, with AIA California advancing embodied-carbon code implementation, engaging in CALGreen modernization, contributing to the CALGreen Carbon Reduction Collaborative, and helping shape updates to the California Existing Building Code. AIA California also elevated professional protections through its Duty to Defend initiative. In response to continued misuse of defense-obligation clauses, AIA CA developed a letter firms may submit to clients—or request AIA California submit on their behalf—along with talking points and a webinar now available on the website. These achievements underscore AIA California’s leadership in advancing a resilient, sustainable, and equitable future for architects and the communities they serve. The post A Year of Impact: Key Advocacy Achievements Shaping California’s Built Environment appeared first on AIA California.