AIA Los Angeles

Wonderland Houses
2026-05-15 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Wonderland, 8870 Wonderland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90046
Photographer Credit: Marilu Godinez
Architecture Firm Credit: MUTUO
See Full Credit List Below
TOUR DETAILS
The hillside project redevelops & densifies a challenging site in the Hollywood Hills where a single-family residence once occupied 3 parcels.
The design reimagines both the single family private living spaces and the shared communal open spaces of the three interconnected units. The modernist tradition to connect with the outdoors is here primarily interpreted with the inhabitation of the rooftops.
Three terraces dominate the canyon and allow the expansion of the square footage while bringing the users to enjoy the sunset light Los Angeles is known for. The houses step down with the topography in a rhythmic composition of sloping walls and glazing arrangements that respond to the interior program.
Awards:
2021 American Architecture Award
2021 AIA|California Residential Merit
Selected Publications:
Wonderland in Hollywood, Abitare
10 residential projects in Los Angeles by LA architects we liked this month, Archinect
Wonderland Houses, Dwell magazine
TOUR HOSTS

Jose Herrasti, AIA Los Angeles, Founding Principal, Mutuo
Jose Herrasti obtained a bachelor’s in architecture from Universidad Cristobal Colon, Veracruz, Mexico (1993), and a master’s in advanced architectural design from Columbia University, New York (1997). He was a professor at Calpoly Pomona (2015 to 2017) and was a John G. Williams Distinguished Visitor at the Fay Jones School of Architecture (2022). Jose was president of the LA Forum for Architecture and Urban Design (2022 and 2023). He currently teaches at USC, Los Angeles.

Lorena Garcia, Founding Principal, Puente Alameda
Lorena Garcia is a landscape architect, educator, and curator. She is the founder of PUENTEALAMEDA, an international landscape design practice based in Los Angeles and Madrid that explores creative and collaborative designs, focusing on the intersections between art, landscape, and ecology with projects as Museo Reina Sofia master Plan (Madrid), Hotel Kamaroti (Greece) and Wonderland (Los Angeles). She is an assistant Professor at Cal Poly Pomona and a guest lecturer at the School of Design (DMAD) in Madrid. Lorena serves as Chair of Education for the Spanish Association of Landscape Architects, is a former board member of the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Design, and part of the Colectivo Antimateria Art Collective.
TOUR MEETING SPOT
8870 Wonderland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046

AIA CES: 1.0 LU Approved
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Participants will explore the project’s conceptual framework and how it reinterprets modernist principles—particularly the relationship between architecture and landscape—within a contemporary, multi-unit context.
Participants will analyze the formal and spatial composition of the three interconnected units, including the use of rhythm, massing, and sectional strategies to respond to the hillside site.
Participants will examine how rooftop terraces function as primary living spaces, shaping lifestyle, social interaction, and experiential qualities of the architecture.
Participants will discuss the design approach to integrating multiple dwelling units on a formerly single-family site, including considerations of identity, cohesion, and architectural narrative.
Participants will evaluate how materiality, glazing, and visual connections are used to frame views, enhance the perception of space, and create a distinct sense of place within the Hollywood Hills context.
PARKING
Street parking is limited
FULL CREDIT LIST (Architects, Builders, Engineers, etc.)
General Contractor: Asterisk Builders. Inc,
Structural: Nous Engineering.
Landscape: Puente Alameda

The Egyptian Theater
2026-05-16 10:30 - 11:30 | The Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90028
Photographer Credit: Mike Hume
Architecture Firm Credit: Gensler
See Full Credit List Below
TOUR DETAILS
Gensler collaborated with Netflix to reimagine key elements of The Egyptian Theatre and create an authentic sense of belonging at the century-old historic landmark nestled in the heart of Hollywood, California. The meticulous redesign of the Art Deco-era theatre spans across its architectural interiors, exterior entrance, and signage and wayfinding, and additionally introduces a permanent narrative storytelling exhibit showcasing its rich history.
In line with the approach of The Egyptian’s original artisans, our interior design concept creates harmonious flow by blending both Egyptian design influences and contemporary abstractions. The modernization deeply prioritizes cultural sensitivity, reverence, and inclusivity in a thoughtful and respectful manner across the space, from the gold-finished papyrus crowning the main gate, to the customized floor pattern reflecting a falcon’s wings, to the carefully researched color palette.
Our multidisciplinary approach extended beyond researching the theatre’s history, and ultimately revealed a meaningful connection between entrepreneur Sid Grauman’s original desire for inclusive immersion and Netflix’s vision for an open, welcoming, and engaging space for today’s patrons. Through this mirroring, along with the theatre design’s renewed balance of cultural authenticity and modern creativity, the redesign captures the true essence of The Egyptian’s 100-year history and positions it to entertain audiences for years to come.
In 2024, the Los Angeles Conservancy recognized Gensler’s work with Netflix on the project with the Conservancy’s Chair’s Award, noting that The Egyptian Theatre “remains a focal point on Hollywood Boulevard and an important place to experience cinema history.”
TOUR HOSTS
Denise Zacky-Popoch, AIA, Principal + Design Director, Gensler
With more than 20 years of design experience, Denise leads a diverse range of projects, with a focus on media and technology clients. As a workplace thought leader, Denise understands that communicating a company’s unique brand and culture through its work environment is a powerful opportunity to connect employees to the mission and values of the organization. A passionate client advocate, Denise serves as the Southwest Regional Client Relationship Leader, working across the region to strengthen our client partnerships with brands including Netflix — now a global account with built projects in Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and Brazil — as well as Hulu, Riot Games, and DreamWorks. With a commitment to mentorship and ongoing education, Denise has taught at Southern California Institute of Architecture, the USC School of Architecture, and continues to serve as an active panelist for industry discussions.
Rick Kotani, AIA, Project Architect, Gensler
Rick is a Southern California native who grew up in Santa Monica.
He attended University of California Berkeley graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. Before returning back to Los Angeles, Rick made a quick trip to Japan for an internship at a Japanese architectural firm, Kume Sekkei. There, he had the opportunity to work in a Project Development team to propose Japan’s first casino.
After returning back to Los Angeles, Rick gathered experience in an interior architecture working on single-family residences throughout Southern California. He then stepped into the realm of retail working for the Guess Brand store planning team – working on test fits and space plans for a global roll-out.
TOUR MEETING SPOT
Front of Building – 6712 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles 90028
AIA CES: 1.0 LU Approved
PARKING
Underground parking nearby, metered on-street parking.
FULL CREDIT LIST (Architects, Builders, Engineers, etc.)
Syska Hennessy – MEP
Structural Focus – Structural Engineer
Lighting Design Alliance – Lighting

Draw & Explore: Light and Space at the David Geffen Galleries
2026-05-16 11:00 - 15:00 | LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, United States
Photo credit: Todd Williamson
Instagram: @Iamtoodphoto

**Please note: AIA|LA is not collecting RSVP’s for this event.**
EVENT DETAILS
Drop in for a self-guided drawing session and engage with light, texture, and space at your own pace. Prompts and materials will be provided by USC’s Mina Chow and educators from LACMA and AIA Los Angeles for all levels.
Co-presented with LACMA. Additional details and educators from LACMA and AIA|LA to be announced.
A limited number of limited edition AIA x LACMA totes available for reserved guests on a first come, first serve basis.
https://www.lacma.org/event/draw-explore-light-and-space

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.
Free event in the galleries with museum admission.

