News & Events

press release Influence of the profession honored. //for immediate release contact: trothman@aiacalifornia.org 04.08.25 (April 8, 2026. Sacramento, California) It’s official. Architecture Week 2026 has been recognized by the State of California. On Monday, April 6, the California State Senate unanimously passed a resolution instituting Architecture Week in California. Authored by State Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento), the resolution recognizes April 12, 2026, to April 18, 2026 as Architecture Week, commending the architectural professionals “whose work shapes the spaces that define our daily lives.” https://youtu.be/sZy5prq5xCY “California’s architects are national leaders in climate resilience, in energy efficiency, wildfire safety and innovative housing solutions,” noted State Senator Ashby from the State Senate floor. “Through this work, they advance accessibility, sustainability and quality of life in all of our districts.” The resolution establishing Architecture Week notes core values and strategic goals that are key to the work of AIA California members and organizational activities and initiatives: Architecture profoundly influences quality of life, shaping the communities where Californians live, work, and gather Architects play a vital role in advancing public health, safety, and welfare through thoughtful planning, sustainable design, and innovation The American Institute of Architects California, represents more than 11,000 members statewide and is dedicated to advancing architecture that creates a safe, sustainable, and inspiring built environment for current and future generations * Architecture Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the profession’s contributions to California’s diverse communities, inspiring civic pride and a shared vision for a resilient, inclusive, and beautiful future AIA California is grateful to California State Architect Ida Clair, FAIA, who joined AIA California President Ginger Thompson, AIA, and AIA Central Valley immediate Past President Melisa Gaudreau, AIA, at the Capitol on April 6 to be recognized on the Senate Floor as part of the Architecture week presentation. In her presentation, Senator Ashby called Clair “a role model for young women and a leader in advancing sustainable and accessible design across the state of California.” “The California State Senate’s recognition is meaningful in many ways, most importantly by helping to inform Californian residents of the service architects may bring to them. We are grateful to State Senator Ashby for helping to illuminate our commitment,” said AIA President Ginger Thompson, AIA. “This is also an opportunity to thank California State Architect Ida Clair, FAIA, who attended the Senate presentation and vote with me for demonstrating to state officials on a daily basis the purpose with which we lead.” To honor the official designation of the importance of architecture in California, the diverse communities the profession believes in supporting, and the essentiality of making the profession open to all, AIA California’s charitable organization, the California Architectural Foundation (CAF), is introducing a new statewide Architecture Coloring Book that highlights the diversity of architects and project types across the profession, to further support architectural education efforts during Architecture Week. CAF’s free educational program Architecture by the Book which pairs volunteer architects with students in schools and community programs, will be visible throughout the state during the week. AIA members will visit multiple classrooms in schools in California’s Central Valley, San Fernando Valley, Orange County and Santa Barbara. The initiative is estimated to reach 500 students. Both Architecture Week and CAF’s activities are part of a national program driven by the American Institute of Architects. Each spring, AIA Architecture Week invites the architecture profession to step beyond their offices and into classrooms and community spaces to connect with K–12 students and share the power of design. About the American Institute of Architects California (AIA California)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 Architecture Week Recognized by the State of California appeared first on AIA California.

