AIA Los Angeles

Small & Emerging Business Quarterly Meeting - March 2025
2025-03-12 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Location, 1760 E. 22nd Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90058, United States
The first of a quarterly get together for small businesses to discuss relevant issues that impact small/emerging practices. The intent of this meeting is to help facilitate AIA engagement with smaller practitioners and to provide a collective voice for change.
We have invited AAa/e (Asian American architects/engineers) and NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects) to distribute this to their members as well.
Come get to know your peers and to discuss topics and strategies that may help with your business growth.
Street Parking Available.

Rebuilding & Recovery: Los Angeles County Status Update
2025-03-13 11:30 - 13:30 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA in California Presents….
Rebuilding & Recovery: Los Angeles County Status Update
AIA in California recognizes the immense challenges facing our city and county in the wake of the tragic and devasting wildfires that have stricken the Los Angeles County region. The swift and equitable rebuilding of homes, businesses, and public infrastructure is paramount while simultaneously ensuring the safety, resilience, and long-term sustainability of our communities.
This program will serve as an opportunity for architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors, civic leaders, and community members to hear a status update about the County of LA’s rebuilding and recovery processes, procedures, anticipated timelines, and current standards and regulations. (*Virtual on Zoom. Register below to receive the access link)
FEATURED SPEAKERS: (12:00pm – 1:00pm)

Ciara Barnett, P.E. – Co-Chair of the LA County Rebuilding Program
Mitch Glaser, AICP – Assistant Deputy Director of Los Angeles County Regional Planning

OPENING REMARKS: (11:30am – 12:00pm)

Carina Mills, AIA – 2025 AIA California President & Senior Director of Talent Management, RDC-S111
Chava Danielson, AIA – 2025 President, AIA Los Angeles & Principal, DSH // architecture
Jonathan Gilliam, AIA– President, AIA San Fernando Valley & Principal, Gilliam Architects
Jodie Mendelson, AIA – Principal, JAM Project Management

HOW YOU CAN HELP? (1:00pm – 1:30pm)

Greg Kochanowski, AIA, ASLA – Design Principal, Practice & Founder, The Wild: A Research Lab
Mohamed Sharif, AIA, RIBA – Partner, Sharif, Lynch: Architecture & Director, Undergraduate Program in Architectural Studies and Graduate Program Design Faculty, UCLA Architecture and Urban Design

REGISTER HERE
During this program, you will learn more about:

Rebuilding Resources
How to apply for permits w/ EPIC LA
Like for Like Rebuild Parameters

New Construction (beyond Like for Like) in wildfire impacted areas

Temporary Housing Permits and ADU opportunities
Rebuilding Workshops
Prospective changes to the Building Code
One-Stop Permitting Centers
Any additional changes as directed in recent Executive Orders

Executive Order N-20-25
Executive Order N-4-25
Additional orders/ updates related to recovery and rebuilding efforts.

CLICK HERE to read more about AIA in California’s coordinated action plan to respond to the wildfires.
FEATURED SPEAKERS:

Ciara Barnett, P.E. – Assistant Deputy Director, Los Angeles County Public Works & Co-Chair of the LA County Rebuilding Program
Ciara Barnett is an Assistant Deputy Director at Los Angeles County Public Works. She has been an employee of the County of Los Angeles for 25 years and has extensive government experience in municipal services.
She is a registered civil engineer with a Master of Science in Structural Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona. She is a Certified Access Specialist and is currently serving as President of the City and County Engineers Association.

Mitch Glaser, AICP – Assistant Deputy Director, Los Angeles County Regional Planning
Mitch Glaser has been a member of the LA County Planning team for over 23 years. He has held various roles in code enforcement, long-range planning, and current planning, and formerly served as a Hearing Officer. In his current role as an Assistant Deputy Director in the Current Planning Division, he is helping residents and businesses in Altadena, Sunset Mesa, and other unincorporated communities rebuild and recover after the Eaton and Palisades fires.
OPENING REMARKS:

Carina Mills, AIA – 2025 AIA California President & Senior Director of Talent Management, RDC-S111
Carina Mills began her volunteer service with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2014, and ten years later, she is serving as President of AIA California and its 11,000 members. An architect with a deep love for her profession, Carina also has a tenacious commitment to change aspects of the AEC industry. Like many who were born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she grew up an avid environmentalist and pursued a career in architecture, hopeful about making buildings better for the environment and its occupants. Motivated to support her industry and peers, she is now in her 6th year with the executive leadership team at AIA California and working diligently to address environmental and social issues responsibly.
Outside her volunteer roles, Carina serves as the Senior Director of Talent Management for a multi-disciplinary practice in Long Beach, Studio 111-RDC where she focuses her experience and skills on empowering colleagues to be even more engaged and successful professionals. In both her AIA and practice roles, she continues to advocate for evolving models of mentorship to make talent development more intentional and inclusive.

Chava Danielson, AIA – 2025 President, AIA Los Angeles & Principal, DSH // architecture
Chava Danielson, AIA, a native Angeleno, is Principal of DSH // architecture, with specialties in design, project advocacy, and serving non-profit organizations committed to their communities. She focuses on imparting beauty and sensitive programming to recharge underserved neighborhoods through educational, therapeutic and residential projects.
Danielson is Adjunct Professor at the USC School of Architecture. She currently co-chairs the AIA Los Angeles’ Government Outreach Committee and has served as a Director for the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design. She holds an M.Arch. from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University and a B.A. in Comparative Literature from the University of California, Berkeley.

Jonathan Gilliam, AIA – President, AIA San Fernando Valley & Principal, Gilliam Architects
Principal of Gilliam Architects, 2025 President of AIA San Fernando Valley, and board member of the Valley Economic Alliance. Gilliam Architects focuses on custom residential, ranging in scale from ADU conversions to high-end residential with an emphasis on providing affordable and functional design solutions to our clients.

Jodie Mendelson, AIA – Principal, JAM Project Management
Jodie Mendelson, AIA is a licensed architect and the owner of JAM Project Management, a project and construction management advisory consultancy in Los Angeles, California, that focuses on culture and entertainment, healthcare, and mixed-use developments – both historic and contemporary. Jodie wants to help educate Angelenos on the rebuild process and to connect AEC experts to form design-build partnerships and share resources.
HOW YOU CAN HELP?

Greg Kochanowski, AIA, ASLA – Design Principal, Practice & Founder, The Wild: A Research Lab
Greg is a licensed architect, landscape designer, and educator in California with over 26 years of experience. His work weaves together architecture, landscape, and urbanism to create sustainable, equitable, and innovative environments that honor and enhance the unique qualities of place. Building on this foundation, Greg’s research emphasizes holistic design processes that foster resilience and harmony between natural systems, culture, infrastructure, and development, addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change.
Greg’s work has been featured in venues such as the Venice and Rotterdam Biennales and has received recognition, including the Architectural League of New York’s Young Architects Forum Award and honors from the AIALA, AIAPF, ASLA, and AIACA. He has presented at ASLA and AIA National Conventions, sharing insights on Southern California’s Wildland-Urban Interface and its recurring fire, flood, and debris flow cycles, exploring broader climate impacts across the Western U.S. and globally.
He is the author of The Wild and the upcoming Wildlands in the Expanded Field: Designing in the Pyrocene (Routledge Press, 2026). In connection with issues of wildfire and climate, Greg’s research also delves into affordable housing strategies aimed at addressing pressing social and environmental challenges. This includes innovative ownership models and housing solutions for vulnerable populations, emphasizing equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities.
As Partner and Director of Design at Practice in Pasadena, CA, and Founder of The Wild: A Research Lab, a nonprofit addressing urban climate issues, he advances design research and advocacy by bridging innovative practice with critical research. He currently serves on the Board of Community Design Group and previously served as Co-President of the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design.

Mohamed Sharif, AIA, RIBA – Partner, Sharif, Lynch: Architecture & Director, Undergraduate Program in Architectural Studies and Graduate Program Design Faculty, UCLA Architecture and Urban Design
Mohamed Sharif is an Associate Adjunct Professor at UCLA’s Department of Architecture and Design, where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses and directs the undergraduate program. Recently, he worked with Professor Hitoshi Abe on a multi-year design research platform focused on resilience and regenerative urbanism.
His practice, Sharif, Lynch: Architecture, with Todd Lynch, has completed several award-winning projects in Los Angeles.
Sharif’s work has been published in journals and periodicals, including 306090, a+u, arq, Constructs, JAE, the Getty Center, Log, and POOL. He served on the arq editorial board (Cambridge University Press, 2006–2016) and was President of the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design (2007–2009), later joining its Advisory Board (2010–2016).

REGISTER HERE

Roundtable w/ Osama Younan, P.E.
2025-03-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA LA GO! Roundtable discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. – General Manager, LADBS
This is a virtual meeting. Please register below to receive the Zoom link.
These quarterly forums allow AIA members to connect directly with LADBS leadership and hear status updates and emerging initiatives.
If you have an item, issue, or a specific topic you’d like added to the agenda, please email Will@aialosangeles.org.

1. Monday, March 17 (12pm – 1pm) = RSVP HERE
2. Monday, June 16 (12pm – 1pm) = RSVP HERE
3. Monday, September 15 (12pm – 1pm) = RSVP HERE
4. Monday, December 8 (12pm – 1pm) = RSVP HERE

REGISTER HERE
AIA LA GO! Roundtable w/ Osama Younan, P.E. — Your Chance to Shape LA’s Building Codes and Policies
Join us for a virtual roundtable discussion with Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP, General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). This is your opportunity to engage directly with LADBS leadership and influence the future of building in Los Angeles.
Why Attend?

Direct Access to LADBS: Hear firsthand updates on emerging initiatives, code changes, and policy priorities from the General Manager himself.
Influence the Agenda: Share your ideas and recommendations on critical topics like permit streamlining, resilient design, and sustainable building practices.
Shape the Future of LA: Your input will directly inform AIA LA’s advocacy efforts and help shape the future of building codes and policies in Los Angeles.

Who Should Attend?

Architects and design professionals with questions about interpreting building codes and implementing policies that impact architecture & design.
Professionals seeking to understand the latest developments and initiatives at LADBS.
Anyone passionate about shaping a more sustainable and resilient built environment in Los Angeles.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST
Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)
RSVP: [REGISTER HERE]

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!
Your voice matters. Let’s work together to create a better built environment for all Angelenos. RSVP today and be a part of the conversation!
Can’t make this one? Mark your calendars for future AIA LA GO! Roundtable Discussions w/ Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP:

Monday, June 16, 2025 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST) – [RSVP HERE]
Monday, September 15, 2025 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST) – [RSVP HERE]
Monday, December 8, 2025 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST) – [RSVP HERE]

Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP – General Manager & Superintendent of Building, Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
Osama Younan is the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). He developed the Department’s Green Building Division to implement the Los Angeles Green Building Code. Osama Younan is a licensed Mechanical Engineer with the State of California and a LEED Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council. Osama Younan serves as the Chair of the Green Building Committee for the Los Angeles Basin Chapter which represents eighty-nine jurisdictions in Southern California, he serves on the Green Building Code Advisory Committee for the California Building Standards Commission that provides recommendations regarding the development of the CALGreen Code, and he serves on the ASHREA Standard 189.1 Committee “Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings”.
Osama Younan is a Licensed Professional Engineer, LEED Accredited Professional, and he oversees the operations of all the bureaus in the department. As the General Manager, he oversees the operations of the Department’s 950 employees in the following major functional groups spread among 11 geographical locations:
+ Permit and Engineering Bureau
+ Inspection Bureau
+ Code Enforcement Bureau
+ Resource Management Bureau
+ Technology Services Bureau
+ Development Services Case Management Division
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

Home Hardening Techniques: Fire-Resistant & Cost-Effective Rebuilding
2025-03-26 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA in California Presents….
Home Hardening Techniques: Fire-Resistant & Cost-Effective Rebuilding
AIA in California recognizes the immense challenges facing our city and county in the wake of the tragic and devasting wildfires that have stricken the Los Angeles County region. The swift and equitable rebuilding of homes, businesses, and public infrastructure is paramount while simultaneously ensuring the safety, resilience, and long-term sustainability of our communities.
This program will serve as an opportunity to provide architects with practical knowledge of fire-resistant building techniques and cost-effective strategies for home hardening.
Objectives:

To review California’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building codes and relevant updates.
To detail key fire-resistant construction techniques (e.g., ember-resistant vents, non-combustible materials, and tempered glass).
To explore cost-effective home hardening approaches for homeowners.
To analyze case studies of fire-resilient structures and low-cost retrofit programs.

