AIA Los Angeles

Roundtable w/ Osama Younan, P.E.
2025-03-17 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

Urban Design Review Session 03.18.25
2025-03-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom
The 2025 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.
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 Resources Section my be helpful to review in advance to become more familiar with the Urban Design Studio’s three design approaches.

Citywide Design Guidelines
Above-Grade Parking Advisory

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

Signage & Wayfinding Systems in Healthcare
2025-03-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Cedars-Sinai Offices – Designed by ZGF, 6500 Wilshire Blvd 20th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, United States
How do I get there? Where did I park? Can I get there from here? These questions abound in healthcare spaces, especially campuses.
Come spend the evening with our panel discussing how to navigate the intersections of regulatory requirements, design, user needs and donor opportunities.

Got a specific question about signage and wayfinding? Send it along to the chairs and we’ll plan to answer it that night.

MODERATOR

Lydia Dillier, AIA – Senior Architect, Cedars Sinai Facilities, Planning, Design & Construction
Lydia is an Architect with an insatiable curiosity about the world around her. Working in Healthcare brings that curiosity to the forefront, learning about her clients, and the populations they serve. With undergraduate degrees in Sign Language and Biomedical Photography from The Rochester Institute of Technology she took those skills into her Masters program at the University of Oregon for Architecture. She has worked in both southern and northern California, returning to Los Angeles in 2017 and opening the LA Office for Boulder Associates in 2019. Transitioning to the client side in 2024 now working for Cedars Sinai FPD&C furthering the mission of Cedars Sinai.

SPEAKERS

Amber Friedline – Associate Director, Signage and Wayfinding, Cedars-Sinai Health System

As an integral team leader for Cedars-Sinai, one of the largest nonprofit academic medical centers in the U.S., Amber has in-depth knowledge of the complexities surrounding wayfinding for a growing health system. She has planned multimillion-dollar signage systems, successfully integrated a campus-wide digital wayfinding tool in the Cedars-Sinai app and is currently implementing a comprehensive wayfinding and branding redesign effort.
Friedline’s professional background, prior to joining Cedars-Sinai in 2015, was in project management and design planning for an architectural signage company focusing on hospitals nationwide. Working side-by-side with health care leadership, along with her knowledge of fabrication and construction techniques, gives Amber the unique ability to understand the technical side of signage systems and wayfinding placemaking, as well as the patient-focused needs of health care design.

Shel Woermbke – Principal-in-Charge Healthcare Director, SKA Design

Shel Woermbke is the Managing Principal and Healthcare Project Director for SKA Design with over 25 years’ experience in the planning and design field. Prior to joining SKA Design, she was employed by an architecture firm, working on both residential and commercial projects. There she gained valuable experience taking projects from conception through completion.
As Principal-in-Charge and Director of Healthcare on a project, Shel is responsible for the initial review of the project, establishing the project fee, handling all the contract matters, staffing, and also consult regarding design, planning, and permitted matters for all healthcare projects.
Shel has worked on many projects seeking LEED certification and is experienced with incorporating sustainability concepts. Our designs are compliant with Code requirements but also developed to consider the unique needs of people within the healthcare facility.

Hailey Ezekiel – Associate Director, Donor Relations, Adv Development Operations Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Hailey Ezekiel is a seasoned nonprofit professional with over 15 years of experience in the field. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts from the College of Charleston in 2006. Since 2020, she has served as the Associate Director of Donor Relations in Development at Cedars-Sinai, where she plays a key role in donor recognition and stewardship initiatives. Signage has been an integral part of her work throughout her career, allowing her to merge her expertise with donor engagement strategies. She is passionate about the role of signage in creating meaningful donor experiences and enhancing the built environment.

Learning Objectives – AIA CES: 1.5 LU
1. Discuss the importance of early identification of a space’s needs for regulatory signage in a design project.
2. Recall the priorities in signage and wayfinding design along with donor relation needs in design.
3. Explore evolving technology’s effect on signage and wayfinding in healthcare spaces.
4. Describe the creation and maintenance of a system wide signage and wayfinding guideline to create cohesive experiences across locations.

Parking
Parking is available at 6500 Wilshire.
Due to construction in the lot, the only entrance that is open is off of San Vicente Blvd.
You can pull a ticket if the arms are down and proceed to park on levels P3 through P5 of the garage and take the elevator to the Ground floor to check in with security. Parking can be paid for on the 1st floor ticket machine at valet or at the gate arm itself.

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

Urban Design Review Session 04.01.25
2025-04-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom

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.

Design by Diversity: César Pelli Day
2025-04-05 09:00 - 14:00 | Pasadena City College, 1570 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA, 91106
Join us as we celebrate César Pelli, known for designing some of the world’s tallest buildings including 777 Tower in DTLA, for our 2025 Block Party at Pasadena City College! Come to meet hundreds of volunteers from across Los Angeles, including architects, engineers, contractors, designers, and non-profit organizations to learn more about career paths and opportunities.
DxD Day is a once-yearly event that includes a variety of ways to engage, from information on the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry and activity booths to mentoring sessions, exhibitions, speakers, and more. This free event is open to the public and welcomes students of all ages, parents, educators, professionals, and community members.
DxD Day hosts partners from across the fields of architecture, art, design, construction, and engineering, all of whom will have amazing activities for students of all ages! Are you (or your child) a student with unique talents and an interest in any related fields? We have nearly hundreds of volunteers available at the Block Party to share their experiences and perspectives on how to pursue potential AEC career paths.
This event is FREE and open to all!

Women Leading Design: Ghazal Khezri - Sandi Simon Center Tour
2025-04-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Chapman University’s Sandi Simon Center for Dance, 350 N Cypress St, Orange, CA, 92866, United States
Please join us for a tour of Chapman University’s Sandi Simon Center for Dance in Orange, CA. The tour will be led by Ghazal Khezri, AIA, Director at LOHA. The Sandi Simon Center for Dance is an adaptive reuse education and performing arts center at Chapman University that redefines a former orange packing house. LOHA’s adaptive reuse strategy opens the structure with a calculated cut through the original floor, allowing a reorganization into three levels and forming a new circulation through the former packing house. The Sandi Simon Center for Dance houses studio spaces for one-on-one and small groups instruction, performance space for small concerts and master classes, and a faculty studio and offices. The center addresses not only the studio and classroom needs of the dance program, but also provides spaces for students to socially engage as well.
While you are in Orange, CA, you can make a day of it and visit the Hilbert Museum and the Orange County Museum of Art. Both projects were featured in the Women Leading Design Panel at POWERFUL XI!

SPEAKER

Ghazal Khezri, AIA – Director, LOHA

Ghazal Khezri, AIA, is a director at LOHA. She has been practicing for 15 years and led the design team on projects such as Sandi Simon Center for Dance, Esri Campus Center, La Cienega, and 3434 Wesley. She has contributed to a diverse project typology, from cultural institutions, housing, and mixed-use to installations and objects. Ghazal’s design approach leans heavily on finding adventurous solutions responsive to the context, culture, and ecology of the place to bring joy and welcome transformation. Her ongoing interest includes unlocking new possibilities by questioning when to use an existing building instead of building a new one.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

AIA CES: 1.0 LU|HSW Approved
Participants will become familiar with the Sandi Simon Center for Dance, an adaptive reuse education and performing arts center at Chapman University designed by LOHA, that redefines a former orange packing house.
Participants will be able to explain how LOHA’s adaptive reuse strategy opens the structure with a calculated cut through the original floor, allowing a reorganization into three levels and forming a new circulation through the former packing house.
Participants will review the history of the original structure. Originally built as a two-story headquarters for the Santiago Orange Growers Association in 1918, the post and beam heavy timber frame building is representative of the industrial vernacular style of its time. Villa Park Orchards Association took over the building in the late 1960s to expand its operations. Chapman University’s purchase of the building signifies a dedication to the preservation of this local historic landmark.
Participants will explore the Center’s studio spaces for one-on-one and small groups instruction, performance space for small concerts and master classes, and a faculty studio and offices. The center addresses not only the studio and classroom needs of the dance program, but also provides spaces for students to socially engage as well.
Participants will experience the daylighting afforded by the redesign. Entering through the courtyard on the bottom floor, sunlight that was central to the growth of the oranges permeates this entryway arriving at each of the floors and introduces a multi floor atrium in which galleries transition into dance studios and communal spaces transition into classrooms.

