AIA|LA ADVOCACY REPORT
September 2, 2025

CALL TO ARCHITECTS: CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Architects working and/or residing in the Downtown area have an opportunity to join the DTLA Neighborhood Council’s Planning & Land Use Committee and help shape the future of Downtown Los Angeles. This is a crucial opportunity for architects residing or working in the area to contribute their expertise and influence development.

We are seeking architects who can commit to attending monthly meetings and actively participating in discussions on:

  • Land use policies and zoning regulations
  • Individual development projects
  • City legislation affecting Downtown’s landscape

Your unique perspective is vital to ensuring that new development reflects our community’s needs and aspirations. Don’t miss this chance to guide and influence the growth of our neighborhood.

Interested individuals should send a statement of interest and a brief summary of their qualifications to andrew.wong@dlanc.com by September 5, 2025.

Learn more about DLANC’s mission and work at https://dlanc.com.

MISSION:

The mission of the Planning & Land Use Committee is to proactively guide and influence the development and planning processes within Downtown LA. The Committee facilitates and provides a forum for public discussion and input on individual projects and general policy decisions re-shaping Downtown’s landscape. We are dedicated to ensuring that land use policies, zoning regulations, and development projects reflect the needs and aspirations of our community.

Our committee reviews and provides recommendations on a diverse range of issues, including city legislation pertaining to land use policy, conditional use permits for alcohol sales, nightclubs, and other establishments, as well as cannabis retail licenses. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration with residents, city officials, and developers, we strive to promote sustainable growth, preserve the character of our neighborhood, and enhance the quality of life for all stakeholders.

Qualifications, Expectations, and Time Commitment:

Experience in urban planning, land use, or architecture is preferred. We are looking for individuals who can commit to attending monthly meetings and actively participating in discussions and policy recommendations.


ADVANCING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADAPTIVE REUSE

On behalf of the AIA|LA Building Performance & Regulations Committee, we are reaching out to solicit feedback from members and stakeholders with direct experience converting existing office buildings into housing.

Our request is two-fold:

AB 529 Working Group Input – As the AB 529 Working Group nears its conclusion, we are concerned it may not do enough to remove key barriers in the building code. We want to ensure your experiences and perspectives are represented in the public comment process.

Exploring State Legislation – We are also in early discussions with Assemblymember Gonzalez about the potential for a bill modeled after AB 2910. This would provide a mechanism to evaluate and address both local (City of Los Angeles) and state code provisions that create barriers to adaptive reuse housing.

As a valued AIA|LA member, we ask that you share your top three to five code-related barriers that have created undue financial hardship in adaptive reuse projects. Addressing these barriers could unlock more affordable housing opportunities while preserving commercial real estate value.

By way of example, our committee has identified issues such as:

  • Gurney elevator requirements
  • Redundant fire pump requirements
  • Change-of-use seismic triggers
  • Other provisions that can render office-to-housing projects financially infeasible

Your response can be as brief or detailed as you like. Our goal is to gather feedback from the AIA|LA community, prioritize the most impactful barriers, and present a focused set of proposed code revisions—ideally no more than ten—to Assemblymember Gonzalez and other decision-makers.

Please reply by 9/19/2025 we can incorporate your input into our recommendations.  Please email your input to will{@}aialosangeles.org with “Adaptive Reuse” in the subject line.

Thank you in advance for your feedback and for supporting this important effort.

Link to AB 529:  Adaptive Reuse Working Group and Report (AB 529 (Chapter 743, Statutes of 2023)) | California Department of Housing and Community Development

Link to (Vetoed on 09/22/24) AB 2901:  Bill Text – AB-2910 State Housing Law: City of Los Angeles: conversion of nonresidential buildings.


Your Expertise is Needed: Help Us Shape the Future of Los Angeles

 

We are reaching out to you, our valued members and stakeholders, with two critical opportunities to use your expertise to influence the development of Los Angeles. Your unique perspective as an architect or designer is essential to both of these efforts.

