Press Room/Releases

Eight Students Awarded 2023 Chester and Diana Widom Architectural Education Scholarships

July 18, 2023| Press Room/Releases|

For Immediate Release: July 18, 2023
contact: Tibby Rothman, trothman@aiacalifornia.org

Eight Students Awarded 2023 Chester and Diana Widom Architectural Education Scholarships
Funds support community college students transferring to university to pursue their studies.

(Sacramento, California)— The California Architectural Foundation and AIA California are honored to announce the recipients of the 2023 Chester and Diana Widom Architectural Education Scholarship, in honor of Paul W. Welch, Jr., also known as the Widom Scholarship.

This Widom Architectural Education Scholarship provides opportunities to community college students from California who are transferring from Community Colleges to accredited architectural schools.

“I am delighted that these eight students, strongly committed to their studies and already demonstrating an aptitude for design, practice, and community building, which architecture entails, are 2023 scholarship recipients,” noted Chester Widom, FAIA, founder of the fund and California State Architect from 2011 through 2018. “Each year, participating in the jury adjudicating these awards, reminds me of the capacity of design as a change agent in individual lives.”

This year’s scholarship recipients along with notes from the jury are:

Arthur Chaldranyan
Arthur already has a strong sense of design. By working on small private projects, he is probably more ready than most to head to the next level.  At an accredited program, the jury believes he can blossom.
Community College: Glendale Community College | Accepted to: Woodbury University, Cal Poly Pomona

Maya Flores-Villagran
Maya is truly amazing, not only in her volunteerism, but her design ideas are unique and innovative.  Quality community outreach; Strong commitment to skill development.
Community College: East Los Angeles College | Accepted to: USC, Cal Poly Pomona, Woodbury, Syracuse

Onna Keller
The jury appreciates her curiosity for architecture and landscape architecture.  Her diverse education is impressive. She discovered her love of architecture in 2020 during COVID-19 and has already accomplished much.
Community College: West Valley College | Accepted to: University of California – Berkeley, Academy of Art University, Arizona State University

Grace Martinez
She is talented and articulate. Her commitment to obtaining an architectural education as well as working in the field, demonstrates she deserves recognition.
Community College: College of the Canyons | Accepted to: Cal Poly Pomona, Woodbury

Mania Minasvad
Mania has all the credentials needed to move to her next phase of obtaining an accredited degree in architecture. She is a strong communicator with a demonstrated love for the profession
Community College: Glendale Community College | Accepted to: Woodbury University

Joseph Ortiz
He has demonstrated that he has the initiative and ability to pursue the discipline in a rigorous, thoughtful manner. He is determined to become an architect.
Community College: East Los Angeles College | Accepted to: Woodbury University

Agustin Pelayo
In the very early stage of his path to architecture, Agustin seems determined to succeed.  He began with a stint in the Navy, then continued to get his education, he is already showing proficiency in his thinking and drawing. His submittal commentary addressing the natural environment is very good.
Community College: College of the Canyons | Accepted to: Woodbury University

Kelsey Vilchis
Kelsey has a real understanding of the built environment and reasons for cultivating good design, as well as a commitment to academia and pursuing licensure. Her early job, history, not within the architectural profession, but very service-oriented, is a strength: it’s a foundation for listening to and managing client expectations.
Community College: College of the Canyons | Accepted to: Cal Poly Pomona

The 2023 Widom Architectural Education Scholarship jury was composed of:

Sylvia Kwan, FAIA LEED AP NCARB- Principal, DLR Group|Kwan Henmi
Michael Hricak, FAIA LEED-AP – Adjunct Associate Professor, USC
Mandy Freeland, AIA NOMA – CEO & Principal, Mandy Freeland, Architect, Inc.; VP AIA CA Academy of Emerging Professionals
Paul W. Welch, Hon. AIA – Executive Vice-President, AIA California for 37 years, Founder of the Paul W. Welch Jr. ARE Scholarship
Chester Widom, FAIA – Founding Partner WWCOT, California State Architect 2011-2018, Founder of the Widom Scholarship

Scholarship recipients will receive up to $3,500 to help offset the costs of higher education in architecture and design. Awards can be used for qualified tuition and related expenses and/or to otherwise improve or enhance capacity, skill or talent in the field of architecture.

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Architecture at Zero competition winners announced on July 14, 2023

July 14, 2023| Architecture at Zero, Press Room/Releases|

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2023
Contact: info@architectureatzero.com
415-350-9955

Architecture at Zero competition winners announced on July 14, 2023

SAN FRANCISCO, July 14, 2023 — The American Institute of Architects, California is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Architecture at Zero competition.

