AIA|LA ADVOCACY REPORT
August 12, 2025

AIA opposes EPA’s new position on Greenhouse Gas Deregulation

August 5, 2025
AIA strongly opposes the EPA’s anti-science decision to rescind the long-standing finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger planetary, ecosystem and human health.

WASHINGTON – August 5, 2025 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) strongly opposes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) anti-science decision to rescind the long-standing finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger planetary, ecosystem, and human health.

This move by the EPA represents a step backward in our nation’s global leadership to combat climate change. Architects, through their designs, consultations, and collaborations, significantly influence the built environment—an industry responsible for roughly 40 percent of carbon emissions. This positions the design and construction sectors as pivotal players in the global fight against climate change. By uniting as a community, these professionals have the power to shape a more sustainable future, driving forward meaningful action and progress.

No matter what the EPA implements, AIA is committed to partnering with the private sector, state and local communities, property owners, and developers to champion the creation of innovative, cutting-edge buildings.

AIA will continue to advocate for legislation that supports carbon reduction in the built environment. Through programs like the Framework for Design Excellence and the 2030 Commitment, AIA provides resources and support to help architects implement sustainable design practices and achieve carbon neutrality in their projects.

AIA believes the proposal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of the public, and this action hinders the architectural profession’s efforts to create a more sustainable and resilient built environment. AIA will submit public comments opposing the EPA’s proposed rule.

CALL TO ACTION

To submit a public comment expressing opposition to the EPA’s position on greenhouse gas deregulation, visit: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194 or email a-andr-Docket@epa.gov, include in the subject line: Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194.

Comments must be submitted on or before September 21. 2025. EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on August 19 and 20, 2025. An additional session will be held on August 21, 2025. Notification for attendance and/or testimony is due by August 12 by emailing: EPA-MobileSource-Hearings@epa.gov.

CLICK HERE TO READ AIA’s RESPONSE to EPA’s call for greenhouse gas deregulation.

AIA issues response to EPA’s call for greenhouse gas deregulation


AIA Advocates for Preservation and Transparency in Proposed $200 Million White House Expansion

On August 5, 2025 AIA National issued a formal recommendation to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House regarding the proposed $200 million East Ballroom addition to the iconic structure.

WASHINGTON – August 5, 2025 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has issued a formal recommendation to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House regarding the proposed $200 million East Ballroom addition to the iconic structure. Drawing upon its century-long commitment to protecting the architectural integrity of the White House, AIA underscored the need for a transparent, preservation-focused approach to the ambitious project.

“For over 100 years, AIA has embraced our role as a perpetual guardian of the White House’s architectural integrity,” the letter states, referencing a directive established by President Theodore Roosevelt himself. “This responsibility guides our recommendations to ensure that any modification to this national treasure honors its historical and symbolic significance.”

A Call for Rigorous Oversight of the East Ballroom Project

The AIA noted that while the project has secured private funding, the White House belongs to the American people and demands the highest standards of stewardship. In line with the Framework for Design Excellence, the Institute recommends a process that ties each major decision to preservation, performance, safety, and access—safeguarding historic character while improving resilience and usability. The organization outlined five key recommendations to guide the project’s execution:

1. Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS): Given the magnitude of the project and the symbolism the White House carries for all Americans, we recommend a Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) process to identify the most qualified architect or design team for this project.

2. Historic-Preservation Review: The AIA urged alignment with preservation standards, including the Secretary of the Interior’s guidelines, to protect the neoclassical design and historic sightlines of the White House.

3. Transparency and Public Accountability: To foster trust, the AIA emphasized the importance of clarity in funding, procurement, and design processes, allowing the public to participate meaningfully in discussions about the addition.

4. Proportionality of Design: The proposed 90,000-square-foot addition must harmonize with the White House’s scale and architecture, ensuring the final design complements its historic character.

5. Collaboration and Expertise: The AIA pledged collaboration with the Committee, offering insights into energy-efficient design and resilience strategies.

The AIA’s recommendations are grounded in its Framework for Design Excellence, which links design decisions to measurable outcomes for preservation, building performance, occupant health and safety, and long-term stewardship. The AIA reiterated its readiness to assist the Committee with expertise and support to maintain the White House’s position as both a functional institution and a museum for the American people. “This is more than an addition to a building,” the AIA wrote. “It is a transformation to an irreplaceable symbol of our democracy —guided by a process that is preservation-first, performance-driven, and accountable to the public.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AIA’s RECOMMENDATION to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House.


