AIA Los Angeles

Urban Design Review Session 07.07.26
2026-07-07 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual on Zoom
The 2026 AIA|LA and LACP Urban Design Review Sessions
Architects & designers passionate about improving the design quality of newly proposed projects throughout the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to participate in the AIA|LA & Los Angeles City Planning (LACP) Professional Volunteer Program (PVP).
WHAT:
We will be coordinating the following urban design review sessions, which will serve as opportunities for leading design talent to help the Los Angles City Planning’s Urban Design Studio critically review upcoming projects throughout our City.
WHERE:
All of the sessions are held virtually on zoom. You must register to get access.
REGISTER HERE
WHEN:
The first, second, and third Tuesday of each month starting at 10am – 12pm. Full List of Dates
WHY:
The review sessions will will enable a rotating pool of architects and designers the opportunity to provide insightful and critical design feedback on pending projects that will be reviewed by the Planning Commission. As a volunteer, you will help educate planning staff on urban design issues and complex urban typologies and you will have the chance to provide project specific urban design advice for planning staff’s consideration.
HOW:
We’re involving a rotating pool of architect volunteers to attend these sessions. Join us by registering for two or three sessions here.
TO PREPARE: The following resources are helpful to review in advance to become more familiar with the Urban Design Studio’s three design approaches:

Pedestrian-First Design
360 Degree Design
Climate-Adapted Design

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

Urban Design Review Session 07.14.26
2026-07-14 10:00 - 12:00

Urban Design Review Session 07.21.26
2026-07-21 10:00 - 12:00

Urban Design Review Session 08.04.26
2026-08-04 10:00 - 12:00

Urban Design Review Session 08.11.26
2026-08-11 10:00 - 12:00

AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2026 Quarterly Meetings - 08.13.26
2026-08-13 11:30 - 12:30
AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2025 Quarterly Meetings

This is a virtual meeting hosted on LADPW’s WebEx platform. Please register in advance to receive the link to access the meeting.
These quarterly meetings serve as a forum for AIA members to connect directly with LADWP leadership and discuss opportunities and strategies to improve development services.
The schedule for 2026:
Thursday, March 5 (11:30 am – 12:30 pm) – RSVP HERE
Thursday, May 7 (11:30 am – 12:30 pm) – RSVP HERE
Thursday, August 13 (11:30 am – 12:30 pm) – RSVP HERE
Thursday, November 5 (11:30 am – 12:30 pm) – RSVP HERE
Please share your specific issues, recommendations, challenges, and/or questions in advance, and we’ll add them to the agenda for each meeting. Email us here = Will@aialosangeles.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Urban Design Review Session 08.18.26
2026-08-18 10:00 - 12:00

AIA|LA Quarterly Roundtables w/ Los Angeles City Planning (LACP) - August 2026
2026-08-18 13:00 - 14:30
AIA|LA Quarterly Roundtables w/ Los Angeles City Planning (LACP)
Advocate. Innovate. Streamline. Join the conversation directly shaping the built environment of Los Angeles.
These virtual meetings are organized by the AIA|LA Government Outreach (GO!) Committee.
REGISTER HERE
Navigating the regulatory landscape of Los Angeles is often one of the most complex challenges architects face. The AIA|LA Quarterly Roundtables offer an exclusive, high-level dialogue directly with the leadership of Los Angeles City Planning (LACP). This is your opportunity to cut through the red tape, gain immediate clarity on shifting departmental processes, and directly advocate for the code clean-ups necessary to make your projects more feasible.
Prospective Roundtable Topics: To ensure these sessions remain highly relevant, future agendas will pivot to address the most pressing legislative and departmental priorities impacting your practice, including:

Zoning Code Clean-Up: Identifying and reforming specific hindrances, such as 14’ ground floor minimums.
Statewide Housing Initiatives: Practical implementation of SB 79, AB 130, SB 131, and other key bills.
The Tech Shift: How AI, automation, and new technologies are altering regulatory compliance.
Neighborhood Evolution: Navigating the Missing Middle, Corner Stores in SFRs, the Small Lot Ordinance, ADUs, and the Livable Communities Initiative.

Planning Updates: Real-time updates on Community Plans and the refinement or sunsetting of outdated Specific Plans.
2026 Schedule (Virtual via Zoom)

Tuesday, January 27 | 9:00 am – 10:30 am (in-person at LA City Hall)
Wednesday, April 22 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – RSVP HERE.
Tuesday, August 18 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – RSVP HERE.
Wednesday, November 18 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – RSVP HERE.

Don’t let policy happen to your practice—help shape it. RSVP today to secure your spot at the table.
For more information about AIA LA GO!, the AIA LA Government Outreach Committee, please CLICK HERE.

Urban Design Review Session 09.01.26
2026-09-01 10:00 - 12:00

Urban Design Review Session 09.08.26
2026-09-08 10:00 - 12:00

Urban Design Review Session 09.15.26
2026-09-15 10:00 - 12:00

Quarterly Roundtable Discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. - September 2026
2026-09-21 13:00 - 14:00
AIA LA GO! Roundtable Discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. – General Manager, LADBS
This is a virtual meeting. Please register below to receive the Zoom link.
These quarterly roundtables, organized by the AIA|LA Government Outreach (GO!) Committee, serve as a forum for AIA members to connect directly with LADBS leadership and to learn more about the latest initiatives being advanced by LADBS.
If you have an item, issue, or a specific topic you’d like added to the agenda, please email Will@aialosangeles.org.

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

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

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

Who Should Attend?

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

Event Details:

Date: Monday, September 21 (1 pm – 2 pm)
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST
Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)
RSVP: [REGISTER HERE]

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

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

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

Urban Design Review Session 10.06.26
2026-10-06 10:00 - 12:00

Urban Design Review Session 10.13.26
2026-10-13 10:00 - 12:00

Urban Design Review Session 10.20.26
2026-10-20 10:00 - 12:00

Urban Design Review Session 11.03.26
2026-11-03 10:00 - 12:00

AIA|LA & LADWP Development Services: 2026 Quarterly Meetings - 11.05.26
2026-11-05 11:30 - 13:00

Urban Design Review Session 11.10.26
2026-11-10 10:00 - 12:00

Urban Design Review Session 11.17.26
2026-11-17 10:00 - 12:00

AIA|LA Quarterly Roundtables w/ Los Angeles City Planning (LACP) - November 2026
2026-11-18 13:00 - 14:30

Urban Design Review Session 12.01.26
2026-12-01 10:00 - 12:00

Quarterly Roundtable Discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. - December 2026
2026-12-07 13:00 - 14:00
AIA LA GO! Roundtable Discussion w/ Osama Younan, P.E. – General Manager, LADBS
This is a virtual meeting. Please register below to receive the Zoom link.
These quarterly roundtables, organized by the AIA|LA Government Outreach (GO!) Committee, serve as a forum for AIA members to connect directly with LADBS leadership and to learn more about the latest initiatives being advanced by LADBS.
If you have an item, issue, or a specific topic you’d like added to the agenda, please email Will@aialosangeles.org.

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

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

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

Who Should Attend?

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

Event Details:

Date: Monday, December 7 (1 pm – 2 pm)
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST
Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)
RSVP: [REGISTER HERE]

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

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

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

Urban Design Review Session 12.08.26
2026-12-08 10:00 - 12:00

Urban Design Review Session 12.15.26
2026-12-15 10:00 - 12:00