Architecture at Zero is a design competition for decarbonization, equity and resilience, open to students and professionals worldwide. It serves to engage the fields of architecture, design, engineering and planning in the pursuit of sustainable design.

The 2023 competition challenge was to design an agriculture center, connecting the history of California’s first Black town, to its present aspiration to become a destination for sustainable agriculture and Black history.  The competition program was created by leaders from the Allensworth Progressive Association in Allensworth, CA.

The Jury awarded recognized 9 projects, including 1 from high school students; 2 from undergraduate students; 3 from graduate students and 3 professional teams.  There are 3 levels of awards, the highest is an “Honor Award,” followed by a “Merit Award” and then a “Citation Award.  $25,000 in prize monies were distributed  to winning teams.

A Citation Award was issued to a high school team from Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, CA for the entry, “Think Outside the Box.”

Two undergraduate submissions were recognized:  A Citation Award was given to the entry, “Farm Forward” by students from Wrocław University of Science and Technology in Wroclaw, Poland.  A second award, a Merit Award, was awarded to the entry “frAm3” developed by students from University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN.

Three graduate school entries were recognized:  a Citation Award was awarded to “ECOZONE” a design by students from Wroclaw University of Science and Technology in Wroclaw, Poland.  A Merit Award was awarded to the entry, “Biotic Diffuser” from students at University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN.  An Honor award, the highest given by the Jury, was awarded to the entry “The Parasol Agricultural Center” from students at USC in Los Angeles, CA.

Three awards were given for Professional entries, including a citation award for the entry: “(Re)Produce”  by the firm of BAR Architects & Interiors in San Francisco, CA.  A Merit Award was given to the entry, “Resilient Roots” submitted by  HMC Architects in San Diego, CA.  A final award, an Honor Award, was given to the entry, “Allensworth Passage” submitted by Smithgroup in San Diego, CA.

Jury members include:  Allison Williams, FAIA, Mary Ann Lazarus, FAIA, Paul Torcellini, PhD PE, Lance Collins, AIA.

Images of the submission are available at https://www.architectureatzero.com.

Architecture at Zero is presented by Southern California Edison (SCE); San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E); Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E); Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) and The American Institute of Architects California (AIA California).

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Eight Designers Pursuing Licensure are Announced as Paul W. Welch, Jr. 2023 ARE Scholarship Recipients

July 10, 2023| Press Room/Releases|

 

For Immediate Release: July 11, 2023
contact: Tibby Rothman, trothman@aiacalifornia.org

Eight Designers Pursuing Licensure are Announced as Paul W. Welch, Jr.
2023 ARE Scholarship Recipients

(Sacramento, California)—The California Architectural Foundation is delighted to announce the eight recipients of this year’s Paul W. Welch, Jr. ARE Scholarship awards.

Awarded to designers in pursuit of licensure as architects, who have already demonstrated achievement at this early-career stage, the fund reimburses recipients for fees expended for the Architect Registration Examination and related expenses.

 “Licensure, a fundamental commitment to achieving excellence in the field, is incredibly important for both individual practitioners themselves and the profession at large,” said Paul W. Welch., Jr. who established the fund and led the American Institute of Architects California as its Executive Vice President for 37 years. “I am proud to support this group of talented and determined scholarship recipients who are driven to further their expertise in the bedrock of the practicing architect. Each demonstrates strong capabilities.”

This year’s scholarship recipients along with notes from the jury are:

Jamilla Afandi, Assoc. AIA
Jamilla is exactly the type of involved, committed professional that should be licensed as an architect.  Her work, volunteerism, and passion for architecture is what sets her apart from others.  Even with all of her extra-curricular activities, her teamwork in community-focused projects at her firm is exemplary.

Burak Celik, Assoc. AIA
The jury was impressed with Burak’s essay in which he discussed how he applied the principles of sustainability in his work; it wasn’t just theoretical. His work with HDR is impressive, and his design thinking shows through in the competitions and school projects he included in his submittal. 

Victoria Dam, Assoc. AIA
Victoria is clearly a future leader of our field, no question. She exhibits so much commitment to both architecture and building science, which in itself demonstrates an understanding of where our practice needs to go.  She seems set on solving our climate change problems, and we need more architects like her. She is involved in Student and Associate activities.

Alyssa Kinney, Assoc. AIA
She is motivated. Alyssa takes on a leadership role both inside and outside of the work environment. She has a strong portfolio, excellence in communication—both verbally and graphically—and is consistent with her commitment in leadership and continuing education. What sets her portfolio apart from others is the desire to be understood: she knows that ideas need to be explained.