PARKING
Street parking is available.

Urban Design Review Session 04.08.25
2025-04-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom

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

1.5°C Symposium 2025
2025-04-18 08:00 - 16:00 | LADWP John Ferraro Building, 111 N Hope St, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
55 Years of Earth Day: Where Do We Stand?
On Friday April 18th, 2025, we are excited to host the 8th annual 1.5°C Symposium on Climate Change in Los Angeles, CA. This year’s Symposium, organized by the AIA Los Angeles’s Committee on the Environment, celebrates the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. This important milestone presents a unique opportunity for reflection, allowing us to evaluate the tangible outcomes that have emerged from the environmental movement, while simultaneously envisioning the future trajectory for our planet as we continue to develop creative solutions in the fight against climate change.
The Lunch Think Sessions at AIA LA’s 1.5°C Symposium provide an intimate setting for open-ended discussions led by experts in sustainability, resilience, and design innovation. Each table offers 10-12 attendees the opportunity to engage with a thought leader, diving into critical topics without rigid agendas—allowing conversations to flow organically and spark new ideas.
This year’s sessions will emphasize resilient design strategies, climate adaptation, and the role of architects in creating solutions that not only mitigate climate impacts but also protect vulnerable communities. Join us for an inspiring exchange of ideas and actionable insights.

SAC Health Brier Campus Tour
2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00 | SAC Health Brier Medical, 1003 E. Brier Drive, San Bernardino, CA, 92408, United States
SAC Health Brier Medical is a new 280,000 SF five-story adaptive reuse outpatient facility in San Bernardino, CA.
As the nation’s largest specialty-based and teaching health center, SAC Health is committed to providing health equity for underserved populations. The mission of the SAC Health System is to provide vulnerable populations with an environment for patient healing and community empowerment. Recently completed phase-1 scope of the project includes 6 primary and specialty clinics, a school of dentistry, after hours clinic with Imaging services as well as community resource center to provide free counseling and support services for the local community.
SAC Health Brier Project employed a unique approach to minimizing carbon footprint during construction. The original structure was designed as a bank call center with a raised floor system. The owner and project team’s goal were to minimize intervention and alteration of the existing structure and utilize the existing structure and systems to their full capacity. As a result, the team came up with solutions to maintain existing systems and reuse the core and shell of the building without significant alterations.

Learning Objectives
AIA CES: 2 LU|HSW
Adaptive Reuse in Healthcare Design – Participants will examine how the SAC Health Brier Medical project successfully transformed a former bank call center into a state-of-the-art outpatient medical facility, maximizing the use of existing infrastructure while minimizing costly structural modifications.
Environmental and Sustainability Benefits – Participants will explore how the project’s adaptive reuse approach significantly reduced its carbon footprint by preserving key building components, optimizing existing systems, and employing sustainable construction practices.
Advancing Health Equity for Underserved Populations – Participants will be able to explain how SAC Health’s mission-driven approach provides best-in-class specialty and primary care services to vulnerable communities, integrating innovative solutions for accessibility and comprehensive patient support.
Specialty and Teaching Institution Design Considerations – Participants will become familiar with the unique facility requirements of a specialty-based teaching health center, including the integration of medical training spaces, advanced imaging services, and a dental school within a multidisciplinary outpatient setting.

Location & Parking Info
Locations for carpooling from LA will be sent with the event confirmation email-
Please email ken@lightbuilddesign.com if you volunteer to drive.
Parking info forthcoming.

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

Healing the Heart of LA Exhibition Opening Reception
2025-04-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Center for Communities, 4450 West Adams, Los Angeles, CA, 90016
Cost: $25. Ticket purchase here: Healing the Heart of LA. Proceeds support FORT: LA.

Healing the Heart of LA Exhibition Opening Reception

FORT: LA’s Healing the Heart of LA Design Competition invited architects and designers to reimagine one or more of Los Angeles’ historically, culturally, and beloved public or semi-public sites that were lost in the recent LA Fires. Sites include Altadena’s Bunny Museum, Scripps Hall and Park Planned Homes by Gregory Ain, Pacific Palisades’ Will Rogers Ranch House, Business Block and Corpus Christi Church, and Malibu’s Reel Inn, Moonshadows and Feed Bin, among others.

Join FORT: LA, ACLA and AIA|LA on April 25th for an evening of inspiring design celebrating the competition entrants and winner. The night will include light bites and specialty cocktails, such as The Heartitecture Highball and The Fortitude Tonic.

Cost: $25. Ticket purchase here: Healing the Heart of LA. Proceeds support FORT: LA.

When: April 25th 6:00–8:00 PM

Where: Center for Communities, 4450 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016

Cost: $25. Ticket purchase here: Healing the Heart of LA. Proceeds support FORT: LA.

Exhibition Dates: April 25-May 1

More info: https://www.fortla.org/healing-the-heart-of-la/ or ac-la.org.

Urban Design Review Session 05.06.25
2025-05-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom

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.

AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Lori R. Gay - President & CEO, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County (NHS)
2025-05-09 08:00 - 09:30 | Cuningham, 3834 Willat Avenue, Culver City, CA, 90232, United States
AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Lori R. Gay – President & CEO, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County (NHS)
2025 City Leaders Breakfast Series Presented By:
The 2025 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.

Lori R. Gay – President & CEO, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County (NHS)
Lori R. Gay is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County (NHS), a non-profit lender, developer, and neighborhood revitalization corporation. She has worked in the community development field for over 30 years, focusing her efforts on rebuilding impoverished communities and creating mechanisms for community empowerment and ownership. She is a member of the NeighborWorks® National Community Initiatives Advisory Committee, Chair of the African Diaspora, and a member of several bank advisory councils. Some of her activities have included serving as Chair of the California Organized Investment Network (COIN), former board member of the National NeighborWorks® Association, the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Los Angeles Branch. Ms. Gay has worked for NHS since 1990, holds an MBA degree from Pepperdine University, and a B.S. degree in Development, Resource and Consumer Economics from the University of California at Davis. She is a licensed minister, married to Bob Gay, and mother of five children.
Since 1984, NHS has developed and rehabilitated more than 21,260 housing and commercial units, placed 4.4 million families on the road to homeownership, created 225 block clubs, employed over 233 neighborhood youth, and invested more than $5.35 billion back into some of Los Angeles County’s toughest neighborhoods. NHS protects more than $2.2 billion of home values annually through its loss mitigation, preservation, and counseling work.
This Reception is Hosted By:

2025 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series Presented By:

ADA Seminar: Stepping Thru the Existing Building – Access Within & Without
2025-05-09 09:30 - 15:30 | Center for Communities, 4450 West Adams, Los Angeles, CA, 90016
IMPORTANT: You must be present for the entire seminar in order to receive AIA and California MCE credit.
ADA Seminar: Stepping Thru The Existing Building – Access Within & Without

presented by Janis Kent, FAIA, CASp,
Stepping Thru Accessibility
The nature of our practice has changed with a higher proportion of renovation and re-use. Under the ADA Standards there are differing requirements for new construction versus alteration. Since these are federal laws local public agencies can only offer limited direction. We will review criteria for existing facilities in regards to scoping to acquire a better understanding of the implications of the law and how it applies, as well as cover a range of concepts such as Title II vs Title III entities, Program Accessibility vs Barrier Removal, Proportional Spending, Safe Harbor, and Path of Travel obligations.
SUMMARY
An in-depth look for implementing ADAS on existing projects whether or not construction is actually scheduled – including alteration requirements for public facilities and places of public accommodation from Program Accessibility to Barrier Removal.
Learning Units: Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) on ADA for California licensees
AIA CES: Applied For
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Understand differences between Public Facilities and Places of Public Accommodation
• Review the distinctions between Program Accessibility vs Barrier Removal and their impact
• Learn about Proportional Spending and Disproportionality with its application to Path of Travel requirements
• Overview Safe Harbor and when it can or can not be applied to existing elements
This seminar takes place IN PERSON on Friday May 9 from 9:30am to 3:30pm at the AIA|LA and ACLA Center for Communities Los Angeles, 4450 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles 90016.
The training is five hours with an hour break. Lunch suggestions will be shared closer to the date.
Registrants will receive a PDF of the seminar notes to download or print in advance of the program.
REGISTRATION FEE:
AIA Members: $125 per person
Nonmembers: $195 per person
PRESENTER:
Janis Kent, FAIA, CASp
Stepping Thru Accessibility