EDUCATOR

Mina Chow, FAIA
Educator, filmmaker, licensed architect
Adjunct Professor at the USC School of Architecture
Faculty Fellow at USC Annenberg Center on Public Diplomacy

Mina Chow, FAIA NCARB is an award-winning interdisciplinary filmmaker, licensed architect, Adjunct Professor at the USC School of Architecture, and a Faculty Fellow at USC Annenberg Center on Public Diplomacy. Through her filmmaking, public scholarship, and interdisciplinary teaching, Mina communicates important underlying relationships between design and culture. She has written on identity and cultural issues between media and architecture for The Architect’s Newspaper’s “Suspended in a Spectacle: Public Diplomacy at Expo 2020 Dubai,” “With the Media Burning and a Virus Raging, Should We Look to Architecture?” and “Delinquent in Dubai: We Need to Tell America’s Best Story in the Middle East.”
In 2021, she was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects for interdisciplinary work and documentary filmmaking. Since 2018, she’s served as a design history consultant for the U.S. Department of State Expo Unit. Recognized by the U.S. Department of State Expo Unit website her 2022 PBS documentary “FACE OF A NATION: What Happened to the World’s Fair?” continues its impact in Time and Smithsonian Magazine, international screenings on Emirates Airlines, and at the 2022 International Communications (ICA) Conference in Paris. The film connects U.S. participation at overseas World Expos to the erosion of the country’s international image.
Professor Chow is a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in the documentary peer group. She has directed and produced films for the American Institute of Architects and the University of Southern California. In 2011, she created BRAVE NEW WORLD, a pilot for the LA Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs about innovative architecture. Select awards include an Arnold W. Brunner Grant from the Center for Architecture, the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, the California Architectural Foundation, USC’s Architectural Guild, USC’s US-China Institute and Ambassador’s Fund. She was on the award-winning U.S. Pavilion team “Spontaneous Interventions: Design Actions for the Common Good” at the 2012 Venice Architecture Biennale.

Look and Wander: New Grounds at the David Geffen Galleries
2026-05-17 10:00 - 11:00 | LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, United States
**Please note: AIA|LA is not collecting RSVP’s for this event.**
EVENT DETAILS
Wander through the outdoor spaces surrounding the new David Geffen Galleries with LACMA educators and senior project manager and landscape designer Alexis SantaRomana and reflect on how plants, pathways, open spaces, and exterior views shape the museum experience.
Co-presented with LACMA.
https://www.lacma.org/event/look-and-wander-new-grounds

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

ARCH TOUR FEST: The Sheats-Goldstein Residence and Club James (2026) - Tour 1
2026-05-17 10:00 - 11:30 | The Goldstein Estate, 10104 Angelo View Dr., Los Angeles, CA, 90210, United States
Photo Credit: Jeff Green Photography
ARCH TOUR FEST: The Goldstein Estate – Tour 1 @ 10:30 pm
(aka The Sheats-Goldstein Residence and Club James)
Information regarding the tour will be emailed directly to registrants 24 hours before the event.

Tour Led by:

Kristopher Conner, AIA, NCARB, and James Perry, NCARB, of Conner & Perry Architects, Inc.
Tour Organizers:
Conner & Perry Architects, Inc.
The Goldstein Estate is home to the iconic Sheats-Goldstein Residence (1963) by John Lautner. Originally constructed for the Sheats family in the early 1960’s, the house was purchased by James Goldstein in 1972 and he enlisted Lautner to embark on a series of renovations and improvements to “perfect” the home, until the architect’s passing in 1994. At that time there were schematic designs in place for adjacent entertainment facilities, including a tennis court, guest house, and garage/maid’s quarters. Lautner protege, Duncan Nicholson, took over the renovations to the home and continued to develop the designs for the entertainment facilities as well as the construction of the James Turrell Skyspace, “Above Horizon.” During this time, the program for the new facilities grew to include a home theater, private nightclub, library, offices, dining terrace, and lap pool.
Nicholson’s untimely death in 2015 led project architects Kristopher Conner and James Perry to form Conner & Perry Architects, who now serve as the architect of record for the property. Conner and Perry continue to oversee construction and develop designs with the owner, Jim Goldstein, for the lower terrace, home theater, and guest house portions of project, as well as overseeing maintenance and restoration efforts for the original residence. This property is a cultural mainstay of Los Angeles, featured in many motion pictures, fashion, and editorial photography, and has been bequeathed to LACMA by Goldstein so that it may remain accessible to the public to inspire future generations of designers and enthusiasts.
Read more about the residence and Conner & Perry Architects’ contribution in the recent Architect’s Newspaper story (here).
Building Credits:
Current Architect: Conner & Perry Architects, Inc.
Past Architect: Nicholson Architects
Original Architect: Lautner Associates (John Lautner, FAIA)
Client/Homeowner: James F. Goldstein
General Contractor: Ostermann Construction/Empire Group Construction
Structural Engineer: Andrew Nasser, Omnispan Corp.
Landscape Designer: Eric Nagelmann
Glazing Contractor: Giroux Glass, Inc.
Metal Fabricators: Breakform Design
Parking Information:
Park on the street along Angelo View Dr. or Davies. Tour groups should convene in the cul-de-sac at the top of the driveway and the tour will proceed once everyone has arrived.
Parking in the neighborhood is extremely limited due to ongoing construction. Please consolidate into as few vehicles as possible or use a ride-share service and plan accordingly.
AIA CES: 1 AIA CES Learning Unit Approved
Learning Objectives:
1) An understanding of the history of this architecturally and culturally significant work.
2) A basic understanding of the tenants of American Organic Architecture and how they have been implemented by Lautner, Nicholson, and Conner & Perry.
3) An overview of poured-in-place concrete and its structural, formal, and aesthetic qualities.
4) A case study of the integration of sports and hospitality facilities in contemporary, high-end residential projects.

Century Villages at Cabrillo
2026-05-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Century Villages at Cabrillo, 2001 River Avenue, Long Beach, CA, 90810, United States
Photography Credit: Nahid LaCiura
Architecture Firm: The Architects Collective
Full Credit List Below
TOUR DETAILS
“Homes are the cornerstone of a thriving and just society.”
AIA Los Angeles & AIA Long Beach / South Bay are very pleased to introduce our communities to Century Villages at Cabrillo (CVC): an inspiring and beautifully planned community designed to provide quality affordable housing and onsite supportive services.
Located in Long Beach, CA, Century Villages at Cabrillo (CVC) sits on 27 acres and is home to over 2,000 residents on any given night, including veterans, families, and individuals with special needs. CVC offers both permanent and transitional housing, complemented by a network of services and amenities with a range of collaborators.
Established in 1997, CVC transformed a former Naval housing base near the Port of Long Beach into a thriving community. By bringing together service providers, many of whom operate directly onsite, CVC leverages a collective-impact approach to break the cycle of homelessness for its residents. (Collective impact is a framework where organizations from different sectors work together towards a common goal.) Nearly every resident in permanent housing at CVC maintained their housing after one year—a testament to its success.
As the backbone organization, CVC serves as the steward, manager, and coordinator of the Villages community. CVC is a nonprofit affiliate of Century Housing, a group dedicated to financing, developing, and managing quality affordable housing across California.
Click here to learn more about Century Villages at Cabrillo.

TOUR HOSTS

Richard Prantis, AIA, LEED AP – Founding Principal, The Architects Collective (TAC)
Richard Prantis is the Founding Principal of Los Angeles-based The Architects Collective (TAC). Inspired by a mission to enrich lives through the practice of architecture, Richard’s work is focused on affordable housing in an effort to bring excellent design to those in need. Richard is concerned with the design of space and how it is experienced; indeed, architecture can evoke a sense of engagement, beauty, joy, dignity and security. Richard applies to the practice over 30 years of experience inarchitectural design, construction detailing and construction observation, providing insight and leadership on all TAC projects. Drawing inspiration from the regional context, Richard leads the analysis and design of buildings that integrate the honest expression of building materials, energy-efficient building design and connection to the outdoors. Richard has served on various AIA|LA committees focused on the intersection of public policy, design and homelessness and regularly lends his expertise to juries at architectural design programs throughout southern California. Whether traveling locally or internationally, Richard enjoys full immersion into a culture, observing urban form, public realm, housing typologies, lifestyle, history, art and music.

Kimberly Wee – Executive Director, Century Villages at Cabrillo (CVC)
As Executive Director of Century Villages at Cabrillo and Vice President of Residential Services, Ms. Wee oversees the services offered to residents in Century’s supportive housing developments. Ms. Wee has more than two decades of program development and contracts experience, which enables her to oversee Century’s intensive case management county contract, develop and evaluate programming for adults and youth, as well as support the larger backbone role that Century Villages at Cabrillo plays within the community. She supports a dedicated team of case managers and clinical staff that serve formerly homeless veterans, youth, and families. At the Villages at Cabrillo, she has worked collaboratively to strengthen and expand the community resulting in thousands of lives being transformed.