Violet Li, Assoc. AIA
Violet’s work is beautiful, from her sketches to the professional projects she was involved in.  She is one of the rare practitioners who seem to be able to do it all, which is a great talent to have. Her navigating to licensure is focused. Her starting of the ARE process quickly is a very good example.

Mona Nahm, Assoc. AIA
Her pursuit of difficult tests to obtain her WELL, LEED and Living Future accreditations, demonstrates that she is truly committed to a career that focuses on the health of the planet.  Nothing is as important for the next generation of architects. Her work experience is strong, and she is actively engaged in JEDI efforts and collateral organizations. An enthusiastic YES.

Taskin Yener, Assoc. AIA
The jury appreciates Taskin’s commitment to the field and to his company, which demonstrates that he has a future architect with excellent principles. He’s a workhorse not a show horse: an enthusiastic yes!

Manuel Zermeno, Assoc. AIA
Manuel is qualified not only to finish his AREs but to get into practice. He demonstrates such an understanding of the architect’s role, so early in his path to licensure, he will be a terrific addition to our profession. He holds a commitment to the value of architects, being the leader of a team, and the design process. Fifty percent of his ARE is already done.

The 2023 Paul W. Welch, Jr. ARE Scholarship awards jury was composed of:

Sylvia Kwan, FAIA LEED AP NCARB- Principal, DLR Group|Kwan Henmi
Michael Hricak, FAIA LEED-AP – Adjunct Associate Professor, USC
Mandy Freeland, AIA NOMA – CEO & Principal, Mandy Freeland, Architect, Inc.; VP AIA CA Academy of Emerging Professionals
Paul W. Welch, Hon. AIA – Founder of the Paul W. Welch Jr. ARE Scholarship
Chester Widom, FAIA – Founding Partner WWCOT, California State Architect 2011-2018

Recipients receive reimbursement of:

  • NCARB and CAB fees to establish records
  • The cost of passing each division of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and the California Supplemental Exam. Proof of passing must be submitted along with a request for reimbursement. Funds can be applied to previously passed divisions.
  • Initial License Fee and certificate from CAB

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California Updates Building Codes to Advance Housing Creation and Climate Goals

June 29, 2023| Press Room/Releases|

For Immediate Release:
June 30, 2023

California Updates Building Codes to Advance
Housing Creation and Climate Goals
AIA California-led initiative simplifies adaptive reuse
of empty office and retail structures for new housing.

(Sacramento, California) June 30, 2023—In an action that simultaneously addresses the climate emergency and California’s housing crisis, the California Building Standards Commission voted this week to ease barriers to the safe conversion of underused existing commercial buildings.

The adaptive reuse of retail and office structures (vacated due to market changes such as work-from-home and online shopping) can reduce the carbon footprint of construction, while also helping revitalize our communities. The potential is enormous, as highlighted in a recent RAND Corporation report that found some 2300 underutilized properties in Los Angeles county alone that could product 72,000 to 113,000 housing units.

In terms of sustainability, renovation and reuse projects typically save between 50 and 75 percent of the embodied carbon emissions compared to constructing a new building, according to Larry Strain, FAIA, a sustainability expert.

This major code advancement was initiated by the American Institute of Architects California in 2019.  What followed was literally years of behind the scene work involving many stakeholders.

“This action is a real catalyst for change that will push the industry forward in rapidly addressing the growing climate emergency,” said William Leddy, FAIA, AIA California Vice President of Climate Action, and partner in a San Francisco-based architectural firm that consistently designs sustainably high-performing projects.

“The most sustainable buildings are the ones that are already built. Prioritizing the reuse of existing buildings not only accelerates the reduction of embodied carbon emissions from new construction, it ‘incentivizes’ the industry to address California’s severe housing crisis more quickly and efficiently, creating more sustainable and resilient communities,” Leddy continued.

Because many of the impacted buildings are situated in the urban core of cities across the state, their reuse as housing has a secondary impact: the revitalization of metropolitan centers.

Ahead-of-the-Curve Thinking Shapes the Future
AIA California began shaping the code landscape for existing buildings over four years ago, but code change is a long and rigorous process. The State Fire Marshall became a core partner in this effort, as they managed multiple technical working groups that went through code language line by line, with key issues being debated, discussed and fine-tuned.

“AIA California is committed to accelerating substantive changes that facilitate carbon reduction,” said AIA California President Scott Gaudineer, AIA. “As architects, experts, and citizens, we have no time to waste. We are grateful to the State Fire Marshall for being our partners in this initiative and to California Building Standards Commission for taking action which will lead to a better future for generations to come.” 