Janis Kent, FAIA, CASp is principal of Stepping Thru Accessibility and the Founding President of the Certified Access Specialist Institute (CASI). She has given presentations on Accessibility at numerous venues from Dwell On Design in Los Angeles, to Design DC in Washington, at the National ADA Symposium in Texas and Georgia, and the National AIA Conventions in Boston, New York City, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chicago, New Orleans, Orlando, and Las Vegas. Her most-recent book, published by Wiley – ‘ADA in Details – Interpreting the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design’ came out in 2017, with the 2nd edition in 2023, which has been expanded and updated to include the 2021 IBC and the 2017 ICC A117.1, all integrated and color-coded.
Ms. Kent is designated a Subject Matter Expert (SME) by the California Division of the State Architect, a Certified Access Specialist, and serves on the committee to develop the California state CASp exams. She has conducted seminars for the Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior, and Residential Design and has presented to business associations including AIA Chapters, California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA), US Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), Manufactured Housing Educational Trust (MHET), California Public Parking Association (CPPA), the Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing (SCANPH), the University of California – Construction Services, the California State University – Capital Planning Design and Construction, Construction Specifications Institute (CSI-LA), the ICC Orange Empire Chapter, and the CSI National Convention – Construct, and the California Division of the State Architect (DSA).
Ms. Kent is a licensed California Architect, and has been involved in the specialized field of Accessibility since the mid-1980’s. Aside from training, building review, and drawing review, she also serves as an expert witness. She has managed a wide range of architectural projects, surveyed numerous facilities for accessibility compliance, and provided quality control and property assessments on access throughout the country and abroad. And has recently been appointed to the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) Accessibility Code Advisory Committee.

Urban Design Review Session 05.13.25
2025-05-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual on Zoom

High-Performing Prefabricated Building Solutions - A Deep Dive into Long-Term Durability
2025-05-14 08:00 - 09:00 | Virtual on Zoom
EVENT DETAILS
This presentation explores the latest advancements of high-performance prefabricated building envelopes and structural precast concrete. Attendees will gain insights into seismic design safety, versatility, energy performance, and long-term building durability. Additionally, the session will enhance attendees understanding of designing for prefabrication and integrating multiple scopes into one solution manufactured offsite.

Note: This is a virtual event. All registrants will be sent a Zoom Link 24 hours prior to the event in the “Event Confirmation” email.

SPEAKER

Vince Polhemus – Associate Director of Pre-construction, Clark Pacific
Vincent Polhemus is an Associate Director, Pre-construction, Facades at Clark Pacific based in West Sacramento, California. Previously, Vincent was a Senior Business Development Manager at Clark Pacific and also held positions at Walters & Wolf, Related. Vincent received a Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Irvine and a Master of Business Administration from University of California, Riverside.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
AIA CES: Submitted for Approval
1: Participants will learn how prefabricated concrete structures offer a unique and powerful opportunity to design for fire, wind, and storm resistance.
2: Participants will understand the fundamentals of radiant heating & cooling, the array of energy and thermal comfort benefits, as well as the health benefits of a 100% outside air system.
3: Understand how components of the Precast Hybrid Moment Frame can be integrated and designed into multi-use and commercial buildings to provide life safety to occupants and keep the building safe during a seismic event; in addition, understand how its enhanced seismic performance will allow it to be re-occupied immediately after an event.
4: Explain what prefabricated building envelopes and structural precast concrete is and how it enables design and construction efficiencies as well as dive into cement replacement strategies for reduced embodied carbon and operational carbon.

PRESENTATION LINK
Click here for the PDF Presentation.

YOUTUBE PRESENTATION
Click here to watch the presentation.

CLARK PACIFIC PRODUCT LINK
Click here to view Clark Pacific Products.

*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.*

SPRING ARCH TOUR FEST: Corazón del Valle (CDV)
2025-05-15 10:00 - 11:30 | Corazón del Valle (CDV), 14545 Lanark Street, Panorama City, CA, 91402
Photo Credit: Paul Vu
Spring ARCH TOUR FEST: Corazón del Valle (CDV)
Corazón del Valle stands as a transformative model for affordable housing in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Completed in 2024, this development offers 180 thoughtfully designed apartments, including studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Half of these homes are dedicated to permanent supportive housing for individuals and families transitioning from homelessness, while the remaining units provide affordable housing for low-income households.
Tour Led by:

Cristian Ahumada, Executive Director
Cristian was born in Chile and came to the U.S. in the late 1970s. His passion lies in the evolution of cities, community building, integration of individuals of all socio-economic strata, sustainability, environmental resiliency, racial equity and ending homelessness. Cristian’s primary goal today is to advance new, faster, and more economic models of housing that do not rely on the utilization of Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). Over the last 20 years, he has overseen the development of more than 2000 affordable apartment units, primarily apartments with support services for people who have experienced homelessness, and households with special needs. During his tenure at Holos Communities, previously Clifford Beers Housing, Cristian has successfully transitioned the organization from the parent company, Mental Health America of Los Angeles, into an independent and strong housing developer, diversified the organization’s income stream, and created a new non-LIHTC department to bifurcate housing production in addition to growing the LIHTC team. Holos creates new, holistic paths for developing communities as living ecosystems. These paths will advance solutions for the multiplicity of challenges ahead — the homeless and housing crisis, global warming, racial and environmental inequity, and the displacement of small and BIPOC-owned businesses. He believes that for too long we have attempted to resolve these issues through disparate strategies and mutually exclusive solutions and this new approach will solve for these challenges together because they are all inherently inter-connected. Cristian graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, with a degree in Urban and Regional Planning. He loves to spend time with his son, Diego, train Tae Kwon Do, play chess, garden, barbeque, and look for UFOs.
Matt Schauer, Director of Real Estate Development
Matt has two primary passions in life: to be in service of others and to improve our tools for better outcomes. In affordable housing development, he has brought those passions together to develop 900 new homes for low-income and formerly unhoused families. He has acquired sites on city, county, and state-owned land valued at $9 million; secured $130 million in 9% and 4% tax credit equity, $365 million in public capital and operating subsidies, and $9 million in grants; constructed buildings utilizing shipping containers, wood, and steel framing; rehabilitated former hotels and single-family homes; developed parks alongside housing; and seeks to incorporate sustainable features in every building, whether it’s reusing greywater for irrigation of edible landscaping to combat food insecurity, disconnecting a building from the power grid by being zero net energy in operations, or reducing a building’s carbon footprint through the elimination of one of the 21st century economy’s most ubiquitous materials: cement. Prior to joining Holos, Matt worked in microfinance providing financial services to the unbanked in rural China.

Architect: Perkins&Will

Building Credits:
GC – Alpha Construction
AIA CES: 1.0 LU|HSW Approved
Learning Units

Analyze how the project integrates passive design strategies, such as cross-ventilation and courtyard landscaping, to enhance thermal comfort and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.
Evaluate the role of on-site renewable energy systems, including solar panels and battery storage, in improving energy efficiency and resilience in affordable housing developments.
Examine how Corazón del Valle’s greywater recycling system supports sustainable irrigation practices and contributes to water conservation in a drought-prone region.
Discuss the integration of permanent supportive housing with wraparound services, such as the on-site health clinic, to address both housing insecurity and healthcare access.
Identify key design elements that promote community well-being, including accessible open spaces, pedestrian connectivity, and proximity to public transit.
Assess how community engagement shaped the project’s density and land use decisions, highlighting how local support for increased housing near transit can counter typical resistance to density in Los Angeles.