Ms. Wee began her work in social services and as an advocate for women in Connecticut more than 20 years ago. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Psychology at Central Connecticut State University. As an undergrad, she worked in the Women’s Center and the Counseling Center where she first began her work as a certified domestic violence counselor and sexual assault advocate. Her work as an undergrad led to being offered a prestigious graduate fellowship to study substance abuse and sexual assault on college campuses throughout the state.
In 1998, she relocated to California where she began working at a domestic violence shelter in Orange County which led to her career path in the field and to Long Beach. In 2000, she started her work in Long Beach at a domestic violence agency as Program Coordinator. She worked to integrate the shelter and agency into the new community and to build the program into the success it is today. She held several leadership positions in the agency including the Senior Director of Contracts and Quality Assurance. Ms. Wee remains active in the domestic violence movement as a graduate of BlueShield’s Strongfield Leadership Program, an intense 18-month statewide initiative for leaders in the domestic violence field and as a long time member and current president of End Abuse Long Beach. She is a graduate of the Leadership Long Beach Institute, class of 2020, and has recently joined their board of directors.

Oscar Alvarado – Senior Vice President of Housing Development, Century Affordable Development, Inc.

As Senior Vice President of Century Affordable Development, Inc., Oscar Alvarado supervises Century’s real estate development team which currently has over 2,000 affordable homes in its pipeline. During his tenure with Century, Mr. Alvarado has assembled and established a very productive, creative, and effective team of development professionals. His efforts have helped position Century as a regional leader in multi-phase and master-planned communities — an innovative and high- impact approach to addressing the local affordable housing and homelessness crisis. Mr. Alvarado has worked in affordable housing development in Southern California since 2005 and in that time, he has managed diverse projects serving families, seniors, veterans, the homeless, and the local workforce.
Prior to Century, he worked for Thomas Safran & Associates and A Community of Friends in Los Angeles. In his role, Mr. Alvarado manages the development team’s relationships with key lenders, investors, contractors, and other partners working with Century to identify, finance, and construct affordable and supportive housing. He received a B.A. in Political Economy at the University of California at Berkeley and a Masters of City and Regional Planning from Cornell University. Mr. Alvarado is a board member of American Family Housing, headquartered in Orange County, California.

AIA CES: 1.5 LU|HSW Approved
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Participants will analyze how integrated campus planning and circulation design at Century Villages at Cabrillo (CVC) – a 27-acre supportive housing community serving low-income, formerly homeless individuals, families, and Veterans – support health, safety, and welfare outcomes by improving accessibility, wayfinding, and connections between housing, healthcare, and social services for vulnerable populations.

2. Participants will evaluate how design strategies for supportive care—such as co-locating housing, clinics, and social services—can enhance resident stability, promote healing and help break the cycle of homelessness, including the integration of health and wellness into the built environment through amenities such as on-site fitness facilities, outdoor recreation spaces (including a basketball court), and an expanding urban forest that supports both physical and mental health.

3. Participants will assess how sustainable site design elements, including stormwater capture within shared open spaces and pedestrian-oriented planning, contribute to environmental performance while fostering safe, healthy, and socially connected community environments. They will also have a chance to explore how new buildings at CVC achieve LEED Gold or Platinum certification, incorporating advanced energy efficiency features and award-winning environmental practices.

4. Participants will explore how human-centered, trauma-informed care-focused design interventions—such as activated ground floors, multi-functional community spaces, and opportunities for informal interaction—can improve mental health, social cohesion, and overall quality of life for residents and neighboring communities, including the site’s relationship to public transit and how design decisions enhance mobility, community engagement, and access to essential services.

FULL CREDIT LIST – Building Credits
The Cove
General Contractor: Walton Construction Services
Structural Engineer: David Choi & Associates
Landscape Architect: MJS Landscape Architecture
Interior Design: Aylin Inel

Anchor Place
General Contractor: Walton Construction Services
Structural Engineer: David Choi & Associates
Landscape Architect: RELM
Interior Designer: Collaborative House

Cabrillo Gateway
General Contractor: Walton Construction Services
Structural Engineer: David Choi & Associates
Landscape Architect: Melendrez (now RELM)
Interior Designer: JAG Interiors

Plaza
General Contractor: Walton Construction Services
Structural Engineer: N/A
Landscape Architect: N/A

Interior Designer: Aylin Inel

For CVC projects, civil engineering plays a significant role, and the civil engineer across projects is ARDURRA. The master planning and community design partner is City Fabrick.

TOUR MEETING SPOT
Meet in front of the property office by the flags at the intersection of Williams Street and River Avenue.
Click here to see and download the PDF for Driving Directions & the Campus Map.

PARKING
Parking is available along San Gabriel Avenue, Williams Street, and Willard Street, and any spot on campus like carports, garages, etc that aren’t marked as no parking.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZERS & PARTNERS!

Alliance Judy Ivie Burton Technology Academy High School
2026-05-17 12:30 - 13:30 | Alliance Judy Ivie Burton, 305 W. 101st Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90003
Photographer Credit: Here and Now Agency
Architecture Firm Credit: LOC Architects
See Full Credit List Below
TOUR DETAILS
The Burton Tech High School Expansion demonstrates how thoughtful design can directly advance equity, health, and environmental performance within a constrained urban campus. Located in South Los Angeles, this new two-story academic building increases instructional capacity while redefining what high-quality public school facilities can be in underserved communities.
Participants will explore how daylighting served as a primary design driver, with classrooms, circulation spaces, and stairways oriented to maximize natural light while reducing energy consumption through daylight sensors and high-performance glazing. The tour will examine how passive design strategies, compact massing, and vertical organization respond to a tight infill site governed by FAR limitations and budget constraints.
The project’s indoor–outdoor learning environments—including a flexible courtyard and roof deck classroom—demonstrate how educational spaces can support student well-being, engagement, and social interaction while maintaining safety and controlled access appropriate for a school setting. Polycarbonate wall systems balance privacy with transparency, reinforcing both security and civic presence along the public street.
This tour offers insight into sustainable school design, daylighting in dense urban contexts, equitable educational environments, and the integration of health, safety, and welfare principles into contemporary K–12 architecture.
TOUR HOSTS
Ali Jeevanjee, AIA, Principal LOC Architects
Ali Jeevanjee is co-founder and principal of LOC Architects, where he leads projects that integrate architecture, urban context, and human experience into thoughtful, enduring design. At LOC, Ali provides design direction across civic, cultural, educational, and residential projects, guiding each from concept through construction. His approach is rooted in crafting spaces that are human-scaled and encourage deeper connections to their surrounding environment. Prior to founding LOC, Ali gained experience with Frank O. Gehry, contributing to The Art of the Motorcycle exhibit at the Guggenheim and the Vincor Winery in Canada. He also gained extensive experience at Ellerbe Becket on large-scale sports and entertainment venues, and collaborated with Kathryn Gustafson on the South Coast Plaza bridge and terrace. Ali holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University and a Master of Architecture from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University and has taught architecture at Cal Poly Pomona and USC.
Poonam Sharma, Principal LOC Architects
Poonam Sharma is a founding partner of LOC Architects, where she leads projects at the intersection of architecture, education, and cultural practice..At LOC, Poonam has led the design of learning environments, community spaces, and performance venues, with a focus on public benefit, sustainability, and inclusive design. Her recent work includes educational, performance spaces, and community centers.