President's Message //byline Ginger Thompson, AIA2026 AIA CA President There’s a question I’ve been sitting with, and I think it’s time we sit with it together.  Ask a doctor what they do and they’ll tell you without hesitation. Ask a lawyer, an engineer, a teacher. They know. The identity is set – not because the work is simple, but because the profession has done the work of claiming it.  Now ask an architect.  You’ll get something remarkable: a pause. A breath. And then an answer that depends heavily on which architect you asked, what kind of firm they work in, where they are in their career, and — if we’re being honest — what they wish were still true about the profession versus what they know is true now.  That pause? That’s what I want us to talk about.  Something shifted. Not overnight, but undeniably. The architect of 20 or 30 years ago had a cleaner story. A clearer seat at the table. A more singular role in the process. That architect was, in many people’s minds — including their own — indispensable in a way that felt self-evident.  The architect of today is something more complicated. More collaborative. More distributed across a system of consultants, contractors, owners, technology platforms, and regulatory bodies that have all grown more sophisticated, more capable, and more assertive. The scope of what we do has, in some ways, expanded dramatically. And in other ways — the ways that used to feel most central — it has narrowed.  The profession didn’t fail. The world has changed around us. And we haven’t fully caught up to the conversation about who we are in it.  Here is what I notice: we are very good at describing what we do. We can explain deliverables, phases, responsibilities, and services. We can defend our process and articulate our expertise.  What we are less practiced at is describing what we are: what we stand for. What happens — to a building, to a community, to a client — when an architect is genuinely in the room, versus when they are not. What we make happen. Can we articulate the impact our work has on the end user? Can we explain what makes one space “special” versus other spaces?    That’s not a portfolio question. It’s an identity question.  And identity is the foundation everything else rests on — how we’re compensated, how we’re respected, how we’re invited into conversations before the decisions are already made.  This year, AIA California is going to do something uncommon. We’re going to ask our profession, openly and honestly, who the architect is today. Not who we were. Not who we wish we were. Who we are — right now, in 2026, in California, in this profession.  We’re going to look at that clearly. We’re going to let it be uncomfortable where it needs to be. And then we’re going to do the harder work: deciding who we intend to become.  This is the first of three conversations I want to have with you this year on this topic: The first — identity, how do we see ourselves?; second — how do others see us?; and the third — how do we want to be seen? Because I believe that if we can answer the identity question with clarity and honesty, everything else — how we communicate our worth, how we command our seat at the table, how we lead rather than execute — follows from that.  You say “architect.” Their eyes light up. Then they ask: “Amazing — so what does that actually mean?”  What comes out of your mouth next — and does it sound like who you actually are? Because here’s the harder question underneath that one:  If the title “architect” disappeared tomorrow, what would the built world actually lose — and would anyone notice fast enough to stop it?  Share your thoughts.**I mean that. This is where the conversation starts.  Ginger Thompson, AIA, is the 2026 President of AIA California and a Senior Design Integration Manager at DPR Construction. She also serves on the Sacramento Planning and Design Commission.  *** Share your thoughts about this article on AIA California’s “Pavilion,” A Digital Space for Conversation, Knowledge Exchange, and Special Member-Only Benefits.Create a Profile on Pavilion, Here.Share Your “What An Architect Is___” Thoughts, Here.  The post The Hardest Question We Face Isn’t on the Exam appeared first on AIA California.

Member Services //byline AIA California Staff AIA California is excited to launch our new, members-only online meeting place, The Pavilion, dedicated to: facilitating community, conversation, and information exchange; special members-only resources, and a calendar/registration space for AIA California programs. Find out more below, or, create your Pavilion Profile here to access Pavilion activities. What is The Pavilion? The Pavilion is AIA California’s new members-only online meeting place. It brings together: Community A space for committee members, AIA California leaders, and members to connect through committee and/or topic boards, share ideas, discuss initiatives, crowd-solve questions across programs and practice areas, and advance individual and firm capabilities through knowledge transfer. Who is conversing on The Pavilion now? AIA California leadership, committees, and participants in topic discussion such as the ADU Technical Network. Member-Only Resources Access to exclusive tools and documents developed for AIA California members — including upcoming resources like the ADU Electrical Service and Feeder Load Calculator, an informative document + tool commissioned by AIA California and produced by an energy expert that is designed to support architects working on ADU projects. Events Calendar plus Registration A centralized calendar for AIA California programs, webinars, and conferences, we’re migrating event registration and RSVPs to The Pavilion to streamline sign-ups and better tailor programming to your interests. Create a profile now to easily access all the above benefits. Click Here The post The Pavilion, An AIA CA Members-Only Digital Connection Space Launches appeared first on AIA California.