SPRING ARCH TOUR FEST: The Ayzenberg Group
2025-05-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Ayzenberg Group, 49 East Walnut, Pasadena, CA, 91103
Photo Credit: Steve King Architectural Photography
Spring ARCH TOUR FEST: The Ayzenberg Group
Information regarding the tour will be emailed directly to registrants 24 hours before the event.
A common problem for multi-faceted creative advertising agencies is that staff and workgroups can easily become isolated into workplace islands of specialization. This problem increases when the organization occupies multiple floors in a single building. In this case, the agency grew by acquiring adjacent buildings that became available over the last eight years. Spatial integration between existing and new buildings and through multiple floors to make the workplace feel as one and encourage collaboration is truly a three-dimensional problem.
This project involves the renovation of a two-story, 12,400 SF building and addition of a three-story, 9,200 SF building that then interconnects with three-story and one-story buildings. To address the visual interconnection between floors, a shaft of space runs diagonally from the first level gathering space to a large light monitor at the third level, framing a view of the sky and visually uniting the three-level workspace as one. Between the new and existing buildings and within the new building itself, circulation loops functionally tie common spaces together.
Axial, oblique, and diagonal sightlines, some that coincide with circulation pathways, help weave space, light, and movement together, creating constant awareness of spaces beyond the space one occupies. This simultaneity lends the project a palpable rhythm of space and activity, where larger, scheduled meetings and impromptu discussions occur at once within the workplace visual field without compromising privacy and workgroup activity.
Tour Led by:
Rick Corsini, AIA
Rick Corsini, AIA was born in Los Angeles and received his Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University and his Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona. In addition to over 25 years of professional practice, Rick has held faculty appointments at schools of architecture including Cal Poly Pomona, Woodbury University, and the University of Southern California.

Architect: Corsini Stark Architects

AIA CES: 1.0 LU Approved
Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will analyze how spatial configuration and non-orthogonal geometry can foster collaboration and creative interaction in workplace environments.
2. Participants will evaluate the use of faceted geometry and angular architectural elements to manipulate sight lines, daylight, and spatial perception for enhanced video editing workflows.
3. Participants will examine strategies for integrating new architectural expressions into existing structures, focusing on material contrast, cohesion, and experiential continuity.
4. Participants will explore the role of acoustical design, including surfaces and materials, in supporting critique-based workflows and informal team engagement.
5. Participants will assess how flexible and adaptive workspace design can meet the evolving needs of creative industries, particularly those focused on media and video production.

Parking information:
Park & Walk at Old Pasadena: 171 N Raymond (right around the corner form the site)

SPRING ARCH TOUR FEST: Adaptive Reuse Downtown With KFA
2025-05-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Old Bank, 400 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90013​
Photo Credit: Jim Simmons Photography
Spring ARCH TOUR FEST: Adaptive Reuse in Downtown Los Angeles with KFA
Information regarding the tour will be emailed directly to registrants 24 hours before the event.
KFA Architecture is presenting a 90-minute walking tour showcasing the transformation of historic buildings into vibrant housing, hospitality, and commercial spaces in Downtown Los Angeles. This tour will provide insight into the challenges and strategies involved in adaptive reuse while exploring some of KFA’s most notable projects.
KFA has been a leader in revitalizing the city’s historic core since spearheading the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance. With over 60 adaptive reuse projects completed, the firm continues to find new opportunities to reimagine existing buildings for modern use. Tour attendees will see firsthand how KFA integrates contemporary needs with historic preservation, addressing structural, accessibility, and sustainability considerations.
This tour is designed for both emerging professionals and seasoned architects interested in urban revitalization, preservation, and housing solutions.
Prior to the tour, attendees will be invited to a virtual presentation covering project histories, design strategies, and key lessons, allowing for a deeper discussion when on-site.
Tour Led by:
Tarrah Beebe, AIA, Senior Associate, KFA Architecture
Tarrah Beebe joined KFA in 2005 after earning her degree from USC and was promoted to Senior Associate in 2018. Her work focuses on community-based and hospitality projects, with extensive experience in adaptive reuse and historic renovations. Tarrah collaborates closely with clients, aligning with their vision to navigate the complexities of design and construction. Her adaptive reuse portfolio includes projects such as the Freehand LA Hotel, Soho Warehouse, and The Graduate Hotel in Seattle, where she has played a key role in restoring and transforming historic buildings for new uses. She values the challenge of integrating contemporary functionality while preserving architectural character.
Tarrah’s experience extends to educational environments, where she has worked with universities and schools to develop strong programming and thoughtful design solutions. She enjoys working with diverse stakeholders to create spaces that are both practical and enduring. Originally from Boston’s historic Charlestown neighborhood, Tarrah studied urban design in Tanzania as a Fulbright scholar. She has also taught in USC’s Building Science program and has coached club volleyball in Santa Monica for over a decade. Her collaborative approach and passion for adaptive reuse continue to shape meaningful projects at KFA.
Karen Filippe, AIA, Senior Associate, KFA Architecture
Karen Filippe is a Senior Associate at KFA with experience in both new construction and adaptive reuse projects throughout Los Angeles. A native Angeleno with a background in art history, she approaches design with an awareness of site context and architectural legacy. After earning her graduate degree from SCI-Arc, Karen began her career at Gehry Technologies, developing expertise in BIM modeling for large-scale international projects.
Karen has managed a variety of housing projects, including hospitality and affordable housing. Her adaptive reuse experience includes the NoMad Hotel LA and The Laurel Apartments, where she has worked to integrate contemporary uses into existing structures while respecting their original character.
Karen values collaboration throughout the design process and sees adaptive reuse as an opportunity to contribute to the evolving identity of Los Angeles. She is committed to projects that enhance the city’s built environment and looks forward to continuing KFA’s work in shaping thoughtful, context-driven spaces.
In addition to discussing project details, Tarrah and Karen will share how their experience with adaptive reuse has shaped their careers and leadership in the field.
Addresses, Parking, and Itinerary:
Please Park around the Old Bank District, where the tour will start.
Old Bank District: 400 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013​
– Exterior of Hellman Building, San Fernando Building, and Continental Building. Inside Old Bank or San Fernando Building.
Rowan Building: 460 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
– Exterior view and lobby.
Spring Arcade Building: 541 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013​
– Exterior views.
The Chapman Flats: 756 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014 ​
– Exterior and Lobby
Eastern Columbia Lofts: 849 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014 ​
– Exterior and Lobby
Freehand LA Hotel: 416 W. 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014 ​
– Exterior and Lobby
Hotel Per LA: 649 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
– Exterior, lobby, vault bathrooms, mezzanine

Project Credits and Descriptions
OLD BANK DISTRICT – Three Buildings

Hellman Building
Original Architect: Alfred F. Rosenheim
Construction Date: 1903–1904
Adaptive Reuse Developer: Tom Gilmore (Gilmore Associates)
Adaptive Reuse Completion: 2000
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects
Area: 196,200 SF | Units: 110
Description: Originally designed by Alfred F. Rosenheim and completed in 1904, the Hellman Building was one of Los Angeles’ earliest steel-frame commercial buildings. Located at the corner of 4th and Main, it features Beaux-Arts detailing, a green terra cotta façade, and expansive street-level windows. In 2000, the building was adaptively reused by Gilmore Associates in partnership with KFA, transforming it into 108 loft-style residential units above active ground-floor retail. Today, the building anchors the Old Bank District and serves as a case study in the thoughtful preservation and reuse of early 20th-century commercial architecture.

San Fernando Building
Original Architects: John F. Blee (1907); Robert Brown Young & Son (1911 additions)
Construction Dates: 1907 (initial six stories); 1911 (additional two stories)
Adaptive Reuse Developer: Tom Gilmore (Gilmore Associates)
Adaptive Reuse Completion: 2000
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects
Area: 126,325 SF | Units: 70
Description: The San Fernando Building, located at 400 S. Main Street in Downtown Los Angeles, was originally constructed in 1907 with an expansion in 1911, designed by architects John F. Blee and Robert Brown Young & Son. Exemplifying Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, the building features a grand lobby with 22-foot ceilings and intricate cornice detailing. In 2000, KFA collaborated with Gilmore Associates to adaptively reuse the structure, converting it into 70 loft-style apartments while preserving its historic character. Today, the building functions as a mixed-use property, offering residential lofts above ground-floor retail spaces.

Continental Building (formerly Braly Block)
Original Architect: John Parkinson
Construction Date: 1904
Adaptive Reuse Developer: Tom Gilmore (Gilmore Associates)
Adaptive Reuse Completion: 2000
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects
Area: 90,950 SF | Units: 57
Description: Designed by John Parkinson and completed in 1904, the Continental Building was Los Angeles’ first skyscraper, rising 12 stories and establishing a new vertical scale for the city. The Beaux-Arts façade features terra cotta ornamentation and classical proportions that reflect the building’s early 20th-century commercial origins. Killefer Flammang Architects led the adaptive reuse effort with Gilmore Associates in 2000, converting the historic structure into 56 loft-style apartments while maintaining its architectural integrity. Today, the building is part of the Old Bank District and continues to serve as a residential community with active ground-floor retail.