(*Virtual on Zoom. Register below to receive the access link)
FEATURED SPEAKERS: (12:00pm – 1:300pm)

Frank L. Frievalt – Director, Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Institute at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Cameron Chorney, PE – Associate/ Senior Engineer, RDH Los Angeles
Nate Wittasek, P.E., C.F.E.I., LEED AP – Principal, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH)

Moderated by:

Greg Kochanowski, AIA, ASLA – Design Principal, Practice & Founder, The Wild: A Research Lab
Mohamed Sharif, AIA, RIBA – Partner, Sharif, Lynch: Architecture & Director, Undergraduate Program in Architectural Studies and Graduate Program Design Faculty, UCLA Architecture and Urban Design

REGISTER HERE

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

Frank L. Frievalt – Director, Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Institute at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Chief Frievalt (ret.) has served since 1979 with Special District, City, County, State, and Federal fire agencies in roles from Firefighter to Fire Chief. He holds an M.S. from Oklahoma State University in Fire and Emergency Management Administration and currently serves as Director of the Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Institute at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Frank is an SME for the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Wildfire Advisory Council and previously served as a Senior Policy Advisor to the Western Fire Chiefs Association, with an emphasis on the development of resilient Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) communities. His work is grounded in aligning key stakeholders around a core set of parcel and community-level mitigations that will disrupt the fire pathways that lead to conflagration. He is pursuing the actuarial valuation of risk mitigations for both the public and private sectors because we share the same desired outcome, minimizing property loss to the peril of wildfire.

Cameron Chorney, PE – Associate/ Senior Engineer, RDH Los Angeles
As an Associate and Senior Engineer, Cameron Chorney is an integral member of RDH’s building enclosure group, leading the development of RDH’s Southern California practice. He is experienced in both New Buildings projects as well as building enclosure assessments and renewals of Existing Buildings across the country. He specializes in high-performance building design, including net-zero construction, wildfire-resistant enclosures, climate resilient enclosure design, and the development of policies and guidelines to advance building science. Cameron is an active volunteer with AIA, USGBC, CSI, and the ACE Mentor Program, advocating for positive change in the ACE industry.

Nate Wittasek, P.E., C.F.E.I., LEED AP – Principal, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH)
Nathan B. Wittasek is a principal and vice president at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the fire protection and regulatory arenas.
Moderated by:

Greg Kochanowski, AIA, ASLA – Design Principal, Practice & Founder, The Wild: A Research Lab
Greg is a licensed architect, landscape designer, and educator in California with over 26 years of experience. His work weaves together architecture, landscape, and urbanism to create sustainable, equitable, and innovative environments that honor and enhance the unique qualities of place. Building on this foundation, Greg’s research emphasizes holistic design processes that foster resilience and harmony between natural systems, culture, infrastructure, and development, addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change.
Greg’s work has been featured in venues such as the Venice and Rotterdam Biennales and has received recognition, including the Architectural League of New York’s Young Architects Forum Award and honors from the AIALA, AIAPF, ASLA, and AIACA. He has presented at ASLA and AIA National Conventions, sharing insights on Southern California’s Wildland-Urban Interface and its recurring fire, flood, and debris flow cycles, exploring broader climate impacts across the Western U.S. and globally.
He is the author of The Wild and the upcoming Wildlands in the Expanded Field: Designing in the Pyrocene (Routledge Press, 2026). In connection with issues of wildfire and climate, Greg’s research also delves into affordable housing strategies aimed at addressing pressing social and environmental challenges. This includes innovative ownership models and housing solutions for vulnerable populations, emphasizing equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities.
As Partner and Director of Design at Practice in Pasadena, CA, and Founder of The Wild: A Research Lab, a nonprofit addressing urban climate issues, he advances design research and advocacy by bridging innovative practice with critical research. He currently serves on the Board of Community Design Group and previously served as Co-President of the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design.

Mohamed Sharif, AIA, RIBA – Partner, Sharif, Lynch: Architecture & Director, Undergraduate Program in Architectural Studies and Graduate Program Design Faculty, UCLA Architecture and Urban Design
Mohamed Sharif is an Associate Adjunct Professor at UCLA’s Department of Architecture and Design, where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses and directs the undergraduate program. Recently, he worked with Professor Hitoshi Abe on a multi-year design research platform focused on resilience and regenerative urbanism.
His practice, Sharif, Lynch: Architecture, with Todd Lynch, has completed several award-winning projects in Los Angeles.
Sharif’s work has been published in journals and periodicals, including 306090, a+u, arq, Constructs, JAE, the Getty Center, Log, and POOL. He served on the arq editorial board (Cambridge University Press, 2006–2016) and was President of the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design (2007–2009), later joining its Advisory Board (2010–2016).
RESOURCE LINKS:
AIACA Hardening for Wildfire Resilience
AIA California published an article discussing the impacts of wildfires in California and the importance of hardening both the site and structure to limit destruction. The piece emphasizes that wildfires create significant financial burdens and highlights strategies to enhance resilience.
https://aiacalifornia.org/news/hardening-for-wildfire-resilience/
Continuing Education: Wildfire-Adapted Design
An article in Architectural Record discusses the importance of hardening homes against fire in tandem with other measures, most critically, defensible space. It emphasizes that while hardening homes is essential, it must be complemented by other strategies to effectively mitigate wildfire risks.
https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/14853-continuing-education-wildfire-adapted-design#continuing-education
Sustainable Defensible Space
Created by the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, along with a diverse steering committee of experts, this project focuses on offering solutions to improve resilience and resource conservation values, and resistance of structures to wildfire loss for developed properties in the SMMNRA by improving management by homeowners of their defensible space zone. The site has an additional “Resources” tab for more detailed information and links to associated agencies.
www.defensiblespace.org
Rockwool/RDH Technical Bulletin: https://www.rockwool.com/syssiteassets/o2-rockwool/documentation/technical-bulletins/residential/rockwool—building-with-stone-wool-in-wildfire-prone-areas.pdf?f=20250311140839
SFPE WUI Handbook: https://www.sfpe.org/wuihandbook/home
NFPA Wildfire Resources: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire
2022 CBC – Chapter 7A – https://up.codes/viewer/california/ca-building-code-2022/chapter/7A/sfm-materials-and-construction-methods-for-exterior-wildfire-exposure#7A
Calfire WUI Listed Products – https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fire-engineering-and-investigations/building-materials-listing
IBHS Wildfire Research – https://ibhs.org/risk-research/wildfire/

REGISTER HERE

AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2025 Quarterly Meetings
2025-04-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2025 Quarterly Meetings

This is a virtual meeting hosted on LADPW’s WebEx platform. Please register in advance to receive the link to access the meeting.
These quarterly meetings serve as an opportunity for AIA members to connect directly with LADWP leadership and to discuss opportunities and strategies to improve development services.
The schedule for 2025:
Wednesday, April 2 (12pm – 1pm)
Wednesday, June 4 (12pm – 1pm)
Wednesday, September 24 (12pm – 1:30pm) – in person. Location TBD in Downtown LA (AIA to identify host location)
Wednesday, November 5 (12pm – 1pm)
Please share your specific issues, recommendations, challenges, and/or questions in advance, and we’ll add them to the agenda for each meeting. Email us here = Will@aialosangeles.org.

MORE CONTEXT:
For the past 36+ months, AIA Los Angeles and LADWP have been organizing a quarterly series of roundtable discussions, which serve as an opportunity to further connect the architecture community and LADWP development services personnel. These quarterly roundtables help to establish a more collaborative partnership and facilitate opportunities to identify solutions to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
In general, the quarterly meetings serve as forums to:
1. Build trust and understanding between LADWP personnel and the private sector (architects/ designers/ engineers).
2. Develop compassion and empathy to better understand each other’s professional priorities and implementation tactics.
3. Allow idea exchange and interaction — to learn from each other and to test out new methods and performance standards.
4. Establish greater context for how environmental justice, shade equity, climate mitigation, urban heat island, tree canopy, building decarbonization, housing affordability, 100% electrification, on-site generation, and urban design are all inter-related (and therefore require a more connected partnership between LADWP and the architecture community implementing the infrastructure framework to address all of these inter-related challenges).
5. Expedite and streamline LADPW’s development services.
More specifically, the quarterly forums allow for:
1. Improve the architects’ understanding of specific LADWP rules, regulations, standards, and procedures – and offer helpful insight on how to better improve those specific regulations and standards to achieve more optimal outcomes.
2. Create pathways to achieve greater flexibility and clarity of purpose for why certain variances and modifications are necessary, helpful, and/or mutually beneficial.
3. Identify obstacles to implementation
4. Establish pilot programs to test out new ideas and innovative solutions.
5. Establish an inventory of code-related obstacles and analyze which codes and regulations may need to be modified/ altered to achieve more effective outcomes
6. Map out strategies for how to better leverage resources
7. Prioritize changes in equipment size, models, standards, and ‘cultural habits’ that can assist in delivering positive results (healthier urban design, greater biodiversity, safer working conditions, a more beautiful and less stressful public realm, etc.)
8. Identify opportunities to leverage best practices from Southern California Edison as it relate to design standards and protocols that promote more verdant ecosystems in integration with utility infrastructure (relationship between street trees and landscaping w/ utility infrastructure, etc) and the ability to utilize alternative materials that promote a ‘greener,’ and less stressful public realm.
9. The exploration of third-party services, peer review, and self-certification, etc.
Some of the direct outcomes achieved to date include:
1. Improved staffing and processing times at BOE for utility permits
2. More permissible variances for staging areas and transformer pads, etc.
3. Streamlined processes for 100% affordable housing (ED #1)
4. Amortization of line extensions, etc
5. Deeper trust between AIA Los Angeles and LADWP leadership
In the future, as the impact of these sessions further evolves and demonstrates results, we’d like to make certain:
1. These forums serve as a model for how other LA City departments can deepen relationships with the private sector to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
2. Deepen the trust between LADWP and the citizens/ residents/ professionals/ clients it serves.
We applaud LADWP’s leadership in prioritizing the partnership between AIA Los Angeles and the utility. If LADWP’s communication team can help us communicate and celebrate the impact of these forums, the general public will benefit from a deeper understanding of how public and private partnerships can help achieve positive results for all.
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

Landscape & Defensible Space: Designing for Fire Safety
2025-04-09 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA in California Presents….
Landscape & Defensible Space: Designing for Fire Safety
AIA in California recognizes the immense challenges facing our city and county in the wake of the tragic and devasting wildfires that have stricken the Los Angeles County region. The swift and equitable rebuilding of homes, businesses, and public infrastructure is paramount while simultaneously ensuring the safety, resilience, and long-term sustainability of our communities.
This program will serve as an opportunity to educate architects on the critical role of landscape design and defensible space in creating fire-resistant properties.
Objectives:

Review updated state and local landscape codes for fire-prone areas.
Detail best practices for creating defensible space zones (0-100 ft).
Discuss low-water, fire-resistant planting strategies.
Analyze case studies of successful defensible space implementation.

(*Virtual on Zoom. Register below to receive the access link)
FEATURED SPEAKERS: (12:00pm – 1:30pm)

Melanie Buffa, ASLA – President-Elect, SoCal ASLA
Stephanie Landregan, FASLA – Director, Landscape Architecture, UCLA Extension
Elisa Read Pappaterra, ASLA – Founder, Studio Pappaterra
Clark Stevens, NCARB – Director of Resource Design, Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM)

Moderated by:

Greg Kochanowski, AIA, ASLA – Design Principal, Practice & Founder, The Wild: A Research Lab
Mohamed Sharif, AIA, RIBA – Partner, Sharif, Lynch: Architecture & Director, Undergraduate Program in Architectural Studies and Graduate Program Design Faculty, UCLA Architecture and Urban Design

REGISTER HERE

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

Melanie Buffa, ASLA – President-Elect, SoCal ASLA
Melanie is a landscape designer with over 10 years of professional landscape construction documentation and project administration, leading the implementation of projects ranging from public, multi-family housing, and residential throughout Southern California.
She brings a deep knowledge of all aspects of horticulture and ecology of the varied climates of California. Melanie has worked for large-scale landscape contractors and commercial nurseries collaborating with designers and builders on complex landscape installations. Melanie now serves as president-elect of the Southern California chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and has led discussions about fire resiliency and regenerative design.