Prior to founding LOC with Ali Jeevanjee, Poonam worked with StudioWorks on a new urban campus for the Los Angeles Unified School District, and with the Jerde Partnership on large-scale mixed-use developments. She also served as an Exhibition Designer at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where she contributed to major exhibitions and gallery redesigns.She holds a Master of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) and a B.A. in Literature from Scripps College. Her background in the humanities and design underpins a thoughtful, research-driven approach to architecture that values both narrative and spatial clarity
TOUR MEETING SPOT
305 W. 101st Street, Los Angeles CA 90003
AIA CES: 1.0 LU|HSW Approved
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Analyze daylighting strategies—including courtyard orientation, clerestory glazing, and polycarbonate wall systems—that improve visual comfort, reduce energy use, and enhance student well-being in dense urban school sites.
2. Evaluate passive design measures such as solar control glazing, daylight sensors, and massing strategies that support energy efficiency and long-term operational performance.
3. Assess how urban infill constraints—including limited site area, adjacency, and FAR restrictions—inform safe circulation planning, controlled access, and secure yet transparent school design.
4. Examine the integration of indoor–outdoor learning environments in supporting social-emotional health, engagement, and flexible instructional modalities.
5. Identify strategies for achieving equitable, high-quality educational environments within tight budget constraints while maintaining code compliance, accessibility, and occupant safety.
6. Interpret how compact circulation planning and vertical organization can maximize instructional capacity while preserving life-safety requirements and environmental quality.
PARKING
Street Parking
FULL CREDIT LIST (Architects, Builders, Engineers, etc.)
LOC Architects, Miyamoto International (Structural)
DelAmo (Contractor)

ARCH TOUR FEST: The Sheats-Goldstein Residence and Club James (2026) - Tour 2
2026-05-17 12:30 - 14:00 | The Goldstein Estate, 10104 Angelo View Dr., Los Angeles, CA, 90210, United States
Photo Credit: Jeff Green Photography
ARCH TOUR FEST: The Goldstein Estate – Tour 2 @ 12:30 pm
(aka The Sheats-Goldstein Residence and Club James)
Information regarding the tour will be emailed directly to registrants 24 hours before the event.

Tour Led by:

Kristopher Conner, AIA, NCARB, and James Perry, NCARB, of Conner & Perry Architects, Inc.
Tour Organizers:
Conner & Perry Architects, Inc.
The Goldstein Estate is home to the iconic Sheats-Goldstein Residence (1963) by John Lautner. Originally constructed for the Sheats family in the early 1960’s, the house was purchased by James Goldstein in 1972 and he enlisted Lautner to embark on a series of renovations and improvements to “perfect” the home, until the architect’s passing in 1994. At that time there were schematic designs in place for adjacent entertainment facilities, including a tennis court, guest house, and garage/maid’s quarters. Lautner protege, Duncan Nicholson, took over the renovations to the home and continued to develop the designs for the entertainment facilities as well as the construction of the James Turrell Skyspace, “Above Horizon.” During this time, the program for the new facilities grew to include a home theater, private nightclub, library, offices, dining terrace, and lap pool.
Nicholson’s untimely death in 2015 led project architects Kristopher Conner and James Perry to form Conner & Perry Architects, who now serve as the architect of record for the property. Conner and Perry continue to oversee construction and develop designs with the owner, Jim Goldstein, for the lower terrace, home theater, and guest house portions of project, as well as overseeing maintenance and restoration efforts for the original residence. This property is a cultural mainstay of Los Angeles, featured in many motion pictures, fashion, and editorial photography, and has been bequeathed to LACMA by Goldstein so that it may remain accessible to the public to inspire future generations of designers and enthusiasts.
Read more about the residence and Conner & Perry Architects’ contribution in the recent Architect’s Newspaper story (here).
Building Credits:
Current Architect: Conner & Perry Architects, Inc.
Past Architect: Nicholson Architects
Original Architect: Lautner Associates (John Lautner, FAIA)
Client/Homeowner: James F. Goldstein
General Contractor: Ostermann Construction/Empire Group Construction
Structural Engineer: Andrew Nasser, Omnispan Corp.
Landscape Designer: Eric Nagelmann
Glazing Contractor: Giroux Glass, Inc.
Metal Fabricators: Breakform Design
Parking Information:
Park on the street along Angelo View Dr. or Davies. Tour groups should convene in the cul-de-sac at the top of the driveway and the tour will proceed once everyone has arrived.
Parking in the neighborhood is extremely limited due to ongoing construction. Please consolidate into as few vehicles as possible or use a ride-share service and plan accordingly.
AIA CES: 1 AIA CES Learning Unit Approved
Learning Objectives:
1) An understanding of the history of this architecturally and culturally significant work.
2) A basic understanding of the tenants of American Organic Architecture and how they have been implemented by Lautner, Nicholson, and Conner & Perry.
3) An overview of poured-in-place concrete and its structural, formal, and aesthetic qualities.
4) A case study of the integration of sports and hospitality facilities in contemporary, high-end residential projects.

AIA|LA Presents....Q&A Roundtable with Mayoral Candidate Nithya Raman
2026-05-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Center for Communities, 4450 West Adams, Los Angeles, CA, 90016
AIA|LA Presents….
Q&A Roundtable with Mayoral Candidate Nithya Raman
The next Mayor of Los Angeles will inherit a city at a crossroads — facing a housing crisis, a broken permitting system, fiscal pressures, and an urgent need for climate-resilient design leadership. Your voice as an architect and design professional matters in this election. That’s why AIA|LA is bringing the candidates directly to you.
As part of our ongoing civic engagement initiative, AIA|LA is working to host candid Q&A roundtables with each of the top five leading mayoral candidates. We are pleased to confirm that Council Member Nithya Raman will be our first guest. Outreach to the remaining candidates is actively underway, and we look forward to announcing additional dates as confirmations are received.
*Please note: AIA|LA has not made an official mayoral endorsement. These sessions are nonpartisan forums designed to inform our membership and advance the policy priorities that matter most to our profession and our city.*
What We’ll Be Talking About
This isn’t a campaign event — it’s a professional conversation. AIA|LA’s recent advocacy work has identified a clear set of policy challenges where mayoral leadership will be decisive. Come ready to ask questions and engage directly on topics including:
Development Services & Permitting Reform
LA’s permitting system remains one of the most significant barriers to housing production and project viability. We’ll ask: What concrete steps will the next Mayor take to modernize the process — from online permitting to unified case management — and hold the Department of Building and Safety and Planning Department accountable for performance?
City Budget Priorities
Years of underfunding have hollowed out the very departments architects depend on. We’ll explore: How will the next Mayor prioritize restoring and expanding resources for planning and development services, even amid fiscal constraints?
Charter Reform & Governance
Structural reform may be the key to unlocking a more functional, design-forward city. We’ll discuss: Does the candidate support charter-level changes that reduce bureaucratic redundancy and give planning and design departments greater independence and authority?
Chief Design Officer
AIA|LA has long championed the creation of a Chief Design Officer for the City of Los Angeles. We’ll ask: Do they support this role — and how would they use design leadership to elevate public spaces, civic architecture, and infrastructure quality citywide?
Housing, Density & Missing Middle
Architects are essential partners in solving LA’s housing crisis. We’ll explore the candidate’s vision for transit-oriented development, design-forward density, and the role of the profession in delivering more — and better — housing.
Climate Resilience & Sustainability
From green building standards to climate adaptation in the built environment, we’ll ask: How will their administration embed sustainability into city planning, permitting incentives, and public infrastructure investment?
Public Space & Civic Design Excellence
Parks, libraries, streetscapes, civic buildings — how does the candidate envision LA’s public realm, and what standards will they set for design quality in publicly funded projects?
—
This is your opportunity to hear directly from a leading candidate, ask hard questions, and make your expertise heard at the highest level of city governance.
We look forward to seeing you on May 18th — and to many more conversations with the candidates ahead.