Rowan Building – 460 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
Original Architects: John Parkinson and G. Edwin Bergstrom
Construction Dates: 1911–1912
Original Developer: Robert A. Rowan, Sr., R.A. Rowan & Company
Original Use: Office building housing law offices and brokerage firms
Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts and Classical Revival
Adaptive Reuse Developer: Downtown Properties, Goodwin Gaw
Project Consultant: Tom Gilmore, Gilmore Associates
Adaptive Reuse Completion: 2008
Adaptive Reuse Architects of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects
General Contractor: City Constructors, Inc.
Interior Designer: Dodd Mitchell Design
Area: 280,300 SF | Units: 206
Description: The Rowan Building, situated at 460 S. Spring Street in Downtown Los Angeles, was originally constructed in 1912 and designed by architects John Parkinson and G. Edwin Bergstrom. This Beaux-Arts structure was adaptively reused in 2008, converting it into 206 live/work condominium units while preserving its historic features such as exposed brick walls and mahogany-framed windows. The building now offers residents amenities including a landscaped outdoor patio with hot and cold plunge pools, a resident lounge, and proximity to Spring Street Park.

Spring Arcade Building (Broadway-Spring Arcade)
Original Architects: Kenneth A. MacDonald Jr. and Maurice C. Couchot
Construction Period: 1922–1924
Original Developer: Mercantile Arcade Realty Company, led by A.C. Blumenthal
Architectural Style: Spanish Renaissance and Beaux Arts
Adaptive Reuse Developer: Joseph Hellen (Hellen Investments)
Adaptive Reuse Completion: 2010
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects
General Contractor: MDM Builders Group
Area: 229,628 SF | Units: 142
Description: The Spring Arcade Building, located at 541 S. Spring Street in Downtown Los Angeles, was originally completed in 1924 and designed by architects Kenneth MacDonald and Maurice Couchot. This 12-story structure comprises two towers connected by a three-level, skylit arcade inspired by London’s Burlington Arcade, creating a pedestrian passage between Spring Street and Broadway. In 2010, the building underwent an adaptive reuse transformation, converting it into 142 residential units while preserving its historic architectural elements. Today, it functions as a mixed-use property, featuring residential lofts above ground-floor retail spaces.

The Chapman building photographed for Killefer Flammang Architects.

Chapman Lofts – 756 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
Original Architect: Ernest McConnell
Construction Date: 1912
Original Use: Office building
Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts
Adaptive Reuse Developer: Heritage Group Development
Adaptive Reuse Completion: 2008
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects
General Contractor: MDM Builders Group
Area: 174,000 SF | Units: 168
Description: The Chapman Lofts, located at 756 S. Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles, is a 13-story Beaux-Arts building originally constructed in 1912. The adaptive reuse project, completed in 2007, transformed the historic structure into 168 residential units while preserving its architectural character. Today, the building functions as a mixed-use property, featuring residential lofts above ground-floor retail spaces that contribute to the area’s vibrant urban environment.

Eastern Columbia Building – 849 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
Original Architect: Claud Beelman of the firm Curlett & Beelman
Construction Dates: Built in 1930; opened on September 12, 1930
Original Use: Headquarters and flagship store for the Eastern Outfitting Company and Columbia Outfitting Company
Architectural Style: Art Deco
General Contractor: J.V. McNeil Company
Adaptive Reuse Developer: The Kor Group
Adaptive Reuse Completion: 2006
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects
Interior Designer: Kelly Wearstler Interior Design
Area: 270,000 SF | Units: 147
Description: The Eastern Columbia, a magnificent blue-green terra cotta building and downtown landmark, has been transformed from a long-abandoned clothing warehouse into condominiums. Located at 9th Street and Broadway, the project provides 147 light-filled flexible lofts from 880 SF to 3,200 SF. Concrete floors and ceilings up to 14 feet high are offered in a variety of unit types, including two-story units with private decks, three-story units, and a spectacular fourstory unit. The north and west facades now showcase newly installed windows
and balconies that seamlessly blend with the building’s historic character. The main lobby entrance off Broadway remains, grounded by the original restored terrazzo sidewalk and entryway, and a new landscaped court provides access from the parking area. A rooftop leisure terrace, under the famous Eastern clock tower, offers a fitness center, a pool, a spa, a sun deck and an outdoor fireplace.

Commercial Exchange Building / Freehand Los Angeles Hotel
Original Architects: Albert R. Walker and Percy A. Eisen (Walker & Eisen)
Construction Date: Completed in 1924
Original Use: Office building with ground-floor retail
Architectural Style: Renaissance Revival with Beaux-Arts influences
Original Developer: Rudolph Rosenberg of the Eighth and Olive Holding Company
Original General Contractor: William Simpson Construction Company
Adaptive Reuse Developer: The Sydell Group
Adaptive Reuse Completion: June 2017
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects (KFA)
Interior Designer: Roman and Williams
Area: 116,230 SF | Keys: 226
Description: Freehand LA is the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the Commercial Exchange Building into New York-based Sydell Group’s boutique hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. A 226-unit hotel with a range of room types from standard king rooms to rooms that accommodate up to 8 bunks, the project caters to group, international, and youth travelers. It includes a ground floor restaurant and three bars, including one on the rooftop pool deck.

Bank of Italy Building / Giannini Place / Hotel Per La
Original Architect: Morgan, Walls & Clements
Construction Date: Completed in 1922; dedicated in 1923
Original Developer: Bank of Italy (founded by Amadeo P. Giannini)
Original Use: Los Angeles headquarters for the Bank of Italy, a predecessor to Bank of America
Architectural Style: Neoclassical, featuring Doric columns, ornate golden-coffered ceilings, marble floors, and bronze doors adorned with terra cotta medallions depicting American coins

Adaptive Reuse: NoMad Hotel (2015–2018)
Adaptive Reuse Developer: Sydell Group
Adaptive Reuse Completion: January 2018
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects (KFA)
General Contractor: Shangri-La Construction
Restoration Contractor: Spectra Company
Interior Designer: Jacques Garcia

Hotel Per La (2022–Present)
Rebranding and Reopening: Following the closure of the NoMad Hotel in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the property was reimagined and reopened as Hotel Per La in 2022
Area: 165,169 SF | Keys: 241
Description: The 1922 Bank of Italy building in Downtown LA was transformed by Sydell Group into a luxury hotel with thoughtfully curated amenity spaces. The former bank lobby now serves as the hotel’s main restaurant and bar, while the rooftop offers a pool and event space. This project played a pivotal role in revitalizing the 7th Street corridor as a destination for dining, hospitality, and entertainment.

Learning Objectives

Examine the role of adaptive reuse in urban revitalization, including how repurposing existing structures supports sustainability by reducing demolition waste and embodied carbon.
Analyze the challenges of updating historic buildings to meet modern building codes, accessibility standards, and energy efficiency requirements while maintaining their architectural integrity.
Identify key design strategies used in adaptive reuse projects to enhance occupant health, safety, and comfort, such as improved daylighting, ventilation, and seismic retrofitting.
Compare the preservation strategies applied to historic buildings with new construction methods to understand how adaptive reuse balances contemporary functionality with historic character.
Discuss the collaborative process among architects, developers, preservationists, and city officials in navigating regulatory approvals and incentives for adaptive reuse projects.
Evaluate the long-term impacts of adaptive reuse on urban density, housing affordability, and economic development in Downtown Los Angeles.

Parking Information:
Attendees will need to arrange their own transportation and parking in Downtown Los Angeles. It is suggested that attendees park near the first or last stop on the tour.
Old Bank District: 400 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013​
or
Hotel Per LA: 649 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
There are multiple paid parking lots available along the tour route. We also encourage the use of public transportation, as there is a Metro stop near the first stop in the Old Bank District and another near the final stop at Hotel Per La. Additionally, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are convenient options for those who prefer not to drive or park in the area.