Stephanie Landregan, FASLA – Director, Landscape Architecture, UCLA Extension
Stephanie Landregan, FASLA, is the Director for the Landscape Architecture Program and the Horticulture & Gardening Program at UCLA Extension. Her studios focus on collaboration with government agencies to provide solutions via community-based design. Her areas of teaching include natural systems design, green infrastructure stormwater design, community facilitation, water conservation design and installation, and pollinator design.
Stephanie is one of the co-founders of Altadena Green, a fire response group working to save the private trees in Altadena. She is the Governor’s landscape architect appointee to the State Mining and Geology Board, presently serving for her third 4-year term (2022-2026). Stephanie is one of two So California Council ASLA Directors. She served on the City of Los Angeles Parks Advisory Board for Augustus Hawkins Nature Park. Stephanie’s past service includes as a Planning Commissioner (2009-17), Historic Preservation Commissioner (2006-2009), and Design Review Board member (1996-2004), for the City of Glendale, California. In 2000, 2006, and 2010 Landregan was appointed by three Speakers of the Assembly to serve on the State of California Landscape Architects Technical Committee (LATC) and served for 13 years. Stephanie was one of the founding board members of the Glendale Parks and Open Space Foundation (2010-2013) and has served on both national and international associations’ Executive Boards.
In 2014 Stephanie was chosen as one of the first 40 women as an LA Biz Woman of Influence. In 2012, Ms. Landregan was nominated by the City of Glendale and was selected for the Distinguished Leadership Award, Citizen Planner by the APA-Los Angeles area. Stephanie was made a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects in 2010 for her service to the profession.
Ms. Landregan is a registered licensed landscape architect in the State of California, 4093, and a LEED Accredited Professional BD+C. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Kentucky in 3-Dimensional Design and a Master of Science in Project Management from UW Platteville. She holds a Certificate in Landscape Architecture from the UCLA Extension Program. In May of 2021, Stephanie became a certified apprentice beekeeper with the California Master Beekeeper Program.

Elisa Read Pappaterra, ASLA – Founder, Studio Pappaterra
Elisa Read Pappaterra is an internationally recognized, award-winning landscape architect specializing in fire ecology and horticulture. Based in California, she is renowned for designing botanically rich, sustainable, and Firewise landscapes. Her expertise extends across the landscape, nursery, and botanical communities, where she is celebrated for her deep plant knowledge, appreciation for rare species, and commitment to environmentally sensitive design. Her holistic approach—summarized in her philosophy, “from soil to soul”—integrates ecological and cultural elements to create meaningful landscapes.
As the founder and principal of studio pappaterra, Elisa has built a practice dedicated to enhancing the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) through education and innovative design. She collaborates with botanists, arborists, and fire mitigation specialists to develop resilient, ecologically sound landscapes that balance beauty with fire prevention and long-term sustainability.
Recent Work & Accomplishments:
Since 2020, Elisa has led research and design initiatives in Firewise landscaping. In partnership with the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, she co-created DefensibleSpace.org, a platform advocating for sustainable, fire-adaptive practices in Southern California. As part of this initiative, she provides expert landscape consultations to homeowners in fire-prone California Counties, advancing public awareness and best practices for wildfire resilience.

Clark Stevens, NCARB – Director of Resource Design, Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM)
A practicing architect for 30 years, Clark Stevens (he/him), Architect, NCARB is a leader in conservation-based planning and design for ecologically and culturally critical landscapes in the American West, Tribal and Hawaiian lands, coastal California, Santa Monica Mountains and Upper Los Angeles River watershed. Clark served both as Executive Officer and Principal Architect of the RCDSMM for 15 years. Under his leadership, the RCDSMM’s capacity, staffing, and budget grew exponentially, culminating with LA County LAFCo’s approval of the expansion of its Sphere of Influence to include the entire Rim of The Valley region.
With the hiring of our District Manager in 2024, Clark now focuses full-time on leading the unique integrated resource design program and projects for which the RCDSMM has become known. His work includes regional habitat connectivity planning, the design of interpretive ‘learning landscapes’, the creation of new topographies and bathymetries in coastal and riparian landscapes, and the design of wildlife passage strategies and architecture.

Moderated by:

Greg Kochanowski, AIA, ASLA – Design Principal, Practice & Founder, The Wild: A Research Lab
Greg is a licensed architect, landscape designer, and educator in California with over 26 years of experience. His work weaves together architecture, landscape, and urbanism to create sustainable, equitable, and innovative environments that honor and enhance the unique qualities of place. Building on this foundation, Greg’s research emphasizes holistic design processes that foster resilience and harmony between natural systems, culture, infrastructure, and development, addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change.
Greg’s work has been featured in venues such as the Venice and Rotterdam Biennales and has received recognition, including the Architectural League of New York’s Young Architects Forum Award and honors from the AIALA, AIAPF, ASLA, and AIACA. He has presented at ASLA and AIA National Conventions, sharing insights on Southern California’s Wildland-Urban Interface and its recurring fire, flood, and debris flow cycles, exploring broader climate impacts across the Western U.S. and globally.
He is the author of The Wild and the upcoming Wildlands in the Expanded Field: Designing in the Pyrocene (Routledge Press, 2026). In connection with issues of wildfire and climate, Greg’s research also delves into affordable housing strategies aimed at addressing pressing social and environmental challenges. This includes innovative ownership models and housing solutions for vulnerable populations, emphasizing equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities.
As Partner and Director of Design at Practice in Pasadena, CA, and Founder of The Wild: A Research Lab, a nonprofit addressing urban climate issues, he advances design research and advocacy by bridging innovative practice with critical research. He currently serves on the Board of Community Design Group and previously served as Co-President of the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design.

Mohamed Sharif, AIA, RIBA – Partner, Sharif, Lynch: Architecture & Director, Undergraduate Program in Architectural Studies and Graduate Program Design Faculty, UCLA Architecture and Urban Design
Mohamed Sharif is an Associate Adjunct Professor at UCLA’s Department of Architecture and Design, where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses and directs the undergraduate program. Recently, he worked with Professor Hitoshi Abe on a multi-year design research platform focused on resilience and regenerative urbanism.
His practice, Sharif, Lynch: Architecture, with Todd Lynch, has completed several award-winning projects in Los Angeles.
Sharif’s work has been published in journals and periodicals, including 306090, a+u, arq, Constructs, JAE, the Getty Center, Log, and POOL. He served on the arq editorial board (Cambridge University Press, 2006–2016) and was President of the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design (2007–2009), later joining its Advisory Board (2010–2016).
RESOURCE LINKS:
AIACA Hardening for Wildfire Resilience
AIA California published an article discussing the impacts of wildfires in California and the importance of hardening both the site and structure to limit destruction. The piece emphasizes that wildfires create significant financial burdens and highlights strategies to enhance resilience.
https://aiacalifornia.org/news/hardening-for-wildfire-resilience/
Continuing Education: Wildfire-Adapted Design
An article in Architectural Record discusses the importance of hardening homes against fire in tandem with other measures, most critically, defensible space. It emphasizes that while hardening homes is essential, it must be complemented by other strategies to effectively mitigate wildfire risks.
https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/14853-continuing-education-wildfire-adapted-design#continuing-education
Sustainable Defensible Space
Created by the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, along with a diverse steering committee of experts, this project focuses on offering solutions to improve resilience and resource conservation values, and resistance of structures to wildfire loss for developed properties in the SMMNRA by improving management by homeowners of their defensible space zone. The site has an additional “Resources” tab for more detailed information and links to associated agencies.
www.defensiblespace.org
Rockwool/RDH Technical Bulletin: https://www.rockwool.com/syssiteassets/o2-rockwool/documentation/technical-bulletins/residential/rockwool—building-with-stone-wool-in-wildfire-prone-areas.pdf?f=20250311140839
SFPE WUI Handbook: https://www.sfpe.org/wuihandbook/home
NFPA Wildfire Resources: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire
2022 CBC – Chapter 7A – https://up.codes/viewer/california/ca-building-code-2022/chapter/7A/sfm-materials-and-construction-methods-for-exterior-wildfire-exposure#7A
Calfire WUI Listed Products – https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fire-engineering-and-investigations/building-materials-listing
IBHS Wildfire Research – https://ibhs.org/risk-research/wildfire/

REGISTER HERE

LADWP Commercial Incentives Program
2025-04-22 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA Los Angeles Presents…
LADWP Commercial Incentives Program
It pays to design greener and build smarter. Let LADWP show you how. LADWP Zero By Design encourages developers to build more sustainably by providing financial incentives for commercial and high-rise multifamily new construction projects that exceed Title 24 or industry standards. Receive owner incentives to help offset the added costs of building more efficiently. Design Teams may also be eligible for incentives by attaining aggressive energy savings goals.
(*Virtual on Zoom. Register below to receive the access link)
FEATURED SPEAKER:
Clarissa Segovia-Beatriz – Utility Services Specialist, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

REGISTER HERE
FEATURED SPEAKER:

Clarissa Segovia-Beatriz – Utility Services Specialist, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Clarissa Segovia-Beatriz, Utility Services Specialist, has been a Sustainability Advocate with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) for over 10 years. She is currently a program manager for the LADWP Zero By Design new construction incentive program, in addition to the LADWP Business Offerings for Sustainable Solutions program, which provide incentives for commercial energy efficiency and electrification measures.
REGISTER HERE

RESOURCES:
LADWP Zero By Design
Business Offerings for Sustainable Solutions (BOSS)

AIA|LA Presents...Empowering Design: Navigating and Leveraging the New Zoning Code
2025-04-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA|LA Presents…
Empowering Design: Navigating and Leveraging the New Zoning Code

AIA|LA invites you to join us on April 23 (10am) for a virtual workshop with Los Angeles City Planning. This workshop will serve as an interactive forum to gain a deeper understanding of the New Zoning Code’s structure and content.
This comprehensive training program equips participants with the essential skills to navigate the new code and apply its regulations to real-world projects. Participants will learn to utilize the Interactive Web-Based Zoning Code portal, determine project feasibility, and identify opportunities for design excellence.
Ample time will be made available for a Q&A with the city planners.
This virtual workshop is free with advance RSVP.
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Erick Lopez – Senior City Planner, New Code Implementation Section, Los Angeles City Planning
Veena Snehansh – City Planner, New Code Implementation Section, Los Angeles City Planning

REGISTER HERE

RESOURCES:

New Zoning Code (interactive site)
New Zoning Code (AmLegal version; static)
New Zoning Code Department Webpage
Downtown Community Plan
Downtown CPIO

Erick Lopez – Senior City Planner, New Code Implementation Section, Los Angeles City Planning
With more than two decades in the field of planning, Erick Lopez has a steady history of initiating, managing, and completing major initiatives; most notable of which is the development of an entirely new Zoning Code for the City of Los Angeles. He has a demonstrated ability to build consensus among various stakeholders with diverse interests which has led to significant improvements in public outreach policies and engagement techniques. Erick’s work has led to major innovations in the overall concept of zoning and administration, and his unique understanding of current and emerging technology has led to the modernization of workflows that will lead to significant cost savings, as well as the creation of first-of-their-kind planning tools.

Veena Snehansh – City Planner, New Code Implementation Section, Los Angeles City Planning

Veena Snehansh is a City Planner with the City of Los Angeles, Department of City Planning. She is passionate about leveraging her diverse experience in land use, environmental analysis, architecture, and transportation planning to create lasting, positive impacts for communities. Most recently, she contributed to the ambitious Downtown Community Plan, which focuses on attracting more housing and jobs to the City’s core while fostering a vibrant and inclusive downtown. She also played a key role in shaping the transformational New Zoning Code, helping to translate distinct policy goals into zoning. Veena holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from UCLA.
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

REGISTER HERE

Small & Emerging Business Quarterly Meeting - May 2025
2025-05-07 17:30 - 19:30 | The Collection Building, 527 W. 7th, 13th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90014, United States
Please join us for our second installment of the Small & Emerging Business Quarterly Gathering, featuring a panel discussion on the challenges of starting and managing a small business.
The intent of this meeting is to help facilitate AIA engagement with smaller practitioners and to provide a collective voice for change. We have invited AAa/e (Asian American architects/engineers) and NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects) to distribute this to their members as well.
Stick around afterwards for cocktails and further conversation on the rooftop of The Collection Building.

Parking Info
Parking information will be sent out in the Event Confirmation email to all registered attendees.

Pacific Landing: Designing & Financing Climate-Forward Affordable Housing in Los Angeles
2025-05-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA Los Angeles Presents….
PENCILING OUT // Pacific Landing: Designing & Financing Climate-Forward Affordable Housing in Los Angeles
Join AIA Los Angeles for a vital discussion on the future of affordable housing in our city! As part of the “Penciling Out” series, a collaborative program with BSA/AIA and AIANY, this online event dives deep into the complex yet crucial intersection of sustainable design and financial feasibility. We’ll explore innovative strategies, local case studies, and best practices for navigating the intricacies of green financing to create climate-forward, affordable housing solutions that Los Angeles desperately needs.
This session offers a unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights into the award-winning Pacific Landing project in Santa Monica. This groundbreaking development serves as a model for integrating cutting-edge design with a commitment to social equity.
Learn more about Penciling Out.

Penciling Out: Financing Solutions for Affordable & Climate Forward Housing is a partnership between three components of the American Institute of Architects (AIA): the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA/AIA), AIA New York (AIANY), and AIA Los Angeles (AIA|LA).