Nithya Raman – Councilmember, District #4, City of Los Angeles & LA Mayoral Candidate
Nithya Raman is an urban planner, a graduate of Harvard and MIT, a working mother, an immigrant to America, and a member of the Los Angeles City Council representing District 4.
After serving several years as the Co-Chair of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council Homelessness Committee, as well as co-founding the SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition, Nithya felt there was a gap between city services and the expanding homelessness crisis – a gap she was equipped to fill.
She ran for City Council in 2020 and won a historic victory, becoming the first Asian-American woman and the first South Asian ever to serve on the City Council. In March 2024, she was decisively elected to a second term.
Since taking office, Councilmember Raman has prioritized delivering compassionate and effective services for people experiencing homelessness, building more affordable housing, and moving with greater urgency to meet our city’s climate goals.
She has built a dedicated team that takes a proactive approach to constituent services, ensuring her office both responds to incoming requests and goes out in the field to meet people where they are, informing them about renter protections, neighborhood upgrades, community initiatives, fire safety, and more.
Councilmember Raman serves as Chair of the Housing and Homelessness Committee, Vice Chair of the Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, and member of the Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee, Energy and Environment Committee, and the newly formed Ad Hoc Committee on Unarmed Crisis Prevention, Intervention, and Community Services.
Councilmember Raman also represents Los Angeles on the Governing Board of the South Coast Air Quality Management District and serves on the Board of the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA). In 2024, she was nominated by Mayor Karen Bass to serve as Vice Chair on the LA County Executive Committee for Regional Homeless Alignment.
Nithya lives in Silver Lake with her husband, Vali Chandrasekaran, and her young twins, Karna and Kaveri.
To read more about Mayoral Candidate Nithya Raman, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Urban Design Review Session 05.19.26
2026-05-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom
The 2026 AIA|LA and LACP Urban Design Review Sessions
Architects & designers passionate about improving the design quality of newly proposed projects throughout the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to participate in the AIA|LA & Los Angeles City Planning (LACP) Professional Volunteer Program (PVP).
WHAT:
We will be coordinating the following urban design review sessions, which will serve as opportunities for leading design talent to help the Los Angles City Planning’s Urban Design Studio critically review upcoming projects throughout our City.
WHERE:
All of the sessions are held virtually on zoom. You must register to get access.
REGISTER HERE
WHEN:
The first, second, and third Tuesday of each month starting at 10am – 12pm. Full List of Dates
WHY:
The review sessions will will enable a rotating pool of architects and designers the opportunity to provide insightful and critical design feedback on pending projects that will be reviewed by the Planning Commission. As a volunteer, you will help educate planning staff on urban design issues and complex urban typologies and you will have the chance to provide project specific urban design advice for planning staff’s consideration.
HOW:
We’re involving a rotating pool of architect volunteers to attend these sessions. Join us by registering for two or three sessions here.
TO PREPARE: The following resources are helpful to review in advance to become more familiar with the Urban Design Studio’s three design approaches:

Pedestrian-First Design
360 Degree Design
Climate-Adapted Design

Citywide Design Guidelines: The City’s Guiding Urban Design Policy Framework
Landscape and Site Design Ordinance: Creating Healthy Buildings and Healthy Places
Low-Rise Design Lab
Street Design Modernization Virtual Hub
DISCLAIMER:
PVP discussions provide an opportunity for an open discussion with the notion that the information is to remain confidential and not shared in any other public or private forums. Anonymity shall be maintained by all PVP participants at all times.
Questions? Please contact Will Wright for more information.
REGISTER HERE

Riverside University Health System – Wellness Village Project Tour
2026-05-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Riverside University Health System – Wellness Village, 20545 Harvill Ave, Perris, California, 92570
Please note: This is a partner event. AIA|LA is not collecting RSVP’s for this event.
EVENT DETAILS
About this Course:
The RUHS Wellness Village provides a continuum of care including outpatient and residential care services for mental health and substance use disorders, primary healthcare, and behavioral health urgent care. The facility serves a wide variety of consumers and will be home to a very unique children and youth program that includes the county’s first stand-alone youth Behavioral Health Urgent Care, one of the first licensed Children’s Crisis Residential Program in the state, including a space for parents/caregivers to stay overnight as needed, and the first Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program in the state which will allow for placement of foster youth with the most complex care needs.
In this project tour, attendees will explore how the innovative design and development of the first-of-its-kind RUHS Wellness Village co-locates the continuum of behavioral health, substance use disorder, and physical health services within an integrated campus environment. Attendees will review the challenges posed by a fragmented healthcare system, as well as explore the ecosystem of care and how this design reduces barriers to accessibility, improves care coordination, and creates a seamless pathway from crisis to stabilization, recovery, and long-term health and wellness. The presenters and attendees will discuss how leveraging outdoor spaces and campus amenities support the integration of health and wellness leading to more client engagement and healthier outcomes.
Agenda:

2:30 – 2:45 PM

Arrive at RUHS project
Please bring PPE (safety vests, hard hat, and closed toe shoes). Some hats and vests will be available on site for those that forget or do not have them.

2:45 – 4:00 PM

Guided Tour led by Boulder Associates and/or Snyder Langston.
Learning Objectives:

Attendees will learn how behavioral health campuses cover the continuum of behavioral health care and how this can be used as a tool to improve access and equity in community-based care. Participants will develop an understanding of key design strategies that shift the outcome from episodic intervention to sustained recovery for a healthy and safe recovery.

Attendees will explore how leveraging outdoor spaces and campus amenities to support the integration of health and wellness leads to more client engagement and healthier outcomes. Participants will get a better understanding of how site design, landscape implementation, and the spaces created by building orientation help create a sense of belonging and increase the rate of success for recovery.

Attendees will learn how the RUHS campus is pursuing LEED for New Construction (LEED-NC) v4/4.1 Group Certification. LEED points for 44.6% energy use reduction, 15% Tier 1 renewable energy, and onsite carbon sequestration through plantings have been awarded. Features also include a battery energy storage system (BESS), and green roofs.

The Design-Build team will present the overall project delivery method being implemented for this multi-building campus. They will summarize the role of the P3 delivery method (public-private partnership), the Design-Build team approach and delivery, and how funding structures are shaping behavioral health campus implementation and phasing.

Date: May 21, 2026
Time: 2:30 – 4:00 PM
Learning Units: 2 AIA HSW’s
Location:
20545 Harvill Ave, Perris, CA 92570
Cost: $25 (Plus processing fees)

Please click here to purchase your ticket.

*Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to another individual to attend the tour.

Meet the Practice with SAA at 1960 E Grand
2026-05-27 17:30 - 19:30 | SAA at 1960 E. Grand, 1960 E Grand Ave, El Segundo, California, 90245, United States
Event Details
Join us for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet the SAA interiors + architecture team in a special project setting at 1960 E Grand in El Segundo. We’re excited to welcome you, share how we work, and connect with fellow AIA peers in a space that brings our approach to life.
Since 2000, SAA interiors + architecture has grown into a SoCal leader in office and healthcare interiors by simplifying complexity through process-driven innovation. From initial engagement through construction closeout, our integrated teams deliver strategy, creativity, deep knowledge of codes and permitting, and technical precision to create measurable value for organizations and the people who depend on them.

PARKING
Surface lot parking is available at 1960 E Grand. Rates are $1.50 per 15 minutes, with a $12 daily maximum

AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Jaime E. Moore - Fire Chief, Los Angeles City Fire Department
2026-05-28 08:00 - 09:30 | Gensler Los Angeles, 500 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90071, United States
AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Jaime E. Moore – Fire Chief, Los Angeles City Fire Department
2026 City Leaders Breakfast Series Presented By:
The 2026 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series allows architects & designers, and other community stakeholders to meet directly with key individuals transforming Los Angeles in a roundtable setting to discuss innovative ideas to ensure a healthy, sustainable, and economically competitive future.