 

1. Unlock Adaptive Reuse for Housing

 

The AIA|LA Building Performance & Regulations Committee is actively working to remove the code barriers that prevent the conversion of existing office buildings into much-needed housing. We are concerned that the current AB 529 Working Group may not go far enough, and we need your direct experience to inform our public comments.

We are also in early discussions with Assemblymember Gonzalez about a new bill to evaluate and address the local and state code provisions that make adaptive reuse projects financially infeasible.

We need your input: Please share your top 3-5 code-related barriers that have created significant financial hardship on adaptive reuse projects. Your feedback will directly inform our recommendations to decision-makers.

Deadline to Respond: September 19, 2025

 

2. Influence DTLA’s Development

 

The DTLA Neighborhood Council’s Planning & Land Use Committee is seeking architects who live or work in Downtown Los Angeles to join the committee. This is a crucial opportunity to proactively guide and influence the development and planning processes within Downtown LA.

As a committee member, you will help shape land use policies, review individual projects, and ensure that development reflects the needs and aspirations of our community. We are looking for individuals who can commit to monthly meetings and actively participate in discussions.

How to get involved: To join the committee, please send a statement of interest and a brief summary of your qualifications to andrew.wong@dlanc.com by September 5, 2025.

 

Helpful Resources

 



WILDFIRE REBUILDING & RECOVERY

The Office of Governor Newsom and the County of Los Angeles recently released a report to help address and streamline the complexities of the rebuilding and recovery process.

LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding

Here’s a brief summary of that report:

The “LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding” report is a comprehensive, 120-day plan released by Los Angeles County to accelerate the recovery and rebuilding process for communities impacted by the devastating January wildfires. Hailed by Governor Gavin Newsom, the blueprint provides a coordinated roadmap with a focus on unincorporated areas of the county. The plan’s core purpose is to streamline bureaucratic hurdles, making it faster, more affordable, and more equitable for fire survivors to return home. It outlines a shift from debris removal to reconstruction, with the county leading efforts to identify community needs, define priorities, and communicate partnerships. The blueprint introduces immediate resources and initiatives, from code waivers and tax relief to a new “Express Lane” for plan approvals and the launch of a self-certification pilot for architects and engineers. It represents a commitment to maintaining a swift rebuilding pace and ensuring that community needs are met with clarity and certainty.

Key Takeaways

  1. Near-Term Roadmap: The blueprint serves as a 120-day, action-driven plan to accelerate wildfire recovery.
  2. Focus on Unincorporated Areas: The plan specifically targets unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, such as Altadena and Sunset Mesa.
  3. Cross-Agency Coordination: The success of the recovery effort is attributed to unprecedented coordination among city, county, state, and federal partners.
  4. Shift to Reconstruction: The focus is moving from debris removal to the next phase of recovery, which is rebuilding.
  5. Simplified Rebuilding: The plan introduces temporary code waivers and fee deferrals to simplify rebuilding and reduce costs for homeowners.
  6. Financial Relief: Tax relief and protections are in place for “like for like” rebuilds, with severely damaged properties qualifying for significant property tax reductions.
  7. “Express Lanes” for Approvals: New initiatives like the eCheck AI Pilot and a self-certification pilot for licensed professionals are designed to accelerate the plan approval and permit issuance process.
  8. On-Site Support: One-stop permit centers are available in Altadena and Pacific Palisades to provide in-person guidance to property owners.
  9. Temporary Housing Solutions: Permits for ADUs and RVs are fast-tracked to support on-site living during the rebuilding phase.
  10. Pre-Approved Plan Catalog: A catalog of ready-to-use home designs is being made available to streamline architectural work and accelerate plan review.
  11. Support for Small Businesses: A “Shop Local. Dine Local. Recover Local” campaign offers marketing and other assistance to fire-impacted small businesses.
  12. Long-Term Planning: The blueprint also looks ahead, with plans for Rebuild Navigators, remote inspections, and a plan for undergrounding utilities.
  13. Resilient Utilities: Over 150 miles of power, gas, and telecom lines are targeted to be undergrounded to improve resilience.
  14. Community Reopening: There is a plan to ensure essential services and anchor facilities reopen as residents return to their communities.