Sponsored by The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Sustainable Investment Group (SIG).

FEATURED SPEAKERS: (9:00am – 11:00am PST)

Tara Barauskas, LEED AP – Executive Director, Community Corporation of Santa Monica
Patrick Tighe, FAIA, FAAR – Principal & Founder, Patrick Tighe Architecture
Walker Wells, AICP, LEED AP – Principal, Raimi + Associates
David Sonke – Chief Operating Officer, Bottom Line Utility Solutions, Inc

Moderated by:

Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA – Director of Government & Public Affairs, AIA Los Angeles

REGISTER HERE
A Case Study in Excellence: Pacific Landing
Discover how Community Corp of Santa Monica, a leading non-profit developer, transformed a former gas station site into Pacific Landing, a 4-story, 42,000-square-foot mixed-use building providing 37 residences for families, including those with disabilities and limited incomes.
Design Innovation: Explore the building’s iconic home imagery reimagined with a contemporary composition, broken down massing with green space-filled voids, and a resident-focused central courtyard.
Sustainability at its Core: Learn how Pacific Landing achieved LEED Platinum designation and Net Zero energy status through the integration of both passive and active sustainable strategies.
Community Integration: Understand how the project provides essential social services, a café, and amenities at the ground level, fostering a supportive community environment.
Why Architects Should Attend:
This event is essential for architects committed to designing a more equitable and sustainable future for Los Angeles. You’ll gain actionable knowledge and inspiration to:
Master Green Financing: Learn to navigate the complexities of securing funding for climate-resilient, energy-efficient affordable housing.
Decarbonize with Impact: Explore practical approaches to decarbonization that enhance both the financial viability and environmental performance of projects.
Advocate for Change: Develop the ability to champion and implement green design and financing strategies that prioritize both financial success and environmental responsibility.
Address the Housing Crisis: Contribute to solutions for Los Angeles’s urgent need for high-quality, affordable housing.
Network with Leaders: Connect with leading professionals and gain insights from experts shaping the future of housing.
AIA CES: Approved for 2.0 LU|HSW

Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to:

Evaluate best practices in integrating sustainable design, decarbonization strategies, and funding mechanisms into affordable housing development.
Analyze the current landscape of green financing and apply it to affordable housing projects in California.
Breakdown strategies for balancing regulatory requirements, climate goals, and cost constraints.
Explore the building’s iconic home imagery reimagined with a contemporary composition, broken down massing with green space-filled voids, and a resident-focused central courtyard.
Review how Pacific Landing achieved LEED Platinum designation and Net Zero energy status through the integration of both passive and active sustainable strategies.
Understand how the project provides essential social services, a café, and amenities at the ground level, fostering a supportive community environment.

(*Virtual on Zoom. Register below to receive the access link)
REGISTER HERE

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

Tara Barauskas, LEED AP – Executive Director, Community Corporation of Santa Monica
Tara Barauskas joined us as Executive Director in 2016. She oversees the functional areas of the organization, including management of 1,800 units of affordable housing; housing development; resident services; maintenance; and administration of 80 team members.
Ms. Barauskas has more than 20 years of experience in affordable housing development, having worked at both for-profit and non-profit affordable housing development organizations prior to joining Community Corporation. Her past experience includes overseeing and managing the development process of dozens of projects throughout California.
Ms. Barauskas holds a Bachelors’ Degree in English from California State University, Long Beach, and a LEED AP Accreditation from the US Green Building Council. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Southern California Association of Non-profit Housing (SCANPH), a nonprofit membership organization that advocates for effective affordable housing policy throughout Southern California. In addition, she serves on the Board of the Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council and the Board of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.

Patrick Tighe, FAIA, FAAR – Principal & Founder, Patrick Tighe Architecture
Patrick Tighe, FAIA, FAAR, is one of Los Angeles’ preeminent architects / interior designers.
The highly acclaimed namesake firm, Patrick Tighe Architecture, is committed to creating an authentic, contemporary Architecture informed by technology, sustainability, and building innovation. Since its inception, the firm has produced a strong and diverse body of projects that includes city-developed affordable housing, commercial, mixed-use projects, public work, parks, residences, and award-winning interiors.
The firm’s work has received over 100 design awards, including ten National AIA Honor Awards, American Architecture Awards, a Progressive Architecture Award, Los Angeles Architecture Awards, Architizer Awards, Best of Year Awards as well as local AIA Honors. In 2011, Patrick Tighe was elevated into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, the highest honor bestowed by the AIA. Patrick Tighe was awarded the prestigious Rome Prize in Architecture. Tighe is a Fellow of the American Academy and The MacDowell Colony.
Patrick Tighe received a Master of Architecture from the University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to establishing Tighe Architecture, Tighe worked in the offices of Frank Gehry and was an associate at Thom Mayne’s Morphosis for 8 years. Tighe is a professor at the University of Southern California.
The work of Patrick Tighe Architecture has been published extensively, appearing in Architectural Record, Architectural Digest, Global Architecture, The LA Times Magazine, Interior Design, LA Architect, Wallpaper, Metropolis, the New York Times, and Newsweek. The firm’s work has also been included in numerous architectural anthologies, including The Power of Pro Bono and the latest edition of The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture.
Tighe lectures on his work and has been exhibited internationally. The work of Patrick Tighe Architecture has been shown at the Venice Biennale and was included in the MOCA exhibit, A New Sculpturalism, Contemporary Architecture from Southern California. A monograph of the firm entitled “Building Dichotomy” was released in 2016. The firm is considered a leader in housing and sustainability and has received the industry’s highest honor, including the HUD Secretary’s award. Patrick Tighe was named one of the top 50 innovators of the 21st Century and inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame. Tighe Architecture was listed as one of the top 50 design firms in the US by Architect Magazine.

Walker Wells, AICP, LEED AP – Principal, Raimi + Associates
Walker is an industry-leading expert in sustainability, green building, and renewable energy. He has experience working with local governments,
affordable housing developers, and school districts across the country to further sustainable development practices via technical assistance, charrettes and workshops, and developing public policy. He is also a lecturer in green urbanism and green development at the Claremont Colleges and the UCLA Urban Planning Program.
Walker holds Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Environmental Studies from the University of California Santa Barbara, and a Master’s of City and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo. He also studied at Lund University and the Lund Polytechnic Institute School of Architecture in Sweden.

David Sonke – Chief Operating Officer, Bottom Line Utility Solutions, Inc
Need Bio & Headshot

REGISTER HERE

CLICK HERE TO WATCH the May 7th presentation “Navigating the Boston/Massachusetts Climate & Affordable Housing Context” hosted by the
Boston Society For Architecture.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH the May 14th presentation hosted by AIA New York City.

Practical Research: Applying Findings on the Role of Visibility in Healthcare Design
2025-05-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Miller Knoll Showroom, 3641 Holdrege Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90016
The continuous improvement of the built environment through ongoing research and its application is an essential component of good healthcare facility design. While many accept this as truth, there is little understanding as to how academic research is conducted or, perhaps even more importantly, how to appropriately apply the findings once it’s concluded.
In this research focused presentation, we will introduce the theory and technique of space syntax and observation to explore and measure visibility – and the pivotal role that visibility (visual connectivity) has on essential staff communications and better patient outcomes. From there, we will continue the discussion to provide examples of how designers and planners can put generic concepts and in-depth research findings into practice to enhance healthcare delivery, staff efficiency, and user satisfaction.

SPEAKER

Arsalan Gharaveis, AIA, Ph.D., NCARB, IIA, EDAC, LEED GA – Senior Medical Planner, Taylor Design
Arsalan is an architect, healthcare planner/designer, educator, and researcher with over 18 years developing healthcare design solutions that are rooted in evidence-based design. As a senior medical planner, he enjoys working with clients to create and implement plans that respond to healthcare facilities’ operational needs, resulting in better patient outcomes. His academic research has been presented at numerous conferences around the globe and published in multiple peer-reviewed journals.

SPEAKER

Jamison Delfino, NCIDQ, CHID – Principal & Project Director, Taylor Design
As Principal and Project Director, Jamison has over 14 years of experience as a design professional focused on the health and science sectors.  Creatively approaching each project with an enhanced sensitivity for patients, staff, and caregivers, she is highly adept at leading diverse project teams while ensuring the design exceeds the client’s expectations.

AIA CES: Approved for 1.5 LU|HSW
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Learn how visualization and communication in healthcare facilities can be explored in academic research.
2. Learn how visual and communication analysis can enhance the effectiveness of facility design in a design firm.
3. Learn how to apply an evidence-based design process in real life projects
4. Learn how space syntax and observation can be used to analyze opportunities for staff to visualize patients and other staff.

PARKING
Free parking lot + street parking is available.

*Note to all registrants: When purchasing a ticket, please double check that the address + zip code that you provide matches the billing information on the card you are using.*

Playable Architecture: Bring Your Model to Life
2025-05-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Center for Communities, 4450 West Adams, Los Angeles, CA, 90016
This presentation explores how Unreal Engine is reshaping architectural workflows. “Playable Architecture” demonstrates a real-time, interactive approach that builds on familiar tools like Revit, Rhino, and Blender to create immersive environments clients can explore and understand intuitively. Through practical workflows and case studies, it shows how activating BIM data in Unreal Engine enhances collaboration, enables real-time feedback, and unlocks new levels of engagement in the design process.

SPEAKER

Shervin Peyghambari – Digital Experience Designer, CO Architects
Shervin Peyghambari is a Digital Experience Designer at CO Architects with over 13 years in the architecture industry, including nearly a decade focused on technology-driven solutions. His work centers on enhancing client engagement through immersive, real-time experiences while bridging design, technical, and project teams. He develops and implements workflows that make complex technologies more accessible, streamlining collaboration and improving communication across every stage of the design process.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
AIA CES: Approved for 1.5 LU
1.Extract and visualize embedded metadata from Revit models
2.Explore BIM workflows that connect with real-time game engines
3.Strengthen collaboration between design, visualization, and technology teams
4.Use interactive models to support client engagement and design decision-making

PARKING
Street Parking is available.

*Note to all registrants: When purchasing a ticket, please double check that the address + zip code that you provide matches the billing information on the card you are using.*

Wildfire Prepared Home Program: Improving Property Survivability and Insurability
2025-05-28 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA in California Presents….
Wildfire Prepared Home Program: Improving Property Survivability and Insurability
The AIA in CALIFORNIA is responding to the recent Southern California fires with a unified plan for response, recovery, and rebuilding for communities that were devastated by the disaster. This series of sessions will help the architectural profession understand the rapidly changing landscape, the local issues facing communities, and strategies for resilient design and disaster response; the AIA in California is connecting policy makers, government officials, and practitioners, uniting architects in building a more just, equitable, and resilient future.
IBHS is a non-profit research organization that has spent years researching material and component vulnerabilities, wind-driven ember ignitions, and wind-driven building-to-building fire spread. Insights from these experiments have informed the Wildfire Prepared Home Program – a designation certification program that outlines a system of actions homeowners can take at the parcel level to address a property’s roof, building features, and defensible space to meaningfully reduce its risk of wildfire ignition.
This session will walk attendees through the science conducted at IBHS’ Research Center in South Carolina, along with post-disaster field investigations, that have collectively identified the most vulnerable areas around the home that must be addressed. IBHS will discuss the two Wildfire Prepared Home designation level requirements and how each addresses ignitions from embers, radiant heat, and direct flame contact. IBHS is actively engaged in improving community-scale wildfire resilience through its recently launched Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood standard. This neighborhood-level operational framework includes the science-backed requirements of its Home-level program and incorporates additional requirements to address structure density, the presence of connective fuels, and building materials – the three pillars of wildfire conflagration.
(*Virtual on Zoom. Register below to receive the access link)
FEATURED SPEAKERS: (12:00pm – 1:30pm)

Dr. Anne Cope – Chief Engineer, IBHS
Roy Wright – President and CEO, IBHS

Moderated by:

William (Bill) Melby, FAIA – former principal, Ordiz Melby Architects & past Chair, AIA California Disaster Assistance Network

REGISTER HERE
CLICK HERE for more info from AIA California.
FEATURED SPEAKERS:

Dr. Anne Cope – Chief Engineer, IBHS
Dr. Anne Cope joined IBHS in 2009 just a few months before the groundbreaking for the construction of the IBHS Research Center in Richburg, South Carolina. As the Chief Engineer, she leads the development of research programs to improve the performance of structures in hurricanes, wildfires, severe thunderstorms, and hailstorms, as well as the team of engineers, scientists, and skilled craftsmen who conduct research on full-scale homes and commercial buildings. She is responsible for the team’s implementation of research findings into building codes and standards.
Prior to joining IBHS, Dr. Cope was a project manager and structural engineer with Reynolds, Smith & Hills, Inc., designing projects for NASA, the Department of Defense, and commercial launch operations. Dr. Cope’s research encompasses topics ranging from the full-scale simulation of wind effects on buildings to detailed studies of the vulnerabilities of buildings to natural hazards and the development of damage prediction models. She is also a proud veteran of the United States Army. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Clemson University and her doctorate from the University of Florida. She is a registered professional engineer in Florida and South Carolina.