Jaime E. Moore – Fire Chief, Los Angeles City Fire Department
Fire Chief Jaime E. Moore was appointed as the 20th Fire Chief of the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) on November 14, 2025, becoming the leader of one of the nation’s largest and most complex all-hazard emergency response agencies. Chief Moore has dedicated more than three decades of service to the City of Los Angeles and is widely regarded for his commitment to operational excellence, community resilience, data-driven leadership, and the well-being of the Department’s sworn and civilian workforce.
Born in Delhi, Louisiana, and raised in the Venice/Mar Vista area of Los Angeles in a Mexican-American household, Chief Moore is proud of his multicultural upbringing and the Spanish-speaking heritage that shaped his leadership perspective. He is a graduate of Santa Monica High School and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Emergency Management from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). He is an Executive Fire Officer (EFO) through the National Fire Academy, holds the Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and completed certificate programs in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for HR and Conflict Resolution at Cornell University.
Chief Moore joined the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1995 and has served in every one of the Department’s four Geographic Bureaus. He is known citywide for his tenure as a Public Information Officer and for leadership roles on state and regional Incident Management Teams. Promoted through the ranks, Captain (2003), Captain II (2008), Battalion Chief (2014), Assistant Chief (2018), and Deputy Chief, he has led major operational, administrative, and performance-management divisions throughout his career.
As the Commander of the FireStatLA Section, Chief Moore built the foundation of the Department’s performance-leadership model, championing analytics, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making. As the founding leader of the LAFD’s Equity and Human Resources Bureau, he launched systems and programs that strengthened workforce effectiveness, improved selection processes, and advanced the Department’s DEI commitments.
Chief Moore later served as the Deputy Chief of Operations, South Bureau, and then as the Operations Valley Bureau, LAFD’s largest geographic command, where he oversaw five battalions, 39 fire stations, over 980 sworn personnel, and critical emergency-response operations across 260 square miles of the San Fernando Valley.
Throughout his career, Chief Moore has been a strong advocate for education, professionalism, operational readiness, and a culture rooted in empathy, fairness, and respect. He is a California State Certified Fire Prevention Officer, Hazardous Materials Technician, Strike Team Leader, Public Information Officer, and former Incident Commander of Field IMT 3. He has also served on numerous boards, including the Chief Officers Association Executive Board, where he served one year as Director of Professional & Social Development and four years as President, and was a founding board member of Harbor Connects / Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
As Fire Chief, he remains committed to delivering world-class all-hazard emergency services; preparing the city for major disasters and global events; enhancing training, technology, and innovation; strengthening community partnerships; and ensuring that every member of the LAFD is supported, valued, and equipped to succeed.
Chief Moore considers it the honor of his life to serve the people of Los Angeles and to lead the dedicated men and women of the Los Angeles City Fire Department.
MORE ABOUT LAFD:
The Los Angeles Fire Department operates a number of bureaus that report directly to the Fire Chief. The Chief (formerly called “the Chief Engineer”) is the senior administrative and policy manager for the department. Each of the key bureaus is listed below:
The Fire Chief has the power and duty to:

Appoint, discharge, suspend, transfer, or issue instructions to members (civilian and uniformed) of the Department (other than the Secretary of the Board of Fire Commissioners and the Chief Accounting Employee of the Department) in the line of their duties, subject to the civil service provisions of the charter.
Expend the funds of the Fire Department in accordance with the provisions of the budget appropriations or of appropriations made subsequent to the budget.
Recommend to the Board an Annual Departmental Budget covering the anticipated revenues and expenditures of the Department.
Certify expenditures of the Department to the Chief Accounting Employee.
File with the Board at least once a month a written report on the activities of the Department.
Exercise such further powers in the administration of the Fire Department as may be conferred upon the Fire Chief by the Board.

This Reception is Hosted By:

Design for Dignity 2026 - Day 1
2026-05-29 08:00 - 12:30 | Center for Communities, 4450 West Adams, Los Angeles, CA, 90016
Click here for Ticket Purchase Instructions & Support.
EVENT DETAILS
The 11th Annual AIA|LA Design For Dignity:
From Crisis to Construction — Building a “City of Yes”
The 11th Annual AIA|LA Design For Dignity Conference arrives at a moment of hard-won clarity. Los Angeles has spent years naming the crisis. This year, we are focused on the mechanics of the solution — the specific reforms, proven models, and courageous investments required to move this city, decisively and irreversibly, from managing homelessness to producing dignity.
Themed “From Crisis to Construction: Building a City of Yes,” the 2026 conference is structured around a single, urgent argument: that policy, capital, and design have operated in isolation for too long, and that the only path forward is what we are calling “The Great Realignment” — the deliberate, disciplined weaving of those three threads into a single operational fabric. Each of the eight panels across both days embodies a specific strand of that fabric.

To expand access and opportunity, we’re organizing the 11th annual Design For Dignity conference as a two-part conference held on two consecutive Fridays.

Friday, May 29th (8:00am – 12:30pm) and Friday, June 5th (8:00am – 12:30pm)

AIA Member – $100 per day or $175 for a 2-day pass
Non-Member – $160 per day or $235 for a 2-day pass
Students – $50 per day or $80 for a 2-day pass

Submitted for AIA CES Approval
Click here for more information on Design for Dignity.
Consider becoming a sponsor. Click here to support Design for Dignity.

Urban Design Review Session 06.02.26
2026-06-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom

Design for Dignity 2026 – Day 2
2026-06-05 08:00 - 12:30 | Center for Communities, 4450 West Adams, Los Angeles, CA, 90016
Click here for Ticket Purchase Instructions & Support.
EVENT DETAILS
The 11th Annual AIA|LA Design For Dignity:
From Crisis to Construction — Building a “City of Yes”
The 11th Annual AIA|LA Design For Dignity Conference arrives at a moment of hard-won clarity. Los Angeles has spent years naming the crisis. This year, we are focused on the mechanics of the solution — the specific reforms, proven models, and courageous investments required to move this city, decisively and irreversibly, from managing homelessness to producing dignity.
Themed “From Crisis to Construction: Building a City of Yes,” the 2026 conference is structured around a single, urgent argument: that policy, capital, and design have operated in isolation for too long, and that the only path forward is what we are calling “The Great Realignment” — the deliberate, disciplined weaving of those three threads into a single operational fabric. Each of the eight panels across both days embodies a specific strand of that fabric.

To expand access and opportunity, we’re organizing the 11th annual Design For Dignity conference as a two-part conference held on two consecutive Fridays.

Friday, June 5th (8:00am – 12:30pm) – Day 2

AIA Member – $100 per day or $175 for a 2-day pass
Non-Member – $160 per day or $235 for a 2-day pass
Students – $50 per day or $80 for a 2-day pass

Submitted for AIA CES Approval
Click here for more information on Design for Dignity.
Consider becoming a sponsor. Click here to support Design for Dignity.

Urban Design Review Session 06.09.26
2026-06-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom

Quarterly Roundtable Discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. - June 2026
2026-06-15 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 roundtables, organized by the AIA|LA Government Outreach (GO!) Committee, serve as a forum for AIA members to connect directly with LADBS leadership and to learn more about the latest initiatives being advanced by LADBS.
If you have an item, issue, or a specific topic you’d like added to the agenda, please email Will@aialosangeles.org.

Monday, March 16 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, June 15 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, September 21 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, December 7 (1 pm – 2 pm) – 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 15 (1 pm – 2 pm)
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, March 16 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, June 15 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, September 21 (1 pm – 2 pm) – RSVP HERE
Monday, December 7 (1 pm – 2 pm) – 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.

Urban Design Review Session 06.16.26
2026-06-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom

AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2026 Quarterly Meetings - 06.18.26
2026-06-18 11:00 - 12:00 | 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 a forum for AIA members to connect directly with LADWP leadership and discuss opportunities and strategies to improve development services.
The schedule for 2026:
Thursday, March 5 (11:30 am – 12:30 pm) – RSVP HERE
*Thursday, June 18 (11:00 am – 12:00 pm) – RSVP HERE
Thursday, August 13 (11:30 am – 12:30 pm) – RSVP HERE
Thursday, November 5 (11:30 am – 12:30 pm) – RSVP HERE
*Please note: The May 7th meeting has now been rescheduled for June 18th!
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.

For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

PRIME 2026 AIA|LA ADVOCACY PRIORITY w/ LADWP:
AIA|LA is requesting LADWP leadership to institute the following protocol, which we believe will substantially improve development services:
To require review/approval of the Service Planner (Office Team) and ESR (Field Team) should occur during the normal Plan Check Period – Avoids delays that happen when approval occurs during construction and when the ESR first sees a project late in the construction process.

