AIA|LA ADVOCACY REPORT
August 19, 2025

FROM AIA NATIONAL :: A CALL TO ACTION

Urge the White House to Respect the Historic Preservation Process

The White House is a national symbol—and any changes to it must be handled with transparency, care, and respect for its historic character. A proposed $200 million ballroom addition raises concerns about scale, process, and preservation. The Committee for the Preservation of the White House has the authority to influence how this project moves forward. Your message can help ensure that design excellence, public accountability, and historic integrity remain central to the process.

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

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING LETTER

RE: Protect the Historic Sanctity of the White House

Dear Members of the Committee for the Preservation of the White House,

I am writing as an engaged citizen to express my concern about the proposed $200 million East Ballroom addition to the White House. While I respect the intent behind expanding the White House’s capabilities, I believe the current accelerated timeline is insufficient to ensure the careful stewardship this historic landmark deserves. The White House is not just a building; it is the People’s House—a symbol of democracy, history, and unity. Any changes must be guided by the most rigorous standards of preservation and accountability.

To that end, I urge your adherence to the following recommendations to safeguard the integrity and legacy of this national treasure:

Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS): The architect or design team must be chosen through a QBS process to ensure that only highly qualified professionals undertake this complex project. This approach guarantees the White House’s heritage will be respected while addressing its modern needs.

Historic-Preservation Review: A thorough review adhering to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards is essential to protect the neoclassical design and iconic sight lines such as Pennsylvania Avenue and Lafayette Square.

Transparency and Public Accountability: The funding, procurement, and design processes must be transparent, with opportunities for public input. This openness will foster trust and demonstrate respect for the White House’s role as the People’s House.

Proportionality of Design: The proposed 90,000-square-foot addition must complement, not overshadow, the White House’s historic scale and architectural harmony.

Collaboration and Expertise: Preservation specialists, engineers, sustainability experts, and security professionals should work together to create a resilient, functional, and historically appropriate addition.

This project is an opportunity to honor the White House’s legacy while supporting its evolving functions. A deliberate, thoughtful approach will ensure that the People’s House continues to inspire for generations to come.

Sincerely,

The AIA Architecture Community

 


UPDATE ON SINGLE STAIR REFORM – Council File: 25-0247

On Tuesday, August 12th, Will Wright attended the Los Angeles City Council’s Planning and Land Use Committee meeting and shared a letter of support for the motion to advance Single Stair reform with a recommendation to integrate more technical feedback from AIA Los Angeles and the architecture & engineering committee.  The motion passed out of the PLUM committee with a  3 to 1 vote, and the initiative next moves to be heard at the full City Council meeting on DATE TBD.

AIA members Simon Ha, AIA, and Chistian Stayner, AIA, also shared testimony and letters to support the initiative, as well.

AIA LA Support Letter for Point Access Block, Single Stair CF 25 0247

LADBS & LAFD Report on Single Stair Motion – August 7, 2025

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN to the August 12th PLUM hearing.


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

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

What to Expect

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

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

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

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

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

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

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

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

RSVP HERE.

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

RSVP HERE.

Format for Each Session:

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

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

BIOGRAPHIES:

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

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

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

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

 

 


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

Connect directly with the civic leaders transforming Los Angeles.

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

Why Attend?

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

2025 Confirmed Breakfast Receptions:

August 2025

September 2025

October 2025

AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED.

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





> AIA CA Collective Action for Wildfire Recovery

The AIA LA & LACP Professional Volunteer Program (PVP)

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

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

Aug 19 (10am)

Sept 2 (10am)

Sept 9(10am)

Sept 16 (10am)

RSVP HERE (virtual on zoom)

Design Review Sessions w/ LACP Urban Design Studio 2025

UNPLAN LA_Transitional Height

 

 


 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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