Roy Wright – President and CEO, IBHS
Convinced the continuing cycle of human suffering that strikes families and communities following severe weather can be broken, Roy Wright leads a team of scientists and risk communicators who deliver strategies for safer and stronger homes and businesses.
For two decades, Roy has served in roles that put him on the ground in the immediate aftermath of weather-driven and climate-related disasters, walking through damaged homes with survivors and leading the charge for survivable homes and businesses, stronger construction, more effective resilience efforts, and better building codes.
A property insurance and disaster resiliency expert and a former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) official, Roy joined the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in 2018.
IBHS delivers top-tier science and translates it into action to prevent avoidable suffering, strengthen our homes and businesses, inform the insurance industry, and support thriving communities. Roy’s team uses a unique, state-of-the-art research facility to conduct realistic re-creations of severe weather hazards on full-scale structures.
Prior to IBHS, Roy served at FEMA as the chief executive of the National Flood Insurance Program, led the agency’s Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, and directed resilience programs addressing earthquake, fire, flood, and wind risks.
A native of California, Roy earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Azusa Pacific University and a Master of Public Administration from The George Washington University.
Follow Roy on LinkedIn and Twitter for his insights on disaster safety, building resilience, and leadership.
Moderated by:

William (Bill) Melby, FAIA – former principal, Ordiz Melby Architects & past Chair, AIA California Disaster Assistance Network
William (Bill) Melby, FAIA has been the principal-in-charge of over 300 diverse educational and institutional projects, including four comprehensive high schools, and several other award winning projects.
For over four decades Bill has been a tireless advocate for his clients, the architectural profession, and the often overlooked Central Valley of California. He has been an active mentor and has worked to educate the entire architectural community through his efforts with the AIA California. He regularly participates in mentoring opportunities with local elementary, high school, and college students. a well as coordinating with high school and community college instructors.
As a volunteer, Bill has deployed to disasters like the Northridge Earthquake and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. He is a past Chair of the AIA California Disaster Assistance Network, AIA CA representative to the national AIA State Disaster Coordinators network. and was a member of the AIA National Disaster Assistance Committee from 2021 to 2023. Bill was a founding Co-chair of the AIA CA Resilient Design Committee. He has also been active with the Golden Empire Gleaners food bank for over thirty years.
RESOURCE LINKS:
AIACA Hardening for Wildfire Resilience
AIA California published an article discussing the impacts of wildfires in California and the importance of hardening both the site and structure to limit destruction. The piece emphasizes that wildfires create significant financial burdens and highlights strategies to enhance resilience.
https://aiacalifornia.org/news/hardening-for-wildfire-resilience/
Continuing Education: Wildfire-Adapted Design
An article in Architectural Record discusses the importance of hardening homes against fire in tandem with other measures, most critically, defensible space. It emphasizes that while hardening homes is essential, it must be complemented by other strategies to effectively mitigate wildfire risks.
https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/14853-continuing-education-wildfire-adapted-design#continuing-education
Sustainable Defensible Space
Created by the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, along with a diverse steering committee of experts, this project focuses on offering solutions to improve resilience and resource conservation values, and resistance of structures to wildfire loss for developed properties in the SMMNRA by improving management by homeowners of their defensible space zone. The site has an additional “Resources” tab for more detailed information and links to associated agencies.
www.defensiblespace.org
Rockwool/RDH Technical Bulletin: https://www.rockwool.com/syssiteassets/o2-rockwool/documentation/technical-bulletins/residential/rockwool—building-with-stone-wool-in-wildfire-prone-areas.pdf?f=20250311140839
SFPE WUI Handbook: https://www.sfpe.org/wuihandbook/home
NFPA Wildfire Resources: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire
2022 CBC – Chapter 7A – https://up.codes/viewer/california/ca-building-code-2022/chapter/7A/sfm-materials-and-construction-methods-for-exterior-wildfire-exposure#7A
Calfire WUI Listed Products – https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fire-engineering-and-investigations/building-materials-listing
IBHS Wildfire Research – https://ibhs.org/risk-research/wildfire/

REGISTER HERE

Rebuilding Infrastructure: Long-Term Community Resilience
2025-05-29 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA in California Presents….
Rebuilding Infrastructure: Long-Term Community Resilience
AIA in California recognizes the immense challenges facing our city and county in the wake of the tragic and devastating wildfires that have stricken the Los Angeles County region. The swift and equitable rebuilding of homes, businesses, and public infrastructure is paramount while simultaneously ensuring the safety, resilience, and long-term sustainability of our communities.
This webinar will explore the critical role of infrastructure and community support systems in fostering long-term resilience following disasters. Moving beyond individual property rebuilding, we will focus on strategies that strengthen communities as a whole. Topics will include sustainable infrastructure solutions such as green infrastructure and microgrids, as well as approaches to bolstering social networks through resilience hubs and neighborhood emergency plans. We’ll also dive into economic recovery, local business support, and environmental restoration, alongside risk mitigation strategies. Finally, the session will address health and well-being initiatives vital for the recovery of affected communities. Join us for a deep dive into building stronger, more resilient communities that can thrive in the face of future challenges.
Objectives:

Discuss the design and implementation of sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems.
Explore methods for enhancing social and community networks to improve disaster preparedness and response.
Analyze strategies and programs for fostering economic recovery and supporting local businesses post-disaster.
Review environmental restoration techniques and risk mitigation strategies to minimize future disaster impacts.
Identify programs and initiatives that support the health and well-being of communities affected by disasters.

(*Virtual on Zoom. Register below to receive the access link)
FEATURED SPEAKERS: (12:00pm – 1:30pm)

Aaron Vaden-Youmans, AIA – North America Sustainability Lead, Grimshaw
Heather Joy Rosenberg – Associate Principal, ARUP
Brittany Moffett – Senior Resilience Engineer, ARUP
Casey Castor, Assoc. AIA – Director of Sustainability, Practice

Moderated by:

Greg Kochanowski, AIA, ASLA – Design Principal, Practice & Founder, The Wild: A Research Lab
Mohamed Sharif, AIA, RIBA – Partner, Sharif, Lynch: Architecture & Director, Undergraduate Program in Architectural Studies and Graduate Program Design Faculty, UCLA Architecture and Urban Design

REGISTER HERE

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

Aaron Vaden-Youmans, AIA – North America Sustainability Lead, Grimshaw
Aaron Vaden-Youmans is the sustainability manager for North America at Grimshaw Architects.

Heather Joy Rosenberg – Associate Principal, ARUP
Heather Rosenberg leads Arup’s Resilience Planning and Policy in the Americas. She provides real-world, implementable solutions to design, policy, and finance at the nexus of resilience, equity, and decarbonization. An ecologist by training, she has more than 25 years of experience helping organizations make better decisions and build internal capacity to respond to disasters. She works extensively with local governments, utilities, and non-profits to better understand the resilience of urban infrastructure and buildings, and how to leverage investments to support frontline communities. Before joining Arup, Heather was the founder and president of her own successful resilience strategy consulting practice, Fifth Road. She created the Building Resilience Network, a multi-stakeholder initiative designed to help public, private, and non-profit organizations weave physical, social, and economic resilience into core operations. She is a USGBC Ginsberg Fellow, is a former mayoral appointee to the Los Angeles Innovation and Performance Commission, and has served on many boards and committees. A lifelong Angeleno, she has been leading Arup’s long-range wildfire recovery effort in Los Angeles.

Brittany Moffett – Senior Resilience Engineer, ARUP
Brittany is a Senior Resilience Engineer based in Arup’s Los Angeles office. Her expertise lies in analyzing and visualizing complex systems to address underlying vulnerabilities and enhance adaptive capacity. Brittany’s work spans different scales, focusing on crucial questions like how individual buildings can contribute to grid resilience and how existing trusted community resources can be equipped to serve as safe havens during escalating climate hazards. Her resilience hub work includes working with cities and non-profits across Southern California setting out to define their vision and retrofit their existing buildings – including libraries, community halls, office buildings, and non-profit campuses. Brittany holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s degree in Building Science from USC’s School of Architecture.

Casey Castor, Assoc. AIA – Director of Sustainability, Practice
Casey Castor is the Director of Sustainability at Practice, where he has spent nearly a decade advancing sustainable design in projects across the greater Los Angeles area. With expertise spanning K-12 schools, civic projects, and affordable housing, he integrates building science analysis into every phase of project development. His academic foundation includes an undergraduate in architectural design and a master’s in building science from USC, which has shaped his metrics-driven approach to sustainable design. Casey’s has also co-founded Mack Research, where their team is developing an innovative vertical wall wind technology for energy generation that is currently in R+D. He also collaborates locally as Vice-Chair of AIA|LA’s Committee on the Environment (COTE), he works to advance sustainable design practices, advocating for policies and strategies that harmonize built and natural systems. Through his leadership, Casey is committed to pushing the industry toward innovative, climate-responsive solutions that support long-term environmental resilience.
Moderated by:

Greg Kochanowski, AIA, ASLA – Design Principal, Practice & Founder, The Wild: A Research Lab
Greg is a licensed architect, landscape designer, and educator in California with over 26 years of experience. His work weaves together architecture, landscape, and urbanism to create sustainable, equitable, and innovative environments that honor and enhance the unique qualities of place. Building on this foundation, Greg’s research emphasizes holistic design processes that foster resilience and harmony between natural systems, culture, infrastructure, and development, addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change.
Greg’s work has been featured in venues such as the Venice and Rotterdam Biennales and has received recognition, including the Architectural League of New York’s Young Architects Forum Award and honors from the AIALA, AIAPF, ASLA, and AIACA. He has presented at ASLA and AIA National Conventions, sharing insights on Southern California’s Wildland-Urban Interface and its recurring fire, flood, and debris flow cycles, exploring broader climate impacts across the Western U.S. and globally.
He is the author of The Wild and the upcoming Wildlands in the Expanded Field: Designing in the Pyrocene (Routledge Press, 2026). In connection with issues of wildfire and climate, Greg’s research also delves into affordable housing strategies aimed at addressing pressing social and environmental challenges. This includes innovative ownership models and housing solutions for vulnerable populations, emphasizing equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities.
As Partner and Director of Design at Practice in Pasadena, CA, and Founder of The Wild: A Research Lab, a nonprofit addressing urban climate issues, he advances design research and advocacy by bridging innovative practice with critical research. He currently serves on the Board of Community Design Group and previously served as Co-President of the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design.

Mohamed Sharif, AIA, RIBA – Partner, Sharif, Lynch: Architecture & Director, Undergraduate Program in Architectural Studies and Graduate Program Design Faculty, UCLA Architecture and Urban Design
Mohamed Sharif is an Associate Adjunct Professor at UCLA’s Department of Architecture and Design, where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses and directs the undergraduate program. Recently, he worked with Professor Hitoshi Abe on a multi-year design research platform focused on resilience and regenerative urbanism.
His practice, Sharif, Lynch: Architecture, with Todd Lynch, has completed several award-winning projects in Los Angeles.
Sharif’s work has been published in journals and periodicals, including 306090, a+u, arq, Constructs, JAE, the Getty Center, Log, and POOL. He served on the arq editorial board (Cambridge University Press, 2006–2016) and was President of the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design (2007–2009), later joining its Advisory Board (2010–2016).
RESOURCE LINKS:
AIACA Hardening for Wildfire Resilience
AIA California published an article discussing the impacts of wildfires in California and the importance of hardening both the site and structure to limit destruction. The piece emphasizes that wildfires create significant financial burdens and highlights strategies to enhance resilience.
https://aiacalifornia.org/news/hardening-for-wildfire-resilience/
Continuing Education: Wildfire-Adapted Design
An article in Architectural Record discusses the importance of hardening homes against fire in tandem with other measures, most critically, defensible space. It emphasizes that while hardening homes is essential, it must be complemented by other strategies to effectively mitigate wildfire risks.
https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/14853-continuing-education-wildfire-adapted-design#continuing-education
Sustainable Defensible Space
Created by the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, along with a diverse steering committee of experts, this project focuses on offering solutions to improve resilience and resource conservation values, and resistance of structures to wildfire loss for developed properties in the SMMNRA by improving management by homeowners of their defensible space zone. The site has an additional “Resources” tab for more detailed information and links to associated agencies.
www.defensiblespace.org
Rockwool/RDH Technical Bulletin: https://www.rockwool.com/syssiteassets/o2-rockwool/documentation/technical-bulletins/residential/rockwool—building-with-stone-wool-in-wildfire-prone-areas.pdf?f=20250311140839
SFPE WUI Handbook: https://www.sfpe.org/wuihandbook/home
NFPA Wildfire Resources: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire
2022 CBC – Chapter 7A – https://up.codes/viewer/california/ca-building-code-2022/chapter/7A/sfm-materials-and-construction-methods-for-exterior-wildfire-exposure#7A
Calfire WUI Listed Products – https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fire-engineering-and-investigations/building-materials-listing
IBHS Wildfire Research – https://ibhs.org/risk-research/wildfire/

REGISTER HERE

Powerful XII Volunteer Kick-Off Meeting
2025-06-05 17:30 - 19:00 | Virtual on Zoom
Our first Powerful XII Conference planning session!
Come join us – This year’s theme is Optimism and Resilience
Powerful XII is only four months away on October 3rd, and we couldn’t be more excited! The theme for this year’s conference grows out of the focus from last year. In 2024, we focused on turning our collective “Me” into “We”, highlighting the power of teamwork and collaboration in the field of architecture and across the entire AEC community. This year, we use our strength as a team to overcome obstacles and create a brighter tomorrow. Together, we are resilient, lifting one another up to effect positive change for women in the Architecture, Construction, Engineering, and Policy-making fields here in Los Angeles. Let’s come together and learn from one another, growing our networks while promoting what we do. All in the AEC community are welcome to contribute, and we encourage volunteers of all genders to consider joining in the fun!
This meeting will be virtual over ZOOM and led by our 2025 WiA Committee Chairs. All registered attendees will receive a ZOOM link 24 hours prior to the event.

2025 WiA Committee Chairs

Sara Pijuan, AIA – Co-Chair

Kristi Paulson, AIA – Co-Chair

Kim Patten, AIA – Vice Co-Chair

Abby Katcher, AIA – Vice Co-Chair

Alexandria Hoevel, AIA – Past Co-Chair

Sarah Jacobson, AIA – Past Co-Chair

Reuse LA: Adapting Existing Buildings for the City's Future
2025-06-12 08:30 - 10:00 | Center for Communities, 4450 West Adams, Los Angeles, CA, 90016
Adaptive Reuse in Practice: Zoning, Building Codes, and Case Studies
As California cities expand their adaptive reuse programs, architects must navigate a shifting patchwork of building codes, zoning ordinances, and evolving interpretations. This workshop explores the practical realities of adaptive reuse in Los Angeles, with a focus on early project phases: owner due diligence, programming, and schematic design.
Led by Roberto Vazquez, AIA, the session will examine how architects can help building owners design within “by-right” entitlements, avoid costly code triggers, and translate regulatory constraints into design opportunities. Drawing from multiple case studies completed over the last 18 months, the presentation will show how project teams can leverage zoning tools and alternative code pathways to unlock feasibility and avoid common pitfalls.
This workshop is designed for industry professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of adaptive reuse. Mechanical, structural, and fire protection engineers will also share insights on performance requirements, envelope compliance, and upgrade thresholds.
Whether you’re leading your first adaptive reuse project or refining your process, this session offers actionable tools and strategies grounded in real-world experience.
The program includes a 45-minute presentation followed by an interactive 45-minute Q&A. While the session may not answer every question, it aims to establish a foundation for continued discussion through a series of topic-specific salon sessions hosted by AIA|LA’s Building Performance and Regulations (BP&R) Committee, which meets virtually every Monday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

SPEAKER

Roberto Vazquez, AIA
Sector Leader – Housing + Mixed Use, HED Architects
Roberto Vazquez is a leading voice in adaptive reuse policy and design in California, with over 20 years of experience and a career dedicated to revitalizing existing buildings. His portfolio includes a wide range of conversions, historic conservation, and major rehabilitation projects throughout Downtown Los Angeles and Southern California—from small-scale office conversions of just six residential units to large-scale adaptive reuse projects exceeding 1,000 units, including multiple high-rise developments.
Roberto has advised cities including Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pasadena, San Jose, and the County of Los Angeles on adaptive reuse ordinances and implementation strategies. He contributed to the drafting of California’s statewide adaptive reuse bill (AB 3068) and participates in ongoing code reform efforts such as AB 529, which aims to expand adaptive reuse through alternative building code standards.
Before joining HED Architects, Roberto held leadership roles at AXIS and Omgivning, helping position both firms as key players in California’s adaptive reuse movement. He continues to champion sustainable, code-savvy design solutions that transform underutilized structures into vibrant, community-serving spaces.
His thought leadership has been featured in NPR, KCRW, Axios, Brookings, and the AIA|LA Advocacy Report. He currently serves as Vice-Chair of the AIA|LA Building Performance & Regulations Committee and is a frequent speaker at ULI, SEAOSC, VICA, Bisnow, and AIA|LA events.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
AIA CES: Submitted for approval

Review how updates to Los Angeles’ zoning code encourage adaptive reuse and identify which codes apply across the city.
Gain insight into lesser-known zoning tools, including Zoning Administrator Interpretations that support adaptive reuse.
Understand how to apply the California Existing Building Code, including how the City of Los Angeles modifies it through the LA Existing Building Code.
Learn how to apply the California Historical Building Code in adaptive reuse projects.
Explore a process-driven approach to evaluating buildings for reuse, including early-phase design and entitlement strategies.
Gain insights into structural and mechanical considerations critical to adaptive reuse, including Title 24 compliance and seismic upgrade triggers.

PARKING
Street parking is available. Please be mindful of the street signs.

*Note to all registrants: When purchasing a ticket, please double check that the address + zip code that you provide matches the billing information on the card you are using.*

Roundtable w/ Osama Younan, P.E.
2025-06-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA LA GO! Roundtable discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. – General Manager, LADBS
This is a virtual meeting. Please register below to receive the Zoom link.
These quarterly forums allow AIA members to connect directly with LADBS leadership and hear status updates and emerging initiatives.
If you have an item, issue, or a specific topic you’d like added to the agenda, please email Will@aialosangeles.org.

1. Monday, March 17 (12pm – 1pm) = RSVP HERE
2. Monday, June 16 (12pm – 1pm) = RSVP HERE
3. Monday, September 15 (12pm – 1pm) = RSVP HERE
4. Monday, December 8 (12pm – 1pm) = RSVP HERE

REGISTER HERE
AIA LA GO! Roundtable w/ Osama Younan, P.E. — Your Chance to Shape LA’s Building Codes and Policies
Join us for a virtual roundtable discussion with Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP, General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). This is your opportunity to engage directly with LADBS leadership and influence the future of building in Los Angeles.
Why Attend?

Direct Access to LADBS: Hear firsthand updates on emerging initiatives, code changes, and policy priorities from the General Manager himself.
Influence the Agenda: Share your ideas and recommendations on critical topics like permit streamlining, resilient design, and sustainable building practices.
Shape the Future of LA: Your input will directly inform AIA LA’s advocacy efforts and help shape the future of building codes and policies in Los Angeles.

Who Should Attend?

Architects and design professionals with questions about interpreting building codes and implementing policies that impact architecture & design.
Professionals seeking to understand the latest developments and initiatives at LADBS.
Anyone passionate about shaping a more sustainable and resilient built environment in Los Angeles.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, June 16, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST
Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)
RSVP: [REGISTER HERE]

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!
Your voice matters. Let’s work together to create a better built environment for all Angelenos. RSVP today and be a part of the conversation!
Can’t make this one? Mark your calendars for future AIA LA GO! Roundtable Discussions w/ Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP:

Monday, June 16, 2025 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST) – [RSVP HERE]
Monday, September 15, 2025 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST) – [RSVP HERE]
Monday, December 8, 2025 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST) – [RSVP HERE]

Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP – General Manager & Superintendent of Building, Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
Osama Younan is the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). He developed the Department’s Green Building Division to implement the Los Angeles Green Building Code. Osama Younan is a licensed Mechanical Engineer with the State of California and a LEED Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council. Osama Younan serves as the Chair of the Green Building Committee for the Los Angeles Basin Chapter which represents eighty-nine jurisdictions in Southern California, he serves on the Green Building Code Advisory Committee for the California Building Standards Commission that provides recommendations regarding the development of the CALGreen Code, and he serves on the ASHREA Standard 189.1 Committee “Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings”.
Osama Younan is a Licensed Professional Engineer, LEED Accredited Professional, and he oversees the operations of all the bureaus in the department. As the General Manager, he oversees the operations of the Department’s 950 employees in the following major functional groups spread among 11 geographical locations:
+ Permit and Engineering Bureau
+ Inspection Bureau
+ Code Enforcement Bureau
+ Resource Management Bureau
+ Technology Services Bureau
+ Development Services Case Management Division
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2025 Quarterly Meetings
2025-06-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2025 Quarterly Meetings

This is a virtual meeting hosted on LADPW’s WebEx platform. Please register in advance to receive the link to access the meeting.
These quarterly meetings serve as an opportunity for AIA members to connect directly with LADWP leadership and to discuss opportunities and strategies to improve development services.
The schedule for 2025:
Wednesday, April 2 (12pm – 1pm) – RSVP HERE
Wednesday, June 25 (12pm – 1pm) – Rescheduled from June 4th.
Wednesday, September 24 (12pm – 1:30pm) – RSVP HERE *in person. Location TBD in Downtown LA (AIA to identify host location)
Wednesday, November 5 (12pm – 1pm) – RSVP HERE
Please share your specific issues, recommendations, challenges, and/or questions in advance, and we’ll add them to the agenda for each meeting. Email us here = Will@aialosangeles.org.

MORE CONTEXT:
For the past 36+ months, AIA Los Angeles and LADWP have been organizing a quarterly series of roundtable discussions, which serve as an opportunity to further connect the architecture community and LADWP development services personnel. These quarterly roundtables help to establish a more collaborative partnership and facilitate opportunities to identify solutions to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
In general, the quarterly meetings serve as forums to:
1. Build trust and understanding between LADWP personnel and the private sector (architects/ designers/ engineers).
2. Develop compassion and empathy to better understand each other’s professional priorities and implementation tactics.
3. Allow idea exchange and interaction — to learn from each other and to test out new methods and performance standards.
4. Establish greater context for how environmental justice, shade equity, climate mitigation, urban heat island, tree canopy, building decarbonization, housing affordability, 100% electrification, on-site generation, and urban design are all inter-related (and therefore require a more connected partnership between LADWP and the architecture community implementing the infrastructure framework to address all of these inter-related challenges).
5. Expedite and streamline LADPW’s development services.
More specifically, the quarterly forums allow for:
1. Improve the architects’ understanding of specific LADWP rules, regulations, standards, and procedures – and offer helpful insight on how to better improve those specific regulations and standards to achieve more optimal outcomes.
2. Create pathways to achieve greater flexibility and clarity of purpose for why certain variances and modifications are necessary, helpful, and/or mutually beneficial.
3. Identify obstacles to implementation
4. Establish pilot programs to test out new ideas and innovative solutions.
5. Establish an inventory of code-related obstacles and analyze which codes and regulations may need to be modified/ altered to achieve more effective outcomes
6. Map out strategies for how to better leverage resources
7. Prioritize changes in equipment size, models, standards, and ‘cultural habits’ that can assist in delivering positive results (healthier urban design, greater biodiversity, safer working conditions, a more beautiful and less stressful public realm, etc.)
8. Identify opportunities to leverage best practices from Southern California Edison as it relate to design standards and protocols that promote more verdant ecosystems in integration with utility infrastructure (relationship between street trees and landscaping w/ utility infrastructure, etc) and the ability to utilize alternative materials that promote a ‘greener,’ and less stressful public realm.
9. The exploration of third-party services, peer review, and self-certification, etc.
Some of the direct outcomes achieved to date include:
1. Improved staffing and processing times at BOE for utility permits
2. More permissible variances for staging areas and transformer pads, etc.
3. Streamlined processes for 100% affordable housing (ED #1)
4. Amortization of line extensions, etc
5. Deeper trust between AIA Los Angeles and LADWP leadership
In the future, as the impact of these sessions further evolves and demonstrates results, we’d like to make certain:
1. These forums serve as a model for how other LA City departments can deepen relationships with the private sector to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
2. Deepen the trust between LADWP and the citizens/ residents/ professionals/ clients it serves.
We applaud LADWP’s leadership in prioritizing the partnership between AIA Los Angeles and the utility. If LADWP’s communication team can help us communicate and celebrate the impact of these forums, the general public will benefit from a deeper understanding of how public and private partnerships can help achieve positive results for all.
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

Pre-Powerful XII Networking and Summer Happy Hour + Volunteer Meetup
2025-07-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Center for Communities, 4450 West Adams, Los Angeles, CA, 90016
Event Details
Please join us as we celebrate the summer, make new friends, and get ready for Powerful XII! This will be a great opportunity to network with women in the AEC industry and to help plan the Powerful XII Conference, which will take place on October 3. New volunteers and those who just want to come for the fun are all welcome!