MEETING AGENDA
AIA|LA & LADWP Quarterly Leadership Meeting
Date: June 18, 2026 (11:00am – 12:00pm)
Objective: Modernizing development services and utility standards to align with Los Angeles’s housing production and public realm goals.
1. Introductions & Strategic Alignment (10 mins)

Aligning LADWP’s infrastructure requirements with the City’s push for denser, transit-oriented development and “missing middle” housing.

Balancing grid reliability with the urgent need to reduce project delays and minimize the utility footprint on the public right-of-way.

2. Spatial Optimization: Right-Sizing the Utility Footprint (15 mins)

Staging Area Expansion: Discussing the recent increases in required staging area sizes. Exploring whether equipment scaling (e.g., using smaller maintenance vehicles like BOS hillside trucks) can reduce spatial demands in dense urban infill sites.

Sidewalk Clearance Consolidation: Addressing the current standard of 12’ clear width per piece of equipment (Switch, TX, Pullbox = 36’ of dead sidewalk space). Exploring consolidated spacing (e.g., 24’ for three pieces) to preserve street trees and pedestrian flow.

3. Engineering Flexibility: Adapting to Urban Site Constraints (15 mins)

Floor Loading & Material Alternatives: Evaluating alternatives to the increasing thickness and extent of permanent concrete required for staging areas.

Below-Grade Transformers: Discussing current limitations on below-grade vaults (specifically the 2,000-amp cap) and pathways to increase below-grade capacity to free up surface area.

Alley Deployments: Standardizing and incentivizing the placement of transformers in alleys rather than primary street frontages.

4. Public Realm & Climate Resilience: Heat Island Mitigation (10 mins)

Replacing Concrete with Permeable Alternatives: Proposing the formal allowance of Decomposed Granite (DG) and utility-friendly, low-growth ground cover around equipment pads to mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Establishing a “Green Pad” Standard: Reviewing safe planting guidelines (e.g., the 10-3-3-3 rule) that protect utility access while softening the streetscape.

5. Next Steps & Action Items (10 mins)

Identify pilot opportunities for these recommendations.

Establish a working group for specific code updates.

Specific Recommendations for LADWP Implementation
Recommendation 1: Create a “Dense Urban Infill” Staging Standard

The Fix: LADWP should establish an alternative staging standard for high-density and transit-oriented areas. Instead of mandating staging areas sized for maximum-capacity cranes, LADWP should allow developers to specify that maintenance will be performed by smaller, more agile equipment (similar to BOS hillside trash trucks).

The Fix: To address floor loading requirements, LADWP should pilot the use of certified temporary metal plates (similar to heavy-duty roadwork plates) deployed only during emergency TX replacement. This eliminates the need for developers to pour massive, permanent, thick concrete staging pads that ruin site landscaping and drive up costs.

Recommendation 2: Consolidate Sidewalk Equipment Clearances

The Fix: Revise the clearance rule that demands 12 linear feet of clear sidewalk per individual piece of equipment. LADWP should adopt a consolidated working space model allowing overlapping access zones. For example, a switch, TX, and pullbox grouped together should require a maximum of 24 linear feet (instead of 36). This will save vital space for mandatory street tree planting and pedestrian mobility.

Recommendation 3: Expand Below-Grade and Alley Options

The Fix: LADWP should formally review and lift the 2000-amp limit for below-grade transformers. By adopting newer active-cooling vault technologies or modular vault configurations, larger buildings can place their utilities underground, preserving the ground-floor pedestrian experience.

The Fix: Issue a departmental directive that officially prioritizes alleyway placements for transformers, complete with pre-approved design templates, to divert these massive boxes away from primary pedestrian boulevards.

Recommendation 4: Formally Adopt a “Green Pad” Landscaping Standard

The Fix: LADWP should revise its design manuals to explicitly ban the unnecessary paving of concrete aprons around equipment pads. Instead, mandate or allow the use of Decomposed Granite (DG) or river rock within the immediate 3-foot clearance radius to dissipate heat and provide a stable footing for workers.

The Fix: Outside the 3-foot immediate access zone, LADWP should publish an “Approved Plant List” of drought-tolerant, shallow-root ground covers that naturally stay under 4 inches tall (e.g., Creeping Thyme, Dwarf Mondo Grass, Sedum). This officially aligns LADWP with the Mayor’s sustainability and heat-island reduction goals, ensuring crews have safe access without turning sidewalks into concrete dead zones.

MORE CONTEXT:
Powering Progress: How AIA|LA and LADWP Are Redesigning Collaboration
Since 2021, AIA Los Angeles and LADWP have been breaking down silos through a pioneering series of quarterly roundtables. What began as a conversation has evolved into a powerful engine for problem-solving, connecting the architects who envision our city with the utility experts who power it.
The Mission: From Transaction to Trust –
These forums are about more than just permits; they are about building a shared culture of trust and empathy. By aligning the priorities of LADWP personnel with private sector designers, we are testing new methods to tackle Los Angeles’ biggest challenges—from the housing crisis to the urban heat island effect. We recognize that environmental justice, electrification, and urban design are deeply interconnected, requiring a unified approach to infrastructure.
Turning Talk into Action – These quarterly deep-dives allow us to:

Modernize Standards: We are analyzing how equipment size and “cultural habits” regarding utility placement impact the beauty and safety of our streets.
Innovate: From exploring self-certification to piloting new technologies, we are identifying the obstacles that slow down progress.
Benchmark: We are looking at regional best practices to integrate trees and landscaping with utility infrastructure, ensuring a greener public realm.

Real Results: The impact of this partnership is already visible on the ground. Together, we have achieved:

Faster processing for utility permits.
Critical streamlining for Executive Directive 1 (100% Affordable Housing) projects.
Smarter financial solutions, including the amortization of line extensions.
Greater flexibility for construction staging and transformer placement.

A Model for the Future:
We believe this partnership sets the standard for how City departments should engage with the private sector. By celebrating these wins, we hope to show the public that when architects and utilities collaborate, the entire city benefits.

AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Greg Ames - Southern California Market Leader, Trammell Crow Company
2026-06-19 08:00 - 09:30 | Location TBD
AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Greg Ames – Southern California Market Leader, Trammell Crow Company
2026 City Leaders Breakfast Series Presented By:
The 2026 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series allows architects & designers, and other community stakeholders to meet directly with key individuals transforming Los Angeles in a roundtable setting to discuss innovative ideas to ensure a healthy, sustainable, and economically competitive future.

Greg Ames – Southern California Market Leader, Trammell Crow Company
Greg Ames is the Market Leader and Senior Managing Director for TCC’s Southern California offices. Markets under Greg’s purview include all of Southern California, as well as Clark County in Nevada. Greg is responsible for the overall performance and profitability of the company’s real estate development activities in the region, and for raising capital, setting investment strategy, creating deal flow, financing projects, and overseeing the day-to-day activities of the regional team. Greg is an industry leader in Public Private Partnerships, and is sought after for his expertise in entitlements, execution, and structured finance on the most complex transactions and challenging projects.
Prior to joining TCC in 2004, Greg served for eight years as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer in the US Navy, where he directed office, retail, industrial, medical, housing, airport, and military intelligence projects in the Continental US, Pacific, Mediterranean, and Caribbean theaters.
This Reception is Hosted By:

Unlocking R&D Incentives in the AEC Industry
2026-06-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual on Zoom
Click here for Ticket Purchase Instructions & Support.
EVENT DETAILS
The Government does want to grow and support your business. Learn how and why these incentives were created and how they apply to your business. Over the last 47 years the laws have changed 15 times and most financial planners are not versed in the latest credits, rebates, or incentives. In this event you will learn about the options available and how to properly determine what is owed to you. You will learn how the law has been changed and why. You will learn what many CPA’s do not know and why they have trouble advising clients on these subjects. You will learn what to look for to determine how your company can qualify for these funds. We have seen 30,000 to 200,000 be awarded so understanding what you are owed can really help the bottom line.

Please join us for this virtual event on June 23rd. All registered attendees will be provided a Zoom link 24 hours prior to the event.