California Awards Recipients span a broad swath of contributions. //for immediate release Tibby Rothman, Hon. AIA|LACommunications Director, AIA California For images and more informationcontact: trothman@aiacalifornia.org (March 19, 2026. Sacramento, California) AIA California is delighted to announce the nine recipients of the prestigious 2026 California Awards. Eight individuals and one firm that encompass design excellence, the actualization of core values, and service to the profession. This year, the awards program features the previously separate category of AIA California’s Academy for Emerging Professionals Awards Emerging Professional Awards. “Together, the 2026 California Award recipients embody practitioners influencing the past, present, and future of the profession,” said 2026 AIA California President Ginger Thompson, AIA. “We see amongst them: lifetimes of service, firms and individuals significantly influencing the profession today, and emerging professionals who already have set a course of commitment to architecture and supporting their peers.” The 2026 California Award honorees are: //lifetime achievement award Tian Feng, FAIA Lifetime Achievement Award : Tian Feng, FAIA Twenty-five years ago, Tian Feng, FAIA, joined San Francisco Bay Area Transit District (BART)  as the District Architect and began a journey implementing his vision while elevating the architect’s role envisioning and shepherding transportation projects nationally. Ultimately Tian’s work at BART and for the transit industry has influenced BART’s transformation from a machine-centric people mover to a human-centered service provider and community builder. Jury Comments: Increasing access to public transit is a niche that could easily be overlooked; the jury appreciates that Tian Feng, FAIA, chose to focus on it — transit should be accessible by all. Feng has caried a tremendous career of service and leadership, not only directly through transit projects but through the AIA and California Architects Board as well. //lifetime achievement award Paul Woolford, FAIA Lifetime Achievement Award : Paul Woolford, FAIA Paul Woolford, FAIA, has elevated architecture as both a cultural force and a public trust grounded in the belief that design excellence must be paired with social purpose. Beyond practice, Paul has shaped civic discourse through decades of public service—advising cities, serving on boards and commissions, and championing the role of architects in shaping equitable, resilient communities. Jury Comments:Befitting a lifetime achievement award recipient Paul Woolford, FAIA, has offered the profession a lifetime of contributions. As both a leader involved with the evolution of HOK, and co-leading the Master of Advanced Architectural Design Studio and engaging with UC Berkeley for three decades, Paul has a broad and deep impact on the profession, which extends globally. //firm award Montalba Architects Firm Award : Montalba Architects For Montalba Architects, architecture exists at the intersection of art, philosophy, and lived reality. Founded in 2004 by David Montalba, the practice encompasses 60 professionals across the U.S, Europe, and Asia Pacific—with clients in 16 countries. This global interaction is realized in the firm’s work: influenced by mid-century modernism prevalent in California, the work integrates within it the conceptual clarity of Swiss design. Montalba’s Swiss office has created an information exchange between practitioners in the U.S. and Europe, notes AIA Gold Medal recipient Lawrence Scarpa, FAIA, catalyzing exploration. Jury Comments:Montalba Architects demonstrates this wonderful balance of high-level design, industry engagement, and staff development and mentorship. Architecture is only as good as the people who are thinking about the architecture they’re making; when you have a good culture, that makes for better architecture. //distinguished practice award Jonathan Feldman, FAIA Distinguished Practice Award : Jonathan Feldman, FAIA Motivated by the urgency of the climate crisis, Jonathan Feldman, AIA, believes that architects have an obligation to devote their expertise to demonstrating the significant role the built environment plays in repairing our threatened ecosystems. His designs immerse buildings and their occupants in nature, and advance the regenerative strategies that aim to repair our threated ecosystem. A signatory of the AIA 2030 Challenge since 2016, Feldman Architecture was one of 31 signatories, nationally, reporting 80% pEUI reduction target across their entire portfolio in 2023. The firm also established an embodied carbon budget for each new project (100 metric tons) which was implemented across all new projects at the end of 2022. Jury Comments:Leading a firm that meets the AIA 2030 Commitment 80% pEUI reduction threshold, which is an accomplishment, in itself, Jonathan Feldman, FAIA, has advanced residential practice through measurable, systems-based sustainability leadership. He has taken a truly broad approach to applying sustainability; and he’s done it systematically and thoroughly. He has delivered innovative work that addresses climate responsive design. //educator award D. Michael Hamner, FAIA Educator Award : D. Michael Hamner, FAIAAt East Los Angeles Community College, Michael Hamner has developed a uniquely successful Community College Architectural Program that trains future architects who truly reflect the diversity of our society, offering underserved and underrepresented students a route to our profession. He is committed to helping others realize and maximize their potential and ELAC students have become highly sought after by major Architecture programs both locally and nationwide. Jury Comments:Michael Hamner, FAIA’s legacy is highlighted by his commitment to educating young professionals from underserved communities, and delivering to them really good, really solid, thoughtful architecture classes. What’s also impressive is what he’s done with a community college system for the betterment of, not only the students, but the profession itself. //young architect award Anne Riggs, AIA Young Architect Award : Anne Riggs, AIA A leading statewide voice for inclusive design serving on the Certified Access Specialist Institute Board and the California Division of the State Architect’s Access Code Collaborative, Anne Riggs, AIA, is helping to drive a shift in the architecture profession toward disability-forward design. She advances inclusive, equitable housing by elevating accessibility as a core design value across multiple scales of practice. Jury Comments:Anne Riggs, AIA’s focus and pursuit of advancing inclusivity in architecture is meaningful, extensive, and is embedded throughout her work and early career and in her advocacy at local, state, and national levels. The fact that she has taken this core value up and is making it a centerpiece of her career is exciting. //young architect award Jaime Matheron, The post 2026 California Award Recipients Announced Celebrating Significant Contributors to Architecture and the Profession appeared first on AIA California.

AIA CA Working for you //byline Nicki Dennis StephensExecutive Vice President, AIA California 03.05.26 Greetings from the AIA California office. Designing and delivering architecture is complex and demanding—our goal is to make it just a bit easier by providing resources to support “the business of architecture.” One way we do this is by connecting you with trusted legal resources. AIA California offers LegaLine™, direct telephone access to highly experienced attorneys from W&D Law, LLP. Each has more than 25 years of experience representing architects and design professionals, providing practical insight on issues – from contracts to insurance, from business structures and copyright to risk management. LegaLine™ is especially helpful for small firms and sole practitioners seeking knowledgeable direction but not yet prepared to formally engage an attorney. Don’t have the time to research attorneys with experience in the field? LegaLine™ provides insights and a starting point, often when you need it most. While the service does not provide legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship, it delivers real-world perspective to help you make sound decisions and better manage risk. To connect, call 800.688.9780 and identify yourself as an AIA California member, or visit the trust online to learn more. Supporting the practice of architecture with access to legal resources is just one more way AIA California is working for you. The post Member Benefit Program – Legal Resources appeared first on AIA California.

Business Development //byline Tibby Rothman, Hon. AIA|LA Communications Director (March 20, 2026) If your firm seeks residential clients, AIAs in California have a new tool to help prospective clients discover you. Architect Connect, which links community members with architects via a simple, searchable database and was originally initiated to support fire recovery in 2025, is expanding to support and promote members across the state. Architect Connect: features an easy-to-use interface, making it simple and intuitive for firms to create and update listings will be advertised to the public through a digital ad campaign once listings reach critical mass firms can upload up to 10 images of work (using webp format) already includes firms ranging from sole proprietors, just beginning, to established award-program recipients For members wishing to launch their listing, visit the For Architects Page. (One suggestion, have project images ready prior to building your listing: up to 10 images in webp format, 1200 pixels on the longest side, at 72 dpi.) Want step by step directions? They’re here. Finally, the vast majority of current listings did not require staff assistance, but we know technical questions sometimes happen. AIA California staff is happy to help. Please include “Architect Connect Question” in the subject line per the following: Technical questions: cpietralunga@aiacalifornia.org General questions: trothman@aiacalifornia.org  The post Connecting Residential Clients to Firms, a new AIA CA Public-Facing Tool appeared first on AIA California.

Emerging Professionals //byline Scott Terrell, Director of Government Relations CAB wants to hear from Architecture-in-Training Candidates After years of advocacy and collaboration with legislative partners and California Architects Board (CAB), the AIA California-sponsored bill establishing a formal, recognized title for individuals actively on the path to licensure, became law last year. Beginning January 1, 2027, the CAB will authorize qualified candidates to use the title Architect-in-Training (AIT). CAB is currently gathering information to estimate how many individuals may apply to use the AIT title. If you are interested in using the Architect-in-Training designation, please take a moment to complete CAB’s brief survey. Candidates interested in use of the AIT title must meet the following eligibility requirements pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 5500.2.: Maintain an active record with the CAB. An active candidate is one who has taken an examination within the preceding five years. Possess valid examination credit for at least one division of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ (NCARB) Architect Registration Examination (ARE) in accordance with the NCARB Score Validity Policy. Submit to CAB the name and license number of the California-licensed architect who will be responsible for supervision of candidate’s work. This milestone follows the passage of AB 759, a bill proudly sponsored and led by AIA California. Through years of advocacy, coalition-building, and collaboration with legislative partners and CAB, AIA CA worked to establish a formal, recognized title for individuals actively on the path to licensure. The AIT designation brings architecture in line with other licensed professions that recognize candidates during the licensure process (such as EIT and LSIT), strengthens the professional pipeline, and provides meaningful recognition to emerging professionals. It also improves clarity for employers, clients, and the public about where individuals are in their professional journey. We are proud to see this long-standing priority become law — and now move toward implementation. Learn more about the legislation and its impact here. A major win for the profession — and for the future of architecture in California. Click Here The post Architect-in-Training Title Begins Implementation appeared first on AIA California.