Address
AIA|LA & ACLA Center for Communities
4450 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016

Parking
Street parking is available.

COTE: on tap
2025-07-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Highland Park Brewery, 1220 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
Event Details
Join AIA|LA’s Committee on the Environment (COTE) for a relaxed summer happy hour at Highland Park Brewery! Stop by on Thursday, July 10th, 2025, from 6:00–8:00PM to meet fellow sustainability-minded professionals, connect with the COTE committee, and raise a glass to climate solutions.
This free event is B.Y.O.B. (buy your own beer), and all are welcome. Please RSVP so we have a head count—then just bring your good vibes and join us for an evening of high spirits and low carbon!

Address + Parking
Highland Park Brewery, 1220 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, 90012
Off street parking is available.

HCAI’s OSHPD + Hospital Building Safety Board (HBSB) Road Show
2025-07-16 16:30 - 18:00 | OSHPD LA Office, 355 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90071, United States
EVENT DESCRIPTION
This in-person event is an opportunity to learn more about the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), the Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD), the Hospital Building Safety Board (HBSB), and how these agencies collaborate to ensure health facility safety, sustainability, and resiliency. Meet the HBSB board members and OSHPD staff who will be presenting the Road Show as they share how they work together and how the design and construction industry can get involved.
Due to building security requirements, please bring your ID to present at the security desk and OSHPD staff will be available to escort you up to the OSHPD conference room.

SPEAKERS

Arash Altoontash, PhD, S.E. + Deputy Division Chief + OSHPD
Dr. Arash Altoontash is the HCAI Deputy Division Chief for Southern California, overseeing the Inspection Services, Fire Prevention, Architectural and Engineering, and Field Operations units in the Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development. He joined the state service in 2018 and has served as a Senior Structural Engineer and Supervisor of Health Facility Review prior to his current assignment.

Arash completed his graduate education at Stanford University in 2004 and is a registered civil and structural engineer in California. As a private sector engineer and project manager, he was in charge of design or review of structural systems and non-structural elements of a variety of building types. As a lecturer, he has developed and taught advanced and introductory Structural Steel Design courses at the University of California, Irvine.

Teresa Endres, AIA, ACHA, EDAC, AAH + Medical Planning Director + Taylor Design + HCAI Hospital Building Safety Board
Teresa Endres, AIA, ACHA, EDAC, AAH, believes design can empower physicians to heal, scientists to discover, and healthcare leaders to innovate. She has planned every modality and department in a hospital, outpatient facility and skilled nursing facility and serves as an architect on the HCAI Hospital Building Safety Board.

AIA CES: Approved for 1.5 LU

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Review the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) Visions and organization chart which includes the Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD), the Hospital Building Safety Board (HBSB), and the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA).
2. Understand much of what HCAI does, which is beyond the regulation of the design and construction of health care facilities under OSHPD jurisdiction, including collection of data which healthcare systems use in the development of their strategic and master plans.
3. Examine who’s on the HBSB and how the HBSB collaborates with OSHPD staff for the development of the building codes, policy intent notices (PINs), code application notices (CANs), advisory guides, and continuing education in the form of webinars, seminars, and Tips of the Day. Included is how the design and construction community can get involved, find useful information on the HCAI/OSHPD website, and other valuable HCAI and OSHPD resources.
4. Review what’s happening on the HBSB and at OSHPD, including updates on code revisions, upcoming webinars and seminars, and new and recently published advisory guides.

PARKING
Paid parking is available in the Wells Fargo building, Westin Bonaventure, 1Cal Parking, Bank of America Building.

*Note to all registrants: When purchasing a ticket, please double check that the address + zip code that you provide matches the billing information on the card you are using.*

Please click here to view the PDF presentation courtesy of Teresa Endres, AIA!

Increasing Licensure in Your Firm: Exams, Experiences & Equity
2025-07-24 18:00 - 19:30 | CO Architects LA Office, 5750 Wilshire Blvd Suite 550, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, United States
EVENT DETAILS
Now more than ever, aspiring architectural designers debate whether licensure is worthwhile. Earning a license to practice architecture is a massive effort—and firms can devote resources to their staff to reach that goal. This presentation guides firms of all sizes in the why and how they should undertake the responsibility for fostering the process.
Presenters will include success stories about how their firm has assisted more than 30 designers get licensed to practice architecture since implementing a focused assistance/acceleration program ten years ago. They will show the benefits to subsidizing licensure: investment in staff and morale, elevating the firm, bolstering recruitment and retention, diversifying personnel, and enhancing the profession.
CO Architects Principal James Simeo, FAIA, and Associate Principal Lauren Coles, AIA, will outline the office’s AXP/ARE licensing program, describe the process, share why helping staff earn a license matters in the current climate, discuss licensure data, and detail the opportunities provided to both firms and the profession through subsidizing licensure. The purpose of this presentation is to strengthen pathways to licensure by demystifying the process.

Please Note: This is a HYBRID event. (In Person at CO Architects LA Office / Virtual).
Those who cannot make it in person will have the option to attend virtually over ZOOM or TEAMS.
All registrants will be sent a link to join the event virtually in the Event Confirmation email that is sent out 24 hours prior to the event.

SPEAKERS

James Simeo, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C – Principal, CO Architects
James Simeo has over 30 years of experience with science & technology, higher education, healthcare and justice projects. He exhibits strong commitment to design excellence and client service in his projects, and he contributes to the firm’s development of new market sectors and building types. James holds a Master of Architecture from UCLA, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Michigan. He has been associated with the firm since 1993.

Lauren Coles, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CDT. Assoc. DBIA – Associate Principal, CO Architects

Lauren Coles brings over 20 years of experience partnering with higher education and healthcare clients on a broad range of projects from replacement medical centers to cutting-edge health sciences education and research facilities. Since joining CO in 2015, Lauren has acted as the firm’s licensing supervisor, providing mentorship and oversight on the licensing process. She is the former Chair of the AIA|LA Professional Practice Committee and is presently a Director on the AIA|LA Board of Directors. In 2021, Lauren was recognized with Building Design + Construction’s “40 under 40” award.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
AIA CES: Approved for 1.5 LU
1. Participants will discover the business benefits of creating a firm-sponsored path to licensure for employees.
2. Participants will be able to apply strategies on how to promote licensure within their practice and the community at large.
3. Participants will learn how to mentor and assist prospective test-takers on their paths to licensure.
4. Participants will identify the resources that facilitate licensure and the importance of each one.

PARKING
Parking on street available and for a fee inside building. No validation.

Designing for Sustainable Equity
2025-08-13 17:00 - 19:00 | BASK, 718 Mateo St. Suite 01, Los Angeles, CA, 90021, United States
Please note: AIA|LA is not collecting RSVP’s for this event.
To attend this free event, please register at this link.
Share the event with your LinkedIn connections!

EVENT DETAILS
The “Designing for Sustainable Equity” panel discussion addresses pressing issues in our society and connects the dots between the Environmental, Social, and Governance pillars of sustainability, particularly in many of our neighborhoods and disadvantaged communities are on the receiving end of irresponsible overproduction, manufacturing and development practices that affect their health, cultural identity and social standing in the society.
The panel will address key issues and highlight opportunities that Design professionals should consider when designing new buildings, repurposing old structures, or selecting building products, as well as the consequences of their actions.
Panelists will address key issues, including policies, Adaptive reuse practices, Community Health and wellbeing, and the use of new and recycled materials in our projects, all of which have far-reaching implications for communities.
This event is organized by IIDA SoCal EDI Sector in partnership with the AIA Los Angeles Adaptive Reuse Committee.
PANELISTS:
Roberto Vazquez – Sector Lead for Housing and Mixed Use at HED
Lona Rerick – Director of Regenerative Design at Perkins&Will | McLennan Design
Ines Ware – Director of Sustainability at Bentley Mills
MODERATORS:

Christine Peter– IIDA SoCal Co-VP of EDI
David Martinez– Vice Chair, AIA Adaptive Reuse Committee

PARKING INFO
Street parking available, and lot parking available.

Small & Emerging Business Quarterly Meeting - August 2025
2025-08-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Shaw Showroom, 444 S. Flower St, Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA, 90071, United States
The third of a quarterly get together for small businesses to discuss relevant issues that impact small/emerging practices. The intent of this meeting is to help facilitate AIA engagement with smaller practitioners and to provide a collective voice for change.
We have invited AAa/e (Asian American architects/engineers) and NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects) to distribute this to their members as well.
Come get to know your peers and to discuss topics and strategies that may help with your business growth.

Creatives in Conversation: Blurring Boundaries
2025-09-11 16:00 - 20:00 | The Schindler House at the MAK Center, 835 Kings Rd, West Hollywood, CA, 90069, United States
EVENT DETAILS
Creativity transcends conventional boundaries by forging unexpected connections and revealing hidden patterns. But where does creativity originate, and how can it be cultivated? Can we direct its flow—or must we follow where it leads? Might blurring boundaries between disciplines open new dialogues and foster cross-pollination?
Join us for this year’s Creatives in Conversation, as we explore these questions through the work of three visionary artists: Refik Anadol, Lita Albuquerque, and Lucy McRae. Spanning AI, digital art, sculpture, multi-media performance, and conceptual fashion, their practices challenge our thinking and invite new perspectives.
The conversation will be moderated by Los Angeles–based architect and critic Joe Day, and held at the iconic Schindler House, in collaboration with the MAK Center for Art and Architecture.
Together, we’ll explore what might evolve when disciplines converge and boundaries blur.

Please click HERE to view the Speaker Line-Up & Sponsorship Opportunities for Creatives in Conversation.

Roundtable w/ Osama Younan, P.E.
2025-09-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA LA GO! Roundtable discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. – General Manager, LADBS
This is a virtual meeting. Please register below to receive the Zoom link.
These quarterly forums allow AIA members to connect directly with LADBS leadership and hear status updates and emerging initiatives.
If you have an item, issue, or a specific topic you’d like added to the agenda, please email Will@aialosangeles.org.

1. Monday, March 17 (12pm – 1pm) = RSVP HERE
2. Monday, June 16 (12pm – 1pm) = RSVP HERE
3. Monday, September 22 (1pm – 2pm) = RSVP HERE
4. Monday, December 8 (12pm – 1pm) = RSVP HERE

REGISTER HERE
AIA LA GO! Roundtable w/ Osama Younan, P.E. — Your Chance to Shape LA’s Building Codes and Policies
Join us for a virtual roundtable discussion with Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP, General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). This is your opportunity to engage directly with LADBS leadership and influence the future of building in Los Angeles.
Why Attend?

Direct Access to LADBS: Hear firsthand updates on emerging initiatives, code changes, and policy priorities from the General Manager himself.
Influence the Agenda: Share your ideas and recommendations on critical topics like permit streamlining, resilient design, and sustainable building practices.
Shape the Future of LA: Your input will directly inform AIA LA’s advocacy efforts and help shape the future of building codes and policies in Los Angeles.

Who Should Attend?

Architects and design professionals with questions about interpreting building codes and implementing policies that impact architecture & design.
Professionals seeking to understand the latest developments and initiatives at LADBS.
Anyone passionate about shaping a more sustainable and resilient built environment in Los Angeles.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST
Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)
RSVP: [REGISTER HERE]

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!
Your voice matters. Let’s work together to create a better built environment for all Angelenos. RSVP today and be a part of the conversation!
Can’t make this one? Mark your calendars for future AIA LA GO! Roundtable Discussions w/ Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP:

Monday, June 16, 2025 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST) – [RSVP HERE]
Monday, September 22, 2025 (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST) – [RSVP HERE]
Monday, December 8, 2025 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST) – [RSVP HERE]

Osama Younan, P.E., LEED AP – General Manager & Superintendent of Building, Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
Osama Younan is the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). He developed the Department’s Green Building Division to implement the Los Angeles Green Building Code. Osama Younan is a licensed Mechanical Engineer with the State of California and a LEED Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council. Osama Younan serves as the Chair of the Green Building Committee for the Los Angeles Basin Chapter which represents eighty-nine jurisdictions in Southern California, he serves on the Green Building Code Advisory Committee for the California Building Standards Commission that provides recommendations regarding the development of the CALGreen Code, and he serves on the ASHREA Standard 189.1 Committee “Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings”.
Osama Younan is a Licensed Professional Engineer, LEED Accredited Professional, and he oversees the operations of all the bureaus in the department. As the General Manager, he oversees the operations of the Department’s 950 employees in the following major functional groups spread among 11 geographical locations:
+ Permit and Engineering Bureau
+ Inspection Bureau
+ Code Enforcement Bureau
+ Resource Management Bureau
+ Technology Services Bureau
+ Development Services Case Management Division
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

Reuse LA Part 2: Adapting Performance and New Identities to Existing Facades, Case Studies in Southern California Adaptive Reuse Projects with EYRC, Gensler, and Gruen Associates
2025-09-26 08:30 - 10:00 | Center for Communities, 4450 West Adams, Los Angeles, CA, 90016
*Note to all registrants: When purchasing a ticket, please double check that the address + zip code that you provide matches the billing information on the card you are using.*

EVENT DETAILS
The AIA|LA Building Performance & Regulations Committee invites you to join our panel event highlighting case studies on three contemporary Southern California Adaptive Reuse Projects. Come hear directly from their authors; Devon Barnes (Gruen Associates), Patricia Rhee (EYRC), and Olivier Sommerhalder (Gensler) as they present the Apple Tower Theatre, The Press, and the Herald Examiner Building adaptive reuse projects along with their hard-earned lessons.
While the urgency and opportunities of adaptive reuse projects are well known, they come with significant architectural and technical challenges. High among them is the adaptation of existing building facades, as it requires design teams to take on forensic and archeological approaches to adapt existing building enclosures for new use and modern performance standards. To support these unique challenges in the growing advocacy for Adaptive Reuse projects, the AIA LA Building Performance and Regulations Committee invites you to participate in this knowledge sharing panel event.

MODERATOR

Alex Rosenthal, AIA – Senior Associate, Heintges
Alex Rosenthal is a Senior Associate at Heintges Consulting Architects and Engineers based in Southern California. As a licensed architect and having worked with Heintges since 2016, his career has been dedicated to the realization of complex facades brought on by an ardent passion for architecture, performance-based design, and sustainable building practices. Alex has collaborated internationally with some of the world’s leading architecture firms in the design and technical development of high-profile building envelopes on projects ranging from flagship retail to high-rise residential, commercial, office, laboratory, institutional and museum programs. Outside of his work at Heintges, Alex has been a guest lecturer and juror at multiple universities, a frequent public speaker at building enclosure industry events, and an active participate in professional organizations. With his involvement in AIA LA’s Building Performance and Regulations committee, Alex advocates for the dissemination of knowledge related to California sustainable building regulations, adaptive reuse, building performance, and facades. Alex holds degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Architecture and a Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University’s GSAPP where he received the Lucille Smysyer Lowenfish Memorial Prize.

PANELISTS

Devon Barnes, AIA – Principal Associate, Gruen Associates
Devon began her career designing award-winning flagship stores for luxury brands before shifting her focus to adaptive reuse and historically sensitive projects. She enjoys weaving modern amenities into existing and historic contexts, with a portfolio that includes the restoration of the Tower Theater. As a member of the Los Angeles Conservancy and the Western Chapter of the Association for Preservation Technology, she is committed to uncovering hidden stories within buildings and shaping meaningful architectural adaptations.

Patricia Rhee, FAIA, DBIA – Partner, Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects
Partner Patricia Rhee, FAIA, has been a member of EYRC Architects since 2000. She has served as Designer for some of the firm’s most notable and award-winning projects including The Press, The Culver Steps, Ivy Station Offices and Retail, and the John M. Roll U.S. Federal Courthouse. She has served on design juries for multiple AIA chapters, the Design-Build Institute of America and numerous architecture schools. She has lectured internationally and nationally, at the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona, the University of Melbourne, Clemson University, AIA National Women’s Leadership Summit, and the University of Maryland, where she was the Kea Distinguished Professor. Patricia has and continues to serve as a Peer Advisor to the Bureau of Overseas Business Operations and the General Services Administration. She was a founding Co-Chair of the AIA Los Angeles Women in Architecture committee and serves on the board of Heidi Duckler Dance.

Olivier Sommerhalder, AIA – Principal, Gensler
Olivier is a Design Principal and the Global Design Resilience Leader for Gensler based in the Los Angeles office. He brings design and technical expertise across a spectrum of public and private projects of all types and scales. Olivier approaches design by using research, building technology, and building science as means to drive progressive, contextually appropriate, holistic architecture.

He has taught at the University of Southern California and served as visiting critic and guest lecturer at the University of Southern California, Cal Poly Pomona, the University of California Los Angeles, the University of California Berkley and the ETH (Federal Polytechnic in Zurich, Switzerland). Olivier holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Applied Sciences in Brugg-Windisch, Switzerland; a Master of Architecture from the Southern California Institute or Architecture, Los Angeles and an Executive Master in Design Culture from the Zurich University of the Arts, Zurich, Switzerland.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
AIA CES: 1.5 LU|HSW Approved
1. Present a comprehensive summary of existing building code requirements and pathways to deliver compliant building enclosure for commercial Adaptive Reuse projects.
2. Present case studies on the design and technical adaptation of existing facades to new architectural identities and contemporary performance standards.
3. Understand different technical and forensic approaches to working with a building facade’s existing conditions.
4. Share hard-earned lessons from successfully completed adaptive reuse projects.

PARKING
Street parking is available.

2025 Powerful XII: Optimism + Resilience
2025-10-03 07:45 - 17:00 | Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA, 90069, United States
EVENT DETAILS
The AIA | LA Women in Architecture Committee is excited to present our 12th annual Powerful Conference.
Powerful XII: Optimism + Resilience. 2025 has brought profound challenges, globally and here in Los Angeles, experiencing devastating wildfires at the beginning of the year. In the face of crisis, optimism and resilience have emerged as vital forces—not just personal traits, but professional imperatives.
We see optimism and resilience as key attributes of women in our industry as well as resilience as a way of designing for the future. Women in architecture exemplify these qualities daily, navigating complexity with clarity and purpose. As architects, we’re not just shaping buildings—we’re shaping the future. And in that future, optimism and resilience are not optional; they are essential.
Please join us October 3rd at the Pacific Design Center for an inspiring day of speakers, panelists and workshops reinforcing the optimism and resilience women bring to the field of architecture, design, and the whole AEC Community.

WORKSHOP INFO
Click here to view the Powerful XII Workshop options.
Please note, you may only select 2 workshops to attend during the afternoon session.
You may choose your 2 workshop options when you purchase your tickets.

PARKING
Paid parking is available at the Pacific Design Center in the garage, East of the main complex. Accessible from Santa Monica Blvd, Melrose Ave, and N. San Vicente Blvd.

Please click HERE to view more details about Powerful XII.
Check out Sponsorship Opportunities HERE.

AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2025 Quarterly Meetings
2025-10-07 11:30 - 12:30 | Virtual on Zoom
AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2025 Quarterly Meetings

This is a virtual meeting hosted on LADPW’s WebEx platform. Please register in advance to receive the link to access the meeting.
These quarterly meetings serve as an opportunity for AIA members to connect directly with LADWP leadership and to discuss opportunities and strategies to improve development services.
The schedule for 2025:
Wednesday, April 2 (12pm – 1pm) – RSVP HERE
Wednesday, June 4 (12pm – 1pm) – RSVP HERE
Tuesday, October 7 (11:30am – 12:30pm) – RSVP VIA LINK BELOW// Originally scheduled for Sept 24, 2025.
Wednesday, November 5 (12pm – 1pm) – RSVP HERE
Please share your specific issues, recommendations, challenges, and/or questions in advance, and we’ll add them to the agenda for each meeting. Email us here = Will@aialosangeles.org.

MORE CONTEXT:
For the past 36+ months, AIA Los Angeles and LADWP have been organizing a quarterly series of roundtable discussions, which serve as an opportunity to further connect the architecture community and LADWP development services personnel. These quarterly roundtables help to establish a more collaborative partnership and facilitate opportunities to identify solutions to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
In general, the quarterly meetings serve as forums to:
1. Build trust and understanding between LADWP personnel and the private sector (architects/ designers/ engineers).
2. Develop compassion and empathy to better understand each other’s professional priorities and implementation tactics.
3. Allow idea exchange and interaction — to learn from each other and to test out new methods and performance standards.
4. Establish greater context for how environmental justice, shade equity, climate mitigation, urban heat island, tree canopy, building decarbonization, housing affordability, 100% electrification, on-site generation, and urban design are all interrelated (and therefore require a more connected partnership between LADWP and the architecture community implementing the infrastructure framework to address all of these interrelated challenges).
5. Expedite and streamline LADPW’s development services.
More specifically, the quarterly forums allow for:
1. Improve the architects’ understanding of specific LADWP rules, regulations, standards, and procedures – and offer helpful insight on how to better improve those specific regulations and standards to achieve more optimal outcomes.
2. Create pathways to achieve greater flexibility and clarity of purpose for why certain variances and modifications are necessary, helpful, and/or mutually beneficial.
3. Identify obstacles to implementation
4. Establish pilot programs to test out new ideas and innovative solutions.
5. Establish an inventory of code-related obstacles and analyze which codes and regulations may need to be modified/ altered to achieve more effective outcomes
6. Map out strategies for how to better leverage resources
7. Prioritize changes in equipment size, models, standards, and ‘cultural habits’ that can assist in delivering positive results (healthier urban design, greater biodiversity, safer working conditions, a more beautiful and less stressful public realm, etc.)
8. Identify opportunities to leverage best practices from Southern California Edison as it relate to design standards and protocols that promote more verdant ecosystems in integration with utility infrastructure (relationship between street trees and landscaping w/ utility infrastructure, etc) and the ability to utilize alternative materials that promote a ‘greener,’ and less stressful public realm.
9. The exploration of third-party services, peer review, and self-certification, etc.
Some of the direct outcomes achieved to date include:
1. Improved staffing and processing times at BOE for utility permits
2. More permissible variances for staging areas and transformer pads, etc.
3. Streamlined processes for 100% affordable housing (ED #1)
4. Amortization of line extensions, etc
5. Deeper trust between AIA Los Angeles and LADWP leadership
In the future, as the impact of these sessions further evolves and demonstrates results, we’d like to make certain:
1. These forums serve as a model for how other LA City departments can deepen relationships with the private sector to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
2. Deepen the trust between LADWP and the citizens/ residents/ professionals/ clients it serves.
We applaud LADWP’s leadership in prioritizing the partnership between AIA Los Angeles and the utility. If LADWP’s communication team can help us communicate and celebrate the impact of these forums, the general public will benefit from a deeper understanding of how public and private partnerships can help achieve positive results for all.
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

Refrigeration Code Changes: What Designers Need to Know
2025-10-08 17:30 - 19:30 | Buro Happold, 633 W. 5th St., 68th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90071, United States
EVENT DETAILS
“Refrigeration Code Changes: What Designers Need to Know.” With evolving standards around refrigerants and HVAC systems, staying up-to-date on code updates is essential for sustainable design:
– Recent updates in California & national refrigeration codes
– Environmental impacts of refrigerant types
– Design strategies to align with the new
– Q&A session with industry professional

SPEAKERS

George Reilly, Hon. AIA|LA – Principal | US BEnv Lead – West Coast Region, Buro Happold
George Reilly is a seasoned MEP engineer with over 20 years of experience.
He began his career in the UK and has been working in California since 2009. His expertise spans projects across Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Asia, with significant experience in laboratory, cultural, higher education, and adaptive reuse sectors.
George’s passion for engineering is driven by a desire to understand how systems work and to enhance building efficiency. He aims to add value to projects by maintaining strong client relationships and delivering design solutions that align with clients’ aspirations and budgets. His commitment to Net Zero Carbon and addressing climate change is a key focus of his work.
As a member of the AIA Committee on the Environment (LA) and an AIA Honorary status awardee, George is recognized for his dedication to sustainability and his contributions to the field.

Andrew James – Senior Associate | Mechanical, Buro Happold
Andrew James is an associate mechanical engineer on the Los Angeles MEP engineering team.
Andrew brings technical expertise in HVAC mechanical design and energy analysis, spanning higher education, commercial, healthcare, and arts & culture sectors. He excels in the delivery of coordinated multi-discipline projects in BIM. He also supports project code compliance and construction administration.
Andrew has an interest in low-energy mechanical design using passive conditioning strategies, as well as an interest in district-level heating and cooling systems, as used in both the Building for the Permanent Collection at Los Angeles County Museum Art and at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
AIA CES: 2 LU|HSW Approved
1. Identify recent changes to California and national refrigeration codes and explain their implications for sustainable building design.
2. Evaluate the environmental impacts of various refrigerant types, including global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP).
3. Apply design strategies that align HVAC systems with updated refrigerant standards while maintaining occupant comfort and building performance.
4. Integrate code-compliant, low-impact refrigeration solutions into design projects to support health, safety, and welfare goals.

PARKING
Public Parking available at Central Library and Pershing Square.