SPEAKERS

Dennis Bays – President, AmeriCore Group
Dennis Bays has helped business owners raise money, grow and exit companies. Over the last 32 years he has become a strong advocate for privately held businesses where his knowledge and experience saves companies time and dollars. Businesses ask for his guidance in all areas of capital. Raising it, Protecting it and Growing it.
Originally from Silicon Valley where he was part of the Angel Group he now resides in So Cal with his wife and 5 children.

Vivek Sai – Business Consultant, Project Manager, & Architectural Designer
Vivek has over two decades experience in the Design & Construction industry as a Project Manager and Architectural Designer. His education in Architecture, Urban Design, Planning and Business Administration has allowed him to contribute to various design and consulting firms in Los Angeles involved with Master Planning, Residential & Commercial Architecture & Interiors, Design-Build, and Public Art Installations. He has extensive experience as a liaison between Clients, Consultants and Contractors while managing different facets of a project from Budgeting & Scheduling to Planning, Design, Permitting & Entitlements, Contracting and Construction Administration.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Participants will gain an understanding of the applicability of research and development (R&D) tax credits to their firms, whether their projects or project activities qualify, why they qualify, and how much the credit might be. They will be able to explain how these apply to their daily design and project tasks, and why the IRS allows a tax credit to help fund some of their overhead costs.
Participants will be able to identify broad activities which might qualify for R&D tax credits, including alternative design concepts, use of unique materials in construction for structural or energy efficiency; testing to determine acoustical, lighting, and visual features (e.g., movie theaters, auditoriums); and technical factors and materials for sanitary or safety uses (e.g., medical treatment centers, hospitals, food preparation or food manufacturing facilities.)
Participants will explore the particular business activities and processes that qualify Architecture businesses for these credits:
– Designed Sustainable/LEED buildings
– Used parametric or computational design
– Experimented with new materials or methods, developed custom engineering solutions and innovative construction methods
– Custom algorithmic design solutions
– Development of new design methodologies
– Urban Design and Planning
– Resilient and Disaster-Resistant Design
Participants will review the recent relevant law changes that have impacted R&D credits:
– 2015 PATH Act
– Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
– 2023 Harper v Commissioner (T.C Memo 2023-57)
Participants will be able to explain the importance of timing in applying for R&D credits:
– Statute of limitations: In most cases, tax credits must be claimed within 3 years of the return filing date. Once the window closes, so does your opportunity.
– Rolling deadlines: State programs and grant funds often work on a first-come, first-served basis. Acting quickly can make the difference between approval and missing out.
– Policy changes: Economic stimulus, tax reforms, and regulatory shifts happen often.
– Maximized impact: Claiming credits earlier in the year allows businesses to strategically allocate funds throughout the fiscal year.
– Every day you wait is a missed opportunity. These tax credits and incentives were designed to help business owners like you—builders, problem-solvers, innovators—recover what you’ve already earned and reinvest it into what’s next.

AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Allan Marks - President, LADWP Board of Commissioners
2026-06-25 08:00 - 09:30 | AUX ARCHITECTURE, 910 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, 90015, United States
AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Allan Marks – President, LADWP Board of Commissioners
2026 City Leaders Breakfast Series Presented By: GRAPHISOFT
The 2026 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series allows architects & designers, and other community stakeholders to meet directly with key individuals transforming Los Angeles in a roundtable setting to discuss innovative ideas to ensure a healthy, sustainable, and economically competitive future.

Allan Marks – President, LADWP Board of Commissioners
Allan Marks was appointed to the Board of Water and Power Commissioners by Mayor Karen Bass on November 26, 2025, and was confirmed by the Los Angeles City Council on December 10, 2025. His term ends on June 30, 2030. As a lawyer and strategic advisor, Marks has a lengthy career in international project finance, energy, and infrastructure.
Marks advises boards of directors, senior executives, investors, fund managers, and other organizations on corporate strategy, risk management, market and regulatory changes, and capital formation, particularly in connection with the energy transition, renewable energy, innovative clean technologies, geopolitics, financial innovation, climate risks, resilience, and sustainability. As a lawyer, he has handled complex energy and infrastructure transactions in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, and Europe with an aggregate value of over $100 Billion, finding innovative ways to create value and reduce risk.
In addition, Marks teaches at both the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and the UCLA School of Law, where he is Affiliated Faculty at the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment and the Lowell Milken Institute for Business Law and Policy. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, a center of Columbia University’s Climate School; a Non-Resident Visiting Senior Fellow at NYU’s SPS Center for Global Affairs; and a Distinguished Scholar in Energy Law and Sustainability and Professorial Lecturer in Law at the George Washington University Law School. He previously taught Energy and Infrastructure Project Finance at the University of California, Berkeley for 12 years at both the Law School and the Haas School of Business.
Marks is a Contributor to Forbes. He speaks and publishes frequently on energy, infrastructure, business strategy, financial markets, climate change, public policy, regulatory trends, and international transactions. For 11 years, Marks was the founding co-chair of the State Bar of California’s Subsection on Public-Private Infrastructure. He is a member of the Pacific Council on International Policy and served on Law360’s Project Finance Editorial Board. He also serves as a board director of the Colburn School and other civic organizations.
Marks received his Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from The Johns Hopkins University and his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.
This Reception is Hosted By:

Urban Design Review Session 07.07.26
2026-07-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom

Urban Design Review Session 07.14.26
2026-07-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom

Urban Design Review Session 07.21.26
2026-07-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom

Urban Design Review Session 08.04.26
2026-08-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom

Urban Design Review Session 08.11.26
2026-08-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom

AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2026 Quarterly Meetings - 08.13.26
2026-08-13 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 a forum for AIA members to connect directly with LADWP leadership and discuss opportunities and strategies to improve development services.
The schedule for 2026:
Thursday, March 5 (11:30 am – 12:30 pm) – RSVP HERE
Thursday, May 7 (11:30 am – 12:30 pm) – RSVP HERE
Thursday, August 13 (11:30 am – 12:30 pm) – RSVP HERE
Thursday, November 5 (11:30 am – 12:30 pm) – 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.

For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

PRIME 2026 AIA|LA ADVOCACY PRIORITY w/ LADWP:
AIA|LA is requesting LADWP leadership to institute the following protocol, which we believe will substantially improve development services:
To require review/approval of the Service Planner (Office Team) and ESR (Field Team) should occur during the normal Plan Check Period – Avoids delays that happen when approval occurs during construction and when the ESR first sees a project late in the construction process.
MORE CONTEXT:
Powering Progress: How AIA|LA and LADWP Are Redesigning Collaboration
Since 2021, AIA Los Angeles and LADWP have been breaking down silos through a pioneering series of quarterly roundtables. What began as a conversation has evolved into a powerful engine for problem-solving, connecting the architects who envision our city with the utility experts who power it.
The Mission: From Transaction to Trust –
These forums are about more than just permits; they are about building a shared culture of trust and empathy. By aligning the priorities of LADWP personnel with private sector designers, we are testing new methods to tackle Los Angeles’ biggest challenges—from the housing crisis to the urban heat island effect. We recognize that environmental justice, electrification, and urban design are deeply interconnected, requiring a unified approach to infrastructure.
Turning Talk into Action – These quarterly deep-dives allow us to:

Modernize Standards: We are analyzing how equipment size and “cultural habits” regarding utility placement impact the beauty and safety of our streets.
Innovate: From exploring self-certification to piloting new technologies, we are identifying the obstacles that slow down progress.
Benchmark: We are looking at regional best practices to integrate trees and landscaping with utility infrastructure, ensuring a greener public realm.

Real Results: The impact of this partnership is already visible on the ground. Together, we have achieved:

Faster processing for utility permits.
Critical streamlining for Executive Directive 1 (100% Affordable Housing) projects.
Smarter financial solutions, including the amortization of line extensions.
Greater flexibility for construction staging and transformer placement.

A Model for the Future:
We believe this partnership sets the standard for how City departments should engage with the private sector. By celebrating these wins, we hope to show the public that when architects and utilities collaborate, the entire city benefits.

Urban Design Review Session 08.18.26
2026-08-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom
