News & Events

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.

Practice Tools //byline Advocacy Committee + AIA CA Staff In 2017, the California Legislature passed SB 496 (Cannella), amending Civil Code Section 2782.8 to protect design professionals—architects, engineers, and others—from unfair indemnity and defense obligations in public contracts. The law clearly states that a design professional’s duty to defend a client cannot exceed their proportionate share of fault, and that this protection cannot be waived or altered by contract. Despite this, many public agencies and clients continue to use outdated or noncompliant indemnification clauses that require architects to pay for the client’s defense costs upfront, before any determination of fault. These provisions violate both the letter and the intent of Section 2782.8, placing an unreasonable financial burden on firms—especially small, emerging, and minority- or women-owned businesses. AIA California has developed the “Duty to Defend” letter to help firms educate clients and negotiate fair, legally compliant agreements. This memo explains the law, why certain contract language is unenforceable, and how such provisions can lead to higher costs, reduced competition, and increased project risk. How to Use This Letter Firm Use: Firms are encouraged to submit the memo directly to clients when negotiating contract terms that include defense obligations inconsistent with state law. AIA CA Assistance: Firms may also request that AIA California submit the letter on their behalf, reinforcing the industry-wide importance of fair contracting practices and adherence to California law. The goal is to foster collaborative relationships between clients and design professionals—rooted in fairness, compliance, and shared responsibility. 📄 Download the Duty to Defend Memorandum (.doc)📬 Request AIA California to Submit on Your Behalf Talking Points for Contract Negotiations Use the following key points when discussing indemnification and duty-to-defend language with clients: State Law Limits Defense Obligations Under Civil Code §2782.8, design professionals can only be required to defend a client to the extent of their proportionate share of fault. Any clause requiring defense before fault is determined violates California law. Professional Liability Insurance Does Not Cover Defense of Others Professional liability policies exclude contractual defense obligations on behalf of others (e.g., clients). This means defense costs for a client would have to come directly out of the architect’s pocket, creating undue financial exposure. Fair Contracts Support Competition and Equity Unenforceable indemnity clauses raise costs and exclude smaller, emerging, and diverse firms from competing. Compliance ensures a more inclusive and competitive marketplace for public projects. Shared Responsibility Is Best Practice The intent of SB 496 is that each party bears the cost of its own defense, with costs reconciled after determination of fault. This approach promotes fairness and discourages unnecessary disputes. The post Understanding the Duty to Defend Issue appeared first on AIA California.

press release //for immediate release contact: Margie O’Driscoll (415) 350-9955 margie.odriscoll@gmail.com 11.05.25 (Sacramento, CA. November 5, 2025) The American Institute of Architects, California (AIA CA) announces the thirteenth annual Architecture at Zero competition, a design competition for decarbonization, equity and resilience, open to students and professionals worldwide. Architecture at Zero 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 2026 competition challenge is an ideas competition to design a year-round educational and cultural venue (La Plaza) that will transform into a resiliency asset during regional emergencies (Emergency Operations Center) that offer critical support for first responders and multi-agency emergency operations. The vision for this project designed for an Antelope Valley, California site is bold: it invites designers to envision more than just a single-use structure, rather it is an opportunity to design a space with dual purpose as well as a profound impact. Award recipients will be chosen from competition submissions by a panel of international experts and awarded $25,000 in total prizes. “The annual Architecture at Zero competition serves two essential AIA California core values,” noted 2025 President Carina Mills, AIA. “Through its student ‘category’, it provides education and support for next generation architects; as a competition with sustainability at its center, it is another tactic for the organization to advance a more livable planet.” The competition strives to generate new, innovative ideas for a decarbonized future to help achieve California’s goal for all new residential construction to be ZNE by 2020 and all new commercial construction to be ZNE by 2030. Competition entries will be juried by international experts including Lance Collins, AIA, a Director at Partner Energy; Scott Gaudineer, AIA, Managing Principal, Flewelling & Moody Inc.; Paul Torcellini, Principal Engineer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; and Allison Williams, FAIA. The competition deadline is June 1, 2026. To learn more, visit www.architectureatzero.com. This program is funded by California utility customers and administered by SCE, SoCal Gas and PG&E under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. 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 The American Institute of Architects, California Launches 2025 – 2026 Architecture at Zero Competition appeared first on AIA California.

2025 Residential Design Award Recipient-Honor //award Honor //project details Architect: dub studiosProject Location: Santa Monica, CaliforniaPhotographer: dub studios The Bearing House was designed as a retirement home for a couple in their late seventies. This loving pair moved from New York to Los Angeles in order to be reunited with their children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings; a close-knit family of thirty-two people. The couple wanted to “bear” the responsibility of providing a space for family gatherings and requested that the house be designed around a dining table that could sit the thirty-two family members. Our goal was to provide them with this extensive space, while simultaneously creating an intimate living area for two people. The other component to the design was to address their nostalgia for their original dream of retiring on a farm on the east coast. They spoke passionately of barns on masonry bases rising out of green pastures that were a trademark of upstate New York. The house is a modern translation of these “bearing” structures that sit comfortably and securely in their abundant landscape. Creating this oasis on a small, infill property, with dining for thirty-two people was the challenge. We created a concrete base as the “bearing” structure that opened at moments to create the large dining space and to bring in the varied landscapes of the front yard, courtyard and backyard. To enhance the connection to these landscapes we extended the interior ceilings as overhangs from clerestories that draw one’s eye out to green “pastures”. These overhangs not only provide shade and protection from rain outdoors, but also cut down significantly on heat gain and eliminated the need for window coverings, allowing the couple to enjoy the views throughout the day. The integrated gutter system and rain chains allowed us to accomplish this while still maintaining a slim, flat roof – our modern translation of the beautiful sloping barn eaves //comments Simple, elegant, and nicely composed. This single-family residence is designed by someone who truly understands how to usher light into space; it adds to the understanding of architecture through unconventional approaches to window placement. Even the basement level is thoughtfully addressed and a nice space. //project narrative Measure 1: Design for Integration The Bearing House was designed as a retirement home for a couple in their late seventies. The design was to address their nostalgia for their original dream of retiring on a farm on the east coast. They spoke passionately of barns on masonry bases rising out of green pastures that were a trademark of upstate New York. The house is a modern translation of these “bearing” structures that sit comfortably and securely in their abundant landscape. Creating this oasis on a small, infill property, with dining for a close-knit family of thirty-two people was the challenge. Measure 2: Design for Equitable Communities We collaborated closely with local artisans to bring craftsmanship and regional authenticity to the project. Skilled woodworkers crafted all windows and doors using locally sourced wood, ensuring quality, durability, and a connection to the area’s natural materials. Drawing inspiration from traditional Spanish architecture, local plaster artisans meticulously finished the entire house in hand-applied stucco. Their expertise not only enhances the building’s aesthetic but also ensures longevity in the marine climate. By prioritizing local talent and materials, the project supports the community, preserves regional craftsmanship, and strengthens the home’s relationship with its cultural and environmental context. Measure 3: Design for Ecosystems The design considers local ecosystems by incorporating native plants that support biodiversity and promote ecological resilience. The large front garden and central courtyard create green spaces that provide habitat for pollinators and improve air quality. The building utilizes small aperture windows on the front facade in order to minimize light pollution while still allowing ample natural light to enter through the courtyard and strategically placed skylights. By integrating these elements, the project fosters a harmonious connection between the built environment and the surrounding ecosystem, enhancing both environmental sustainability and aesthetic value. Measure 4: Design for Water The project effectively manages water runoff by incorporating multiple sustainable strategies. The green roof absorbs rainwater, reducing runoff while providing natural insulation. Stormwater is designed to stay on-site, replenishing groundwater rather than overwhelming municipal drainage systems. Abundant plant material, including native landscaping, helps absorb and filter rainwater, promoting ecological balance. A rain chain directs water from the roof to the ground, slowing its flow and reducing erosion. Permeable pavers allow water to seep into the soil rather than running off into streets. These elements work together to create a resilient, environmentally responsible approach to water management. Measure 5: Design for Economy The project incorporates economic strategies by prioritizing flexibility, durability, and cost-effective materials. The central courtyard serves as a multifunctional space, reducing the need for additional built areas while enhancing indoor-outdoor living. The exterior plaster finish is an economical choice for Southern California’s climate, offering weather resistance, insulation, and low maintenance. Recycled wood was used to form the concrete, reducing waste and cost. Overhangs were added over large glazing units to minimize the need for expensive UV-resistant glazing. By integrating flexible design and cost-efficient materials, the project ensures affordability, sustainability, and long-term value for homeowners. Measure 6: Design for Energy The design minimizes energy usage through a combination of passive and active strategies. Abundant daylight, provided by skylights and a south-facing courtyard, reduces reliance on artificial lighting, lowering electricity consumption. Strategically placed overhangs shade large glazed areas, reducing heat gain and heat loss, improving thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Solar panels harness renewable energy, decreasing dependence on the grid and promoting sustainability. A green roof further enhances insulation, reducing heat gain and cooling demands. Together, these strategies create an environmentally responsible, energy-efficient home that lowers its carbon footprint while ensuring year-round comfort. Measure 7: Design for Well-Being The project prioritizes well-being through thoughtful daylighting and ventilation strategies that enhance comfort and health. Skylights, including one above the main staircase, flood the interior with natural light, promoting a sense of openness and connection The post Bearing House appeared first on AIA California.

2025 Residential Design Award Recipient-Honor //award Honor //project details Architect: Brooks Scarpa Huber Architects Project Location: Venice, California Photographer: Jeff Durkin/Breadtruck Films This new LEED Gold four-story 35-unit Rose mixed-use 100% affordable apartment structure for transitional aged youths. When kids “term out” as they say when they turn 18 years old and are forced to leave a youth facility, most wind up living on the street because there is no place for them to go. Rose Apartments provides a home to this young adult who would otherwise be living on the street. The building is located where no car is needed. It is situated directly across the street from Whole Foods, 7 Eleven, a laundromat, Lincoln Hardware and a host of other amenities and is just seven blocks from the beach, adjacent to the tiny shops and restaurants on the eclectic Rose Avenue in Venice. Taking cues from the nearby Horatio Court, built in 1919 by Irving Gill, the building is designed around an elevated courtyard above ground level commercial space. The courtyard typology has existed in Los Angeles for more than a hundred years. It promotes pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods as an alternative to sprawl, creating usable space in the center of the project, instead of unused, leftover space outside of the building volume. According to Ken Bernstein, director of preservation for the Los Angeles Conservancy, a lot of the courtyard apartments built prior to the 1950s, especially in Hollywood and West Hollywood, were part of a search for indigenous architecture,” he says, as much as an attempt to create neighborliness. More than any other multi-dwelling housing, courtyard apartments, “make you feel like you belong to a place.” For people living around the courtyard, the space provides a sense of safety and privacy; the courtyard is a quasi-public space that mediates between the home and the street. //comments An affordable housing project that sets new standards. The open space is overly generous, allowing for natural light and cross ventilation for every unit. The material language for each elevation adjusts for shifts in context—a benefit of being a research-oriented architect unafraid to tweak materials. This is a model not only for affordable housing, but all housing projects. //framework for design excellence measures Measure 1: Design for Integration Located on the edge of the very popular and trendy Rose Ave in Venice Beach, the project affords access to important community amenities to an extremely popular and pedestrian friendly neighborhood. Because it is housing for transitional aged youths, the project affords equal access for a very low-income tenant population who would otherwise not be able to afford to live in this community. The central feature of Rose Apartments design is an immersive courtyard that mediates between the urban environment and intimacy of the residences. Open to Rose Avenue from the second level but retreated through a series of cascading planters, the courtyard offers residents multiple outdoor gathering spaces and increased privacy, while still reciprocating with the neighborhood around it. Capped by the planted terraces on the upper levels, the courtyard establishes a “picture-frame” that provides views, ample natural light and breezes, and the creation of a sense of place. This much needed affordable housing provides poor youths and disadvantaged populations housing in an affluent area of town where low wage workers are critical but unable to afford to live. It also contributes to the much-needed housing stock in short supply in Los Angeles. Measure 2: Design for Equitable Communities This project included four public community meetings, two meetings with the Venice Neighborhood council, two Los Angeles Planning Commission meetings and a host of small group meetings with various community groups and stakeholders. the design team attended meetings with various stakeholders and community groups during the development process to receive their input, Incorporating suggestions throughout the design process. The project was approved by the Planning Commission but was unanimously rejected by the neighborhood council, who have rejected every affordable housing project for the last seven years Measure 3: Design for Ecosystems The project’s location is urban and the previous site was one large 100% impermeable surface lot with a small single story Church building. ‘Flow-through’ planters which act like swales. It incorporates more planting than most urban buildings. Drought tolerant plants and gravel provide storm water retention and habitats for animals. All impermeable surfaces are directed to the ‘flow-through’ infiltration planters and all exterior lights are shielded. Measure 4: Design for Water A Stormwater Management Plan was implemented to promote infiltration, capture and treat stormwater runoff from 90% of the average annual rainfall, using best management practices. The buildinghas been designed such that over 30% of the site consists of vegetative landscaping or permeable surfaces. Impermeable surfaces are directed to on-site infiltration planters, which retain and clean storm water. This results in a site in which over 100% of the surfaces capture storm water in some way. Water savings of approx. 38% above average. Measure 5: Design for Economy We prioritized both first and long-term costs for our non-profit client due to the tight budgets of housing and the need to have no or low maintenance costs for the future of the building. The building envelope utilizes low-cost passive strategies to reduce energy use including increased insulation in the walls/roof, natural cross ventilation and a white roof. Framing efficiencies were utilized: prefab detailed cut list and lumber order, open-web floor/roof trusses spaced more than 16″ and panelized construction. Floor plates, building volumes and shear walls stack vertically, reducing cost and construction waste. Measure 6: Design for Energy Project includes distributed SEER 20 electric heat pumps with economizers for all housing units and commercial space and 3 mini-splits for a few spaces, all LED lighting, solar Hot water Measure 7: Design for Well-Being Good design supports health and well-being for all people, considering physical, mental, and emotional effects on occupants and the surrounding community. The design encourages positive informal social interaction among neighbors, acquaintances, and visitors. By welcoming and bringing together the client, designers, and The post Rose Apartments appeared first on AIA California.

2025 Residential Design Award Recipient-Merit //award Merit //project details Architect: Faulkner ArchitectsProject Location: Healdsburg, CaliforniaPhotographer: Joe Fletcher Photography Remotely accessed via a winding former stagecoach road from the quicksilver rush, the area affected by the 2019 Kincade Fire saw the destruction of the original off-grid house. Surviving concrete foundations and walls have been reinhabited. Enhanced construction assemblies, the concrete ground form, non-combustible materials, and sliding ember screens respond to the risk of repeat wildfire events. Largely closed on the exposed north side and open to the south and west Mayacamas Mountains views, the protective form respects the ridgeline, existing as a quiet presence in the wildland landscape. Portions of the angular footprint of the preexisting foundation project from the new rectangular form and build the sculptural light well, entry steps, porch, and garage. A new concrete chimney mass anchors the main floor, creating a focal point for the living spaces. Driven by the clients’ preference for future wheelchair accessibility, the entry ramp extends outward as an expressive form toward the west hillside. The concrete basin fosters a visual and poetic dialogue that briefly captures artesian well waterflow. The off-grid site utilities support a home that embraces passive survivability. An abundant connection to nature promotes healthy well-being, while the restorative landscape approach enhances biodiversity through a wildfire protective strategy. //comments An off the grid house with high sustainability goals and a simplicity and roughness that’s appropriate for the context. It’s a good example of a strong fire-rebuild. The retention and reuse of the original foundation creates interesting spaces, while its sloping roof and materials palette integrates nicely into the site. //framework for design excellence measures Measure 1: Design for Integration This project exemplifies how residential architecture can transcend aesthetic considerations. The home is a tool shaped by the needs of the site, including fire resistance, the landscape, foundation reuse, energy efficiency, off-grid utilities, and remoteness. Climate change is increasing the incidence and magnitude of wildfire events. As we continue to expand into wild landscapes through development, we must enhance construction systems and materials to withstand disasters. Early consideration of these factors should be integrated with all other contextual attributes. The design can adopt a protective posture. Additionally, there should be increased awareness of the importance of moving towards a strategy of self-sufficient off-grid building, even when on-grid infrastructure is available. The 18 kW solar photovoltaic panels, 77 kWh battery storage, and three 15 kW inverters provides the primary source of off-grid power. This home exceeds code required energy efficiency and production. It is intended to become the client’s full-time residence and family legacy property. Measure 2: Design for Equitable Communities This project is located in a sparsely populated area. Following the Kincade Fire, several neighbors chose to sell their properties. The client was determined to remain a part of the wildland community. The wildfire ignition-resistant exterior shell, complemented by sliding ember screens, offers resilience during fire emergencies. The clients are given hope that the home can withstand future disasters. Additionally, this design allows more time for emergency services to reach the property, and the local fire department can have confidence that this home is worth protecting. The protective strategies developed can be referenced by vulnerable communities for appropriate fire-sustainable rebuilding. Measure 3: Design for Ecosystems Deep overhangs reduce the reflection of the sky and the associated risk to birds. Sliding screens at windows and doors further protect birds. The light fixtures are zoned and kept to a minimal number and size to reduce light spill; this shielded lighting strategy protects the night sky. Landscaping supports the principles of fire ecological succession in the absence of cyclical, low-heat burns. This approach maintains a low fuel load while enhancing biodiversity. Slopes disturbed by previous development were gently graded back to their natural condition. Seeding and the reintroduction of native, drought-tolerant pollinator plants will enhance the ecosystem. Measure 4: Design for Water Rainwater is celebrated, with 100% of stormwater captured and retained on site. Channeled into an expressive cantilevered gutter with open flow into the round steel basin below, runoff is diverted to a vegetated bioretention area before flowing down the existing swale into the retention pond. Spring-fed wells provide a reliable flow for all water usage. The concrete basin captures water after it is harnessed by a Pelton wheel for supplementary hydroelectric power, offering a continually refreshed basin for cooling dips. Flowing water can be heard from the deck, promoting calmness and well-being. Wastewater is treated in the repaired septic field. Measure 5: Design for Economy Reusing the existing concrete basement foundation walls and footprint served as a cost-saving and time-efficient strategy. The home has less square footage and is one story lower than the original house, utilizing the previous unfinished basement area. Materials were selected for long-term robustness and low maintenance. Self-sufficiency and energy savings are achieved through off-grid utilities. High-performance windows, construction assemblies, lighting, and mechanical systems work together to reduce energy consumption. Wheelchair-accessible spaces and potential to add an elevator provide future flexibility. The openness of the common areas offers adaptivity for changes in use and terraces extend the spaces, encouraging outdoor living. Measure 6: Design for Energy This home is off-grid. The existing solar photovoltaic array and battery system was repaired and upgraded as the primary power source, supplemented by power from a hydro Pelton wheel. The main floor is oriented to maximize winter solar gain and daylighting, with deep overhangs on the south and west to provide summer shading. The roof angles in alignment with the predominant wind flow to facilitate passive ventilation through carefully positioned openings. Energy performance will be monitored by the client over time. The solar PV and battery system is flexible and can be expanded as the client’s needs develop and change. Measure 7: Design for Well-Being The journey through nature to the home encourages an outdoor lifestyle. Open spaces flooded with natural light connect the client to the immediate and distant landscapes. The continuous aperture of the main floor features specified glazing The post Pine Flat appeared first on AIA California.