SPRING ARCH TOUR FEST: Adaptive Reuse Downtown With KFA - Tour 2
2025-05-15 13:30 - 15:30 | Old Bank, 400 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90013​
Photo Credit: Jim Simmons Photography
Spring ARCH TOUR FEST: Adaptive Reuse in Downtown Los Angeles with KFA – Tour 2
Information regarding the tour will be emailed directly to registrants 24 hours before the event.
KFA Architecture is presenting a 90-minute walking tour showcasing the transformation of historic buildings into vibrant housing, hospitality, and commercial spaces in Downtown Los Angeles. This tour will provide insight into the challenges and strategies involved in adaptive reuse while exploring some of KFA’s most notable projects.
KFA has been a leader in revitalizing the city’s historic core since spearheading the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance. With over 60 adaptive reuse projects completed, the firm continues to find new opportunities to reimagine existing buildings for modern use. Tour attendees will see firsthand how KFA integrates contemporary needs with historic preservation, addressing structural, accessibility, and sustainability considerations.
This tour is designed for both emerging professionals and seasoned architects interested in urban revitalization, preservation, and housing solutions.
Prior to the tour, attendees will be invited to a virtual presentation covering project histories, design strategies, and key lessons, allowing for a deeper discussion when on-site.
Tour Led by:
Tarrah Beebe, AIA, Senior Associate, KFA Architecture
Tarrah Beebe joined KFA in 2005 after earning her degree from USC and was promoted to Senior Associate in 2018. Her work focuses on community-based and hospitality projects, with extensive experience in adaptive reuse and historic renovations. Tarrah collaborates closely with clients, aligning with their vision to navigate the complexities of design and construction. Her adaptive reuse portfolio includes projects such as the Freehand LA Hotel, Soho Warehouse, and The Graduate Hotel in Seattle, where she has played a key role in restoring and transforming historic buildings for new uses. She values the challenge of integrating contemporary functionality while preserving architectural character.
Tarrah’s experience extends to educational environments, where she has worked with universities and schools to develop strong programming and thoughtful design solutions. She enjoys working with diverse stakeholders to create spaces that are both practical and enduring. Originally from Boston’s historic Charlestown neighborhood, Tarrah studied urban design in Tanzania as a Fulbright scholar. She has also taught in USC’s Building Science program and has coached club volleyball in Santa Monica for over a decade. Her collaborative approach and passion for adaptive reuse continue to shape meaningful projects at KFA.
Karen Filippe, AIA, Senior Associate, KFA Architecture
Karen Filippe is a Senior Associate at KFA with experience in both new construction and adaptive reuse projects throughout Los Angeles. A native Angeleno with a background in art history, she approaches design with an awareness of site context and architectural legacy. After earning her graduate degree from SCI-Arc, Karen began her career at Gehry Technologies, developing expertise in BIM modeling for large-scale international projects.
Karen has managed a variety of housing projects, including hospitality and affordable housing. Her adaptive reuse experience includes the NoMad Hotel LA and The Laurel Apartments, where she has worked to integrate contemporary uses into existing structures while respecting their original character.
Karen values collaboration throughout the design process and sees adaptive reuse as an opportunity to contribute to the evolving identity of Los Angeles. She is committed to projects that enhance the city’s built environment and looks forward to continuing KFA’s work in shaping thoughtful, context-driven spaces.
In addition to discussing project details, Tarrah and Karen will share how their experience with adaptive reuse has shaped their careers and leadership in the field.
Addresses, Parking, and Itinerary:
Please Park around the Old Bank District, where the tour will start.
Old Bank District: 400 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013​
– Exterior of Hellman Building, San Fernando Building, and Continental Building. Inside Old Bank or San Fernando Building.
Rowan Building: 460 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
– Exterior view and lobby.
Spring Arcade Building: 541 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013​
– Exterior views.
The Chapman Flats: 756 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014 ​
– Exterior and Lobby
Eastern Columbia Lofts: 849 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014 ​
– Exterior and Lobby
Freehand LA Hotel: 416 W. 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014 ​
– Exterior and Lobby
Hotel Per LA: 649 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
– Exterior, lobby, vault bathrooms, mezzanine

Project Credits and Descriptions
OLD BANK DISTRICT – Three Buildings

Hellman Building
Original Architect: Alfred F. Rosenheim
Construction Date: 1903–1904
Adaptive Reuse Developer: Tom Gilmore (Gilmore Associates)
Adaptive Reuse Completion: 2000
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects
Area: 196,200 SF | Units: 110
Description: Originally designed by Alfred F. Rosenheim and completed in 1904, the Hellman Building was one of Los Angeles’ earliest steel-frame commercial buildings. Located at the corner of 4th and Main, it features Beaux-Arts detailing, a green terra cotta façade, and expansive street-level windows. In 2000, the building was adaptively reused by Gilmore Associates in partnership with KFA, transforming it into 108 loft-style residential units above active ground-floor retail. Today, the building anchors the Old Bank District and serves as a case study in the thoughtful preservation and reuse of early 20th-century commercial architecture.

San Fernando Building
Original Architects: John F. Blee (1907); Robert Brown Young & Son (1911 additions)
Construction Dates: 1907 (initial six stories); 1911 (additional two stories)
Adaptive Reuse Developer: Tom Gilmore (Gilmore Associates)
Adaptive Reuse Completion: 2000
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects
Area: 126,325 SF | Units: 70
Description: The San Fernando Building, located at 400 S. Main Street in Downtown Los Angeles, was originally constructed in 1907 with an expansion in 1911, designed by architects John F. Blee and Robert Brown Young & Son. Exemplifying Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, the building features a grand lobby with 22-foot ceilings and intricate cornice detailing. In 2000, KFA collaborated with Gilmore Associates to adaptively reuse the structure, converting it into 70 loft-style apartments while preserving its historic character. Today, the building functions as a mixed-use property, offering residential lofts above ground-floor retail spaces.

Continental Building (formerly Braly Block)
Original Architect: John Parkinson
Construction Date: 1904
Adaptive Reuse Developer: Tom Gilmore (Gilmore Associates)
Adaptive Reuse Completion: 2000
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects
Area: 90,950 SF | Units: 57
Description: Designed by John Parkinson and completed in 1904, the Continental Building was Los Angeles’ first skyscraper, rising 12 stories and establishing a new vertical scale for the city. The Beaux-Arts façade features terra cotta ornamentation and classical proportions that reflect the building’s early 20th-century commercial origins. Killefer Flammang Architects led the adaptive reuse effort with Gilmore Associates in 2000, converting the historic structure into 56 loft-style apartments while maintaining its architectural integrity. Today, the building is part of the Old Bank District and continues to serve as a residential community with active ground-floor retail.

Rowan Building – 460 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
Original Architects: John Parkinson and G. Edwin Bergstrom
Construction Dates: 1911–1912
Original Developer: Robert A. Rowan, Sr., R.A. Rowan & Company
Original Use: Office building housing law offices and brokerage firms
Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts and Classical Revival
Adaptive Reuse Developer: Downtown Properties, Goodwin Gaw
Project Consultant: Tom Gilmore, Gilmore Associates
Adaptive Reuse Completion: 2008
Adaptive Reuse Architects of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects
General Contractor: City Constructors, Inc.
Interior Designer: Dodd Mitchell Design
Area: 280,300 SF | Units: 206
Description: The Rowan Building, situated at 460 S. Spring Street in Downtown Los Angeles, was originally constructed in 1912 and designed by architects John Parkinson and G. Edwin Bergstrom. This Beaux-Arts structure was adaptively reused in 2008, converting it into 206 live/work condominium units while preserving its historic features such as exposed brick walls and mahogany-framed windows. The building now offers residents amenities including a landscaped outdoor patio with hot and cold plunge pools, a resident lounge, and proximity to Spring Street Park.

Spring Arcade Building (Broadway-Spring Arcade)
Original Architects: Kenneth A. MacDonald Jr. and Maurice C. Couchot
Construction Period: 1922–1924
Original Developer: Mercantile Arcade Realty Company, led by A.C. Blumenthal
Architectural Style: Spanish Renaissance and Beaux Arts
Adaptive Reuse Developer: Joseph Hellen (Hellen Investments)
Adaptive Reuse Completion: 2010
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects
General Contractor: MDM Builders Group
Area: 229,628 SF | Units: 142
Description: The Spring Arcade Building, located at 541 S. Spring Street in Downtown Los Angeles, was originally completed in 1924 and designed by architects Kenneth MacDonald and Maurice Couchot. This 12-story structure comprises two towers connected by a three-level, skylit arcade inspired by London’s Burlington Arcade, creating a pedestrian passage between Spring Street and Broadway. In 2010, the building underwent an adaptive reuse transformation, converting it into 142 residential units while preserving its historic architectural elements. Today, it functions as a mixed-use property, featuring residential lofts above ground-floor retail spaces.

The Chapman building photographed for Killefer Flammang Architects.

Chapman Lofts – 756 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
Original Architect: Ernest McConnell
Construction Date: 1912
Original Use: Office building
Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts
Adaptive Reuse Developer: Heritage Group Development
Adaptive Reuse Completion: 2008
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects
General Contractor: MDM Builders Group
Area: 174,000 SF | Units: 168
Description: The Chapman Lofts, located at 756 S. Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles, is a 13-story Beaux-Arts building originally constructed in 1912. The adaptive reuse project, completed in 2007, transformed the historic structure into 168 residential units while preserving its architectural character. Today, the building functions as a mixed-use property, featuring residential lofts above ground-floor retail spaces that contribute to the area’s vibrant urban environment.

Eastern Columbia Building – 849 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
Original Architect: Claud Beelman of the firm Curlett & Beelman
Construction Dates: Built in 1930; opened on September 12, 1930
Original Use: Headquarters and flagship store for the Eastern Outfitting Company and Columbia Outfitting Company
Architectural Style: Art Deco
General Contractor: J.V. McNeil Company
Adaptive Reuse Developer: The Kor Group
Adaptive Reuse Completion: 2006
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects
Interior Designer: Kelly Wearstler Interior Design
Area: 270,000 SF | Units: 147
Description: The Eastern Columbia, a magnificent blue-green terra cotta building and downtown landmark, has been transformed from a long-abandoned clothing warehouse into condominiums. Located at 9th Street and Broadway, the project provides 147 light-filled flexible lofts from 880 SF to 3,200 SF. Concrete floors and ceilings up to 14 feet high are offered in a variety of unit types, including two-story units with private decks, three-story units, and a spectacular fourstory unit. The north and west facades now showcase newly installed windows
and balconies that seamlessly blend with the building’s historic character. The main lobby entrance off Broadway remains, grounded by the original restored terrazzo sidewalk and entryway, and a new landscaped court provides access from the parking area. A rooftop leisure terrace, under the famous Eastern clock tower, offers a fitness center, a pool, a spa, a sun deck and an outdoor fireplace.

Commercial Exchange Building / Freehand Los Angeles Hotel
Original Architects: Albert R. Walker and Percy A. Eisen (Walker & Eisen)
Construction Date: Completed in 1924
Original Use: Office building with ground-floor retail
Architectural Style: Renaissance Revival with Beaux-Arts influences
Original Developer: Rudolph Rosenberg of the Eighth and Olive Holding Company
Original General Contractor: William Simpson Construction Company
Adaptive Reuse Developer: The Sydell Group
Adaptive Reuse Completion: June 2017
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects (KFA)
Interior Designer: Roman and Williams
Area: 116,230 SF | Keys: 226
Description: Freehand LA is the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the Commercial Exchange Building into New York-based Sydell Group’s boutique hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. A 226-unit hotel with a range of room types from standard king rooms to rooms that accommodate up to 8 bunks, the project caters to group, international, and youth travelers. It includes a ground floor restaurant and three bars, including one on the rooftop pool deck.

Bank of Italy Building / Giannini Place / Hotel Per La
Original Architect: Morgan, Walls & Clements
Construction Date: Completed in 1922; dedicated in 1923
Original Developer: Bank of Italy (founded by Amadeo P. Giannini)
Original Use: Los Angeles headquarters for the Bank of Italy, a predecessor to Bank of America
Architectural Style: Neoclassical, featuring Doric columns, ornate golden-coffered ceilings, marble floors, and bronze doors adorned with terra cotta medallions depicting American coins

Adaptive Reuse: NoMad Hotel (2015–2018)
Adaptive Reuse Developer: Sydell Group
Adaptive Reuse Completion: January 2018
Adaptive Reuse Architect of Record (AOR): Killefer Flammang Architects (KFA)
General Contractor: Shangri-La Construction
Restoration Contractor: Spectra Company
Interior Designer: Jacques Garcia

Hotel Per La (2022–Present)
Rebranding and Reopening: Following the closure of the NoMad Hotel in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the property was reimagined and reopened as Hotel Per La in 2022
Area: 165,169 SF | Keys: 241
Description: The 1922 Bank of Italy building in Downtown LA was transformed by Sydell Group into a luxury hotel with thoughtfully curated amenity spaces. The former bank lobby now serves as the hotel’s main restaurant and bar, while the rooftop offers a pool and event space. This project played a pivotal role in revitalizing the 7th Street corridor as a destination for dining, hospitality, and entertainment.

Learning Objectives

Examine the role of adaptive reuse in urban revitalization, including how repurposing existing structures supports sustainability by reducing demolition waste and embodied carbon.
Analyze the challenges of updating historic buildings to meet modern building codes, accessibility standards, and energy efficiency requirements while maintaining their architectural integrity.
Identify key design strategies used in adaptive reuse projects to enhance occupant health, safety, and comfort, such as improved daylighting, ventilation, and seismic retrofitting.
Compare the preservation strategies applied to historic buildings with new construction methods to understand how adaptive reuse balances contemporary functionality with historic character.
Discuss the collaborative process among architects, developers, preservationists, and city officials in navigating regulatory approvals and incentives for adaptive reuse projects.
Evaluate the long-term impacts of adaptive reuse on urban density, housing affordability, and economic development in Downtown Los Angeles.

Parking Information:
Attendees will need to arrange their own transportation and parking in Downtown Los Angeles. It is suggested that attendees park near the first or last stop on the tour.
Old Bank District: 400 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013​
or
Hotel Per LA: 649 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
There are multiple paid parking lots available along the tour route. We also encourage the use of public transportation, as there is a Metro stop near the first stop in the Old Bank District and another near the final stop at Hotel Per La. Additionally, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are convenient options for those who prefer not to drive or park in the area.

Inside Architecture: A Design Journal
2025-05-15 17:00 - 19:30 | Center for Communities, 4450 West Adams, Los Angeles, CA, 90016
Join us for a book signing and reading of Scott Johnson’s newest book, Inside Architecture: A Design Journal.
Scott’s ninth book is a personal memoir of his life-long path through the ever-changing domain that is architecture. Publisher Ann Gray will join Scott for a brief discussion about the new book and his journey as a multi-disciplinary artist.
Inside Architecture: A Design Journal offers the opportunity for young professionals to look forward to their potential and seasoned professionals to step back and reflect on the unique combination of planning and serendipity that is cultivated within the design world. All proceeds from book sales will be donated to Architecture for Communities, Los Angeles (ACLA).

AUTHOR

Scott Johnson, FAIA – Founding Partner, Johnson Fain
Scott Johnson is the Founding Design Partner at Johnson Fain and directs the design of all architectural projects. Educated at Stanford University, UC Berkeley and Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, Johnson apprenticed at The Architects’ Collaborative (TAC) in Cambridge, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in Los Angeles and San Francisco and Johnson Burgee in New York City. Returning to California, he and his partner, William Fain, assumed the leadership of the William L Pereira organization and, from it, founded Johnson Fain as an international and interdisciplinary design practice. Johnson has been the Director of the Master of Architecture Programs at the University of Southern California and is the author of numerous books on architecture and, more recently, the fine arts. His work has garnered many design awards. Alongside his co-founding partner, William Fain, Johnson is a recipient of the AIA/Los Angeles chapter’s Gold Medal award and has earned recognition as a Fellow of the AIA.