Member Call-to-Action //byline AIA California Staff Ready to Act: Click here.Want to learn more: read on. 02.18.26 | The Department of Education has excluded architecture degrees from ‘professional designation’ for graduate student loan purposes. This limits graduate architecture students (M.Arch and D.Arch) to $20,500 per year in federal loans. This artificial cap forces talented students from modest-income backgrounds to rely on expensive private loans, delay their education, or abandon the profession entirely. The results — harmful to individuals who dream of being architects; firms relaying on well educated emerging professionals; and a larger society facing housing and climate issues. Take action! AIA National supports two key pieces of legislation that would restore fair access to federal student loans for architecture students: H.R. 6718, the Professional Student Degree Act, and H.R. 6677, the Professional Degree Access Restoration Act.  H.R. 6718 would codify architecture as a professional degree alongside other licensure-based fields, ensuring students can access the federal loan limits they need to complete their education. H.R. 6677 would restore the loan structure that existed before recent harmful restrictions took effect.  National has made it easy for members to contact their representatives in congress to support these Bills. In two clicks, you can affect the future of the profession and its possibilities. Support these bills critical to the profession’s future, today! Click Here The post Support Federal Loan Access for Architecture Students, Today! appeared first on AIA California.

//byline Nicki Dennis Stephens Executive Vice President, AIA California To remain relevant, resilient, and responsive to a rapidly changing world, the architectural profession must invest in the future. As societal needs evolve—around climate action, housing affordability, equity, technology, and public health—architects must be prepared with the skills, values, and perspective to lead that change. And where should students look for this experience? Within the firms (of all sizes) that design and deliver the built environment. Many lament that nearly 50% of architecture students don’t stay in the profession, but one of the most often cited reasons is a lack of connection to practice. You can help change this reality. Taking on interns, job shadowing or meeting online to virtually mentor is one of the most meaningful ways to invest in the future, giving emerging practitioners experiences that can’t be learned in the classroom: exposure to practice, collaboration, problem-solving, and the realities of professional responsibility to name a few. By mentoring interns and supporting their growth, you can help ensure a strong, diverse, and well-prepared next generation of architects who will carry the profession forward and continue its impact on communities and the built environment. To make this a reality, the California Architectural Foundation’s capX (California Architectural Practice Experience) program creates access to firms for these vital experiences within architectural practice. Student interest and enrollment in capX continues to grow. The success of this program, however, depends entirely on your participation. Whether you own a firm, lead a firm, or work in a firm (and can be an advocate for interns) without a culture that’s willing to open doors, we cannot deliver the meaningful experiences the next generation needs to succeed. Learn more about capX. Firm enrollment for 2026 is now open. To enroll, click here. Make the commitment to take on an intern, host a job shadow or mentor virtually – we have tools to help. Across the AIA, many members cite the reason for joining is connecting to the professional network. Sharing this network and creating opportunities for the next generation ensures you will have a network to count on in the future. Creating ways to help members invest in the future of this profession is just one more way AIA California (through our Foundation) is Working for You. The post Investing in the Future of the Profession appeared first on AIA California.

Latest News //byline AIA California Staff ***Update***02.12.26 Action Alert from AIA NationalAIA National has made it easy for members to oppose proposed Department of Education proposed rules that would limit federal loans to architecture graduate students to $20,500 per year. To Act, Click Here. 02.09.26.  In January, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) took a position  strongly opposing a proposed Department of Education rule which would strip Masters of Architecture and Doctorates of Architecture programs of their professional designation, an action that would limit federal loans for thousands of architecture students to just $20,500 per year. “During pre-publication meetings, AIA raised concerns with this approach in a November statement The now published proposed rule disregards those concerns and reflects a misreading of congressional intent by drastically and unreasonably redefining what a ‘professional’ degree is,” the AIA said. “AIA is especially concerned about the impact on students from lower- and middle-income backgrounds, who are less likely to have access to alternative sources of financing. Without federal aid that reflects the true cost of professional education, students may be forced into private debt or leave programs before completion – weakening the architecture workforce pipeline and undermining broader public-interest goals.” AIA is preparing detailed comments to submit prior to the March 2 deadline for public comments and are engaged through work with their Government Affairs and Public Policy team.  The post Proposed Federal Rule Would Limit Federal Loans for Architecture Students appeared first on AIA California.