A Deeper Dive into AI in Architecture: A Two-Part Series with Archistar.AI

AIA|LA, in partnership with Archistar.AI, invites you to an exclusive two-part virtual series exploring the future of generative design and AI-powered plan checking. We’ve heard your questions about the new eCheck AI Pilot and are providing this opportunity for architects and designers to get a firsthand look at this innovative software.

What to Expect

This series is designed to go beyond the press release, offering a practical demonstration and a direct line to the experts behind the technology.

Live Software Demonstration: Dr. Benjamin Coorey, a global expert in generative design and CEO of Archistar, will walk us through a live “test drive” of the software. You’ll see how it can automate design checks, streamline the permitting process, and accelerate projects.

Expert Q&A: We’ll facilitate an interactive Q&A session in both sessions, giving you a chance to ask specific questions about the software and its applications.

Industry Insights: David Hunt, an executive with over 25 years of experience in property and construction, will join Dr. Coorey to discuss the broader implications of AI in the AEC industry. We’ll explore the future of digital planning and the partnership with the City of Los Angeles and the County of Los Angeles, including how the eCheck AI pilot is helping communities impacted by wildfires.

This is your chance to engage directly with the innovators behind the technology that is already revolutionizing the permitting process in Los Angeles. The sessions are free for AIA members and will be recorded for later viewing.

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

Dr. Benjamin Coorey – Founder & CEO, Archistar.AI
David Hunt – Exec. Vice President – Global Head of Sales, Archistar.AI

Session 1:  Tuesday, August 19 | 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Virtual on Zoom

RSVP HERE.

Session 2:  Wednesday, August 27 | 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Virtual on Zoom

RSVP HERE.

Format for Each Session:

10 minutes: Opening remarks & introductions
10 minutes: Overview of Archistar.AI and its role in LA’s new eCheck pilot
30 minutes: Live software demonstration and “test drive”
40 minutes: Interactive Q&A

These sessions are complimentary for AIA members and will be recorded and made available on the AIA|LA YouTube channel for those who are unable to attend live. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage directly with the innovators behind the technology.

BIOGRAPHIES:

Dr. Benjamin Coorey – Founder & CEO, Archistar.AI

Dr. Benjamin Coorey is a global leading expert in architecture and generative design. Dr. Coorey completed a PhD in generative design and has dedicated his working career to consulting, educating, and developing cutting-edge technology to revolutionise the architectural design and property industries. He has worked for a number of prestigious international architectural firms, and his extensive research has been published in multiple international journals. As CEO of Archistar, Dr Coorey now helps to power digital planning for over 30 cities and governments across Australia, Canada, and the United States.

David Hunt – Exec. Vice President – Global Head of Sales, Archistar.AI

David is an experienced and accomplished executive manager and senior sales leader who has worked in property and construction for over 25 years. Prior to joining Archistar over 6 years ago, David was the Executive National Sales Manager at Cordell, Australia’s leading provider of building and construction information, and held a senior role at CoreLogic RP Data

 

 


Shape LA’s Future: Join the 2025 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series!

Connect directly with the civic leaders transforming Los Angeles.

The AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series offers a unique opportunity for architects, designers, and community stakeholders to engage in intimate roundtable discussions with key decision-makers. Share innovative ideas to foster a healthy, sustainable, equitable, inclusive, and economically prosperous future for all.

Why Attend?

  • Direct Engagement: Meet and converse with top civic leaders shaping our built and natural environment.
  • Influence & Impact: Contribute your insights on critical issues like economic development, climate, urban design, and land-use policy.
  • Networking: Connect with peers and leaders in a collaborative, inspiring setting.

2025 Confirmed Breakfast Receptions:

August 2025

September 2025

October 2025

AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED.

Please make plans to attend one (or more) of these inspirational receptions!






> AIA CA Collective Action for Wildfire Recovery

The AIA LA & LACP Professional Volunteer Program (PVP)

Architects & designers passionate about improving the design quality of newly proposed projects throughout the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to participate in the Professional Volunteer Program (PVP), which is a collaborative design review program organized by AIA LA & Los Angeles City Planning (LACP)’s Urban Design Studio.

This year, we will be coordinating thirty-one virtual design review sessions, which will serve as opportunities for architects and designers to help the Los Angeles City Planning’s Urban Design Studio critically review upcoming projects throughout our City.

July 15 (10am)

Aug 5 (10am)

Aug 12 (10am)

Aug 19 (10am)

RSVP HERE (virtual on zoom)

Design Review Sessions w/ LACP Urban Design Studio 2025

UNPLAN LA_Transitional Height

 

 


 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director, Government & Public Affairs
t: 213.639.0764
e: will@aialosangeles.org
www.aialosangeles.org