PUBLISHER

Ann Gray, FAIA – Founder, Balcony Media
Ann Gray founded Balcony Media in 1995 to showcase the work of California architects and designers. Balcony’s award-winning architecture books and monographs focus on progressive design, culture and the arts. Well known titles include The Last Remaining Seats, Bullocks Wilshire and Iron: Erecting the Walt Disney Concert Hall. In addition to publishing, Ms. Gray’s professional practice involves consulting to property owners to optimize their real estate assets. She was formerly studio architect at Paramount Pictures where the architectural work under her tenure was recognized by TIME, Progressive Architecture and Interiors magazines. Ms. Gray was a visiting lecturer at the USC School of Architecture and Art Center College of Design. A frequent juror, she recently sat on the jury for MIPIM’s International Design Awards program in Cannes. She is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and in 2023 was President of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, a 140,000-member global organization of property professionals based in London. Ms. Gray has been recognized by the National Association of Women Business Owners for her entrepreneurial endeavors.

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

2025 SPRING ARCH TOUR FEST: The Goldstein Estate (aka The Sheats-Goldstein Residence and Club James) - Tour 1 - 9:00 am
2025-05-16 09:00 - 10:15 | The Goldstein Estate, 10104 Angelo View Dr., Los Angeles, CA, 90210, United States
Photo Credit: Jeff Green Photography
Spring ARCH TOUR FEST: The Goldstein Estate @ 9:00 am
(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.

2025 SPRING ARCH TOUR FEST: The Goldstein Estate (aka The Sheats-Goldstein Residence and Club James) - Tour 2 - 10:45 am
2025-05-16 10:45 - 12:00 | The Goldstein Estate, 10104 Angelo View Dr., Los Angeles, CA, 90210, United States
Photo Credit: Jeff Green Photography
Spring ARCH TOUR FEST: The Goldstein Estate @ 10:45 am
(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.

SPRING ARCH TOUR FEST: Barrington1503
2025-05-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Barrington1503, 1503 S Barrington, Los Angeles, CA, 90025
Photo Credit: Eric Staudenmaier
Spring ARCH TOUR FEST: Barrington1503
Information regarding the tour will be emailed directly to registrants 24 hours before the event.
The newly completed Barrington1503 coliving project reshapes how thoughtful design enhances community spaces. By carefully structuring a gradient of social engagement, Barrington1503 creates a layered transition between public and private realms. This deliberate approach ensures that personal spaces remain protected while still benefiting from the shared experience of coliving. Barrington1503 not only embraces the promise of coliving but brings it to life with architectural precision, creating a model for 21st-century urban housing that is as functional as it is inspiring.
Tour Led by:
Lorcan O’Herlihy, FAIA – Founding Principal of LOHA
Lorcan O’Herlihy, FAIA, is an architect and urban designer with offices in Los Angeles, California and Detroit, Michigan. As Founding Principal and Creative Director, Lorcan has led Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects [LOHA] in building a robust portfolio of work rooted in embracing architecture’s role as a catalyst for change. Enacting a powerful alliance of inventive designs with vigorous social ideals, O’Herlihy’s work prospers whether it is supportive affordable housing in South Los Angeles, creative offices, or designing cultural institutions like Chapman University Dance School.
In 2025 LOHA was recognized as Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Company in Architecture (#1) and in 2018 was named the #1 Design Firm in the U.S. by Architect Magazine. In addition to building over 100 projects across three continents Lorcan has been published in over 20 countries and recognized with 200-plus national and international awards, including the 2023 AIA CA Maybeck Award, 2021 AIA LA Gold Medal, Architect’s Newspaper Best of Practice North America Firm Award, the AIA LA Firm of the Year Award, and the AIA California Lifetime Achievement Award.

Architects: Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects

Building Credits:
Integrare Group, General Contractor
Rize Alliance, Client
Labib Funk Associates, Structural
Budlong, MEP
DK Engineering, Civil
LINK Landscape Architecture, Landscape
AIA CES: 1.0 LU|HSW Approved
Learning Objectives
1. Participants will explore coliving as an alternative housing typology and understand the benefits of coliving as an option for student housing.
2. Participants will become familiar with the imaginative ‘social gradient’ strategy incorporated into Barrington1503 which make it a functional coliving project, skillfully balancing privacy with communal living.
3. Participants will explore strategies that maximize fresh air and natural light in a coliving environment without sacrificing resident privacy.
4. Participants will examine strategies that foster community and neighborly interaction among the residents of Barrington1503.
5. Participants will learn how to address potential drawbacks that may arise in coliving and will evaluate measures to address those concerns.

Parking Information:
Street parking only; some spots are metered, please be aware of street-cleaning signage

SPRING ARCH TOUR FEST: 26 Point 2 Apartments
2025-05-16 14:00 - 15:00 | 26 Point 2 Apartments, 3590 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA, 90804
Photo Credit: Iwan Baan
Spring ARCH TOUR FEST: 26 Point 2 Apartments
26 Point 2 Apartments, designed for Excelerate Housing Group, is a 5-story permanent supportive housing apartment building in Long Beach, California that bridges between a busy commercial zone and a residential neighborhood. The 48,000 sf, 77-unit project uses color as a strategic spatial device, to enhance the reading of discrete yet interconnected zones.
The project straddles Pacific Coast Highway to the north – a busy commercial strip – and a residential neighborhood with modest single-family homes to the south. The sculptural massing that connects to the differing contexts on either side bridges this shift in scale and character. Along the eastern residential street, the facade is articulated into a series of pitched motifs that relate to the gabled roofs of nearby houses.
The residential volume hovers over the site on a series of columns while the single-story, pitched-roof amenity volume faces the street at a pedestrian friendly scale. Amenities, staff, and supportive spaces are located along the west and north edges of the site bordering the outdoor covered parking area. A fully glazed street level enclosure allows the ground plane to extend uninterrupted across the interior, preserving a visual connection to the city beyond while maintaining a protected experience for the occupants.
The project earned LEED Gold certification by employing a range of sustainability strategies. High efficiency mini-split systems, solar hot water, high albedo roofing, open air circulation, operable windows, and occupant lighting controls help to reduce overall energy use. On site water treatment tanks, extensive permeable paving, and native drought-tolerant landscaping conserve and protect water resources.
The project also offers socially sustainable high-density housing, by providing supportive living and wrap-around services for the formerly unhoused, with on-site counseling, staff offices, and social amenity spaces to foster a sense of community.
Tour Led by:

Yun Yun, Associate, RA, WELL AP
Yun Yun joined MMA in 2016 after receiving a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Prior to her graduate studies, she received a Master of Science in Architectural Engineering from Purdue University and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Tianjin University. Her team project (a)typical office was selected as the winning Mies Crown Hall America’s Prize (MCHAP) Student Project in 2015-16. While at the University of Michigan, Yun was also awarded the Burton L. Kampner Memorial Award for Best Thesis Project. Since joining the practice, she has been involved in significant cultural, institutional, housing, and resort projects. Yun is a licensed architect in California and a WELL Accredited Professional.

Architect: Michael Maltzan Architecture

Building Credits:
Architect: Michael Maltzan Architecture
Principal, Michael Maltzan
Principal in Charge, Tim Williams
Project Manager, Ben Ruswick
Project Designer, Khoa Vu,
Job Captain, Sharon Xu
Civil Engineer: KPFF Engineering
Structural Engineer: Labib Funk and Associates (LFA)
MP Engineer: Donald F. Dickerson Associates
Electrical Engineer: Salas O’Brien
Civil Engineer: KPFF
Landscape Architect:
Tina Chee Landscape Studio
Specifications: AWC West
Waterproofing: D7 Consulting
Code/Fire/Life Safety: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
LEED Sustainability: Partner Energy
Low Voltage: OMB Electrical Engineers

Learning Units
1. Examine strategies for integrating supportive housing into existing urban fabric while addressing seismic safety constraints and maintaining accessibility to critical infrastructure (oil wells)
2. Analyze how architectural design elements like natural ventilation, daylighting, and strategic space planning can promote community health and social well-being in supportive housing
3. Evaluate sustainable design solutions that achieve LEED Gold certification through water conservation, energy efficiency, and climate-responsive features in a mild coastal environment
4. Explore how the thoughtful placement of communal spaces and essential services can enhance resident welfare while meeting safety and accessibility requirements in supportive housing
5. Investigate how building massing, color, and material choices can create successful transitions between different urban contexts while maintaining occupant safety and comfort
These objectives emphasize HSW elements including:
Safety (seismic design, infrastructure access)
Health (ventilation, daylighting)
Welfare (supportive services, community spaces)
Sustainability (LEED features, energy efficiency)
Accessibility (universal design principles)

Parking Information:
Street parking only.