Governor Newsom’s Press Release:  Los Angeles County releases a bold Blueprint to accelerate wildfire recovery

LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding

FAQ SHEET


Circular SoCal: A Catalyst for a Regenerative Future

Join the City of Santa Monica, Carbon Leadership Forum – Los Angeles, and AIA Los Angeles for an expert-level conversation on circularity in the built environment. This is your opportunity to be a catalyst for change, driving tangible collaboration and innovation across all scales.

When: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | 8 AM – 2 PM

Where: Annenberg Community Beach House – Sand & Sea Room

Cost: FREE with advance RSVP

Why You Can’t Miss This Event:

  • Become Part of the Solution: Dive deep into the principles of the circular economy with top architects, designers, policymakers, and sustainability leaders. This isn’t just a discussion—it’s an opportunity to co-create a more resilient, regenerative future for our region.
  • Unlock Collaboration: We will explore how to build pathways from material innovation to policy transformation, identifying barriers and collectively unlocking obstacles. You will engage in hands-on, table-based workshops to develop short-, medium-, and long-term goals.
  • Hear from the Experts: The day will feature a welcome from the Mayor of Santa Monica and three expert panels covering the material, building, and municipal scales. You’ll gain crucial insights into innovative building codes, product-as-a-service models, and strategies for deconstruction ordinances.
  • Connect with Leaders: Network with a diverse and influential group of attendees, including architects, urban planners, policymakers, developers, and sustainability professionals, all committed to advancing the circular economy.

This will be a zero-waste event, reflecting our commitment to the very principles we will discuss.

Agenda Overview:

  • 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Breakfast & Networking
  • 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Opening Remarks & Welcome
  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Expert Panels on Material, Building, and Municipal Scale Innovations
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Collaborative Workshop Ideation
  • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch & Networking, with Closing Remarks

Don’t miss this chance to be at the forefront of a transformative movement. Secure your free spot today and help us build a circular, resilient, and regenerative Los Angeles.

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

Hon. Lana Negrete – Mayor, City of Santa Monica

Material Scale Panel: Innovations in Manufacturing and Materials:

Jeff Perry – Founder, Angel City Lumber
Olivier Da Costa – Brique Recyc
Richard Ludt – Director of Environmental Affairs, IRS Demolition
Stephen Pallrand – Founding Designer, CarbonShack
Morgan Sykes Jaybush – Creative Director, Omgivning (INVITED)

Moderated by:  Sophie Pennetier – Founder, Digne & Adjunct Faculty, SCI-Arc

Building Scale Panel: Innovations in Means and Methods:

Kathleen Hetrick,  LEED AP BD+C – Associate Principal, Buro Happold
Elizabeth Mahlow – Principal, Nous Engineering
Denise Braun – Founder, All About Waste
Celia Hoag – Regional Sustainability Leader, DPR Construction
Steve Clem – Senior VP of Project Planning & Sustainability, Skanska

Moderated by:  Rachelle Habchi, MS, PE – Low Carbon Product Lead, Carbon Leadership Forum

Municipal Scale Panel: Innovations in Codes and Policies:

Rita Kampalath – Chief Sustainability Officer, County of Los Angeles
Zack Aders, AIA – Senior Vice President, NYC Economic Development Corporation
Lorenz Schilling – Commercial Projects Manager, The Reuse People
Emily Freeman – Policy Advisor, Circular Economy, City of Boulder 

Moderated by: Shannon Parry – Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Santa Monica


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:

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.

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