California Existing Building Code Put to Use
The change, amends the California Existing Building Code, and turns what many Californians might see as a mundane bureaucratic element into a powerful tool that expands California’s role as a climate leader and offers new hope to rehouse people in a state where a recent University of California San Francisco study found that nearly 50% of those without shelter are age fifty or older.

In its vote, the California Building Standards Commission altered California’s Title 24 Part 10 Existing Building Code (CEBC) by adding Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13 of the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) into the 2022 CEBC.

Michael Malinowski, FAIA championed this effort on behalf of AIA CA from the beginning, tapping his expertise as a practicing architect with extensive experience with commercial to housing conversion projects.  He is also familiar with the code process and the model codes, as an appointed member of the national ICC Existing Building Code Committee.

“The new California Existing Building Code will allow for greater flexibility in responding to the complexities of existing building reuse, harnessing the power of design thinking to respond to the complex challenges often found in existing buildings. AIA CA is working with the International Code Council (ICC) and other stakeholders like CALBO (California Building Officials association) to provide training and orientation to this new material,” Malinowski noted.

The international Existing Building Code provides three options, known as compliance paths, from which to choose: Prescriptive; Work Area; and Performance.  All three paths lead to safe, code-compliant buildings, but their differences allow design professionals significant latitude to find a code path best suited for a particular building challenge. The existing California code includes only the Prescriptive path effectively limiting potential for adaptive reuse.

The architectural profession stands ready to work with developers and all members of the design and construction industry to utilize these options to create new possibilities for communities, repurposing the many existing underutilized and obsolete commercial buildings in our urban centers, breathing new life into our urban cores with walkable, sustainable, and resilient design solutions.

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Contact:
Tibby Rothman
Director of Communications
trothman@aiacalifornia.org
310.994.1423

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AIA California Announces the California Awards Recipients

April 11, 2023| Press Room/Releases|

For Immediate Release: April 11, 2023
For images and more information contact:
Tibby Rothman, Hon. AIA|LA
Communications Director, AIA California
trothman@aiacalifornia.org

AIA California Announces the California Awards Recipients
Prestigious awards suite recognizes prolonged commitment to design, the built environment, and the advancement of opportunities in the field.

(Sacramento, California) April 11, 2023—The American Institute of Architects California (AIA CA) announced the recipients of its AIA CA Awards today: architecture firms and individuals that have produced meaningful work and influenced the field over an extensive period of time.

The 2023 Firm Award recipient is internationally-based Steinberg Hart; Distinguished Practice Award recipient is San Francisco-based Mark Jensen, FAIA; while Lifetime Achievement Award for Healthcare Facility Design recipient is Linda Taylor, AIA. 

“It is an honor that AIA California is recognizing Steinberg Hart, Mark Jensen, FAIA, and Linda Taylor, AIA, during my tenure,” said AIA CA President Scott Gaudineer, AIA. “The work of each has contributed to the field in unique ways, but both firm and individuals have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to both those working within the built environment and those inhabiting it.”

Steinberg Hart San Francisco Office. architect: Steinberg Hart. photo: Vittoria Zupicich

2023 Firm Award – Steinberg Hart
Throughout seventy years of architectural practice, and three distinct leadership eras, Steinberg Hart has implemented its commitment to design, culture, and evolution. Its adherence to these core values aligns with the Firm Award’s multi-pronged criteria: that recipient firms realize distinguished architecture for a period of at least 10 years, and, equally important, foster the next generation of architects and designers, and actively promote Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

In addition to numerous mentoring programs, and practices that drive EDI, Steinberg Hart’s JEDI group, founded in 2020 by employees, has had a measurable impact on the firm’s operations, community involvement, and educational partnerships. 54% of staff identify as BIPOC.

In making the award, the 2023 AIA California Board of Directors noted design “quality” was embedded throughout Steinberg Hart’s extensive retinue of completed commissions and the firm’s “dedication to sustainable design with verifiable outcomes.”

Mark Jensen, FAIA

Distinguished Practice Award – Mark Jensen, FAIA
Awarded to an individual, the Distinguished Practice Recipient shall demonstrate a career of dedicated commitment to the built environment and innovation through a variety of tactics, from design to education, mentorship to collaboration.

Mark Jensen, FAIA, founder of Jensen Architects, is such an architectural figure.

Jensen has pursued architecture as a positive cultural force, one that shapes buildings and environments grounded in culture and place, and crafted in dialogue with the future. The cumulative impact of his work—from nonprofit art spaces and a museum addition to creative workplaces and private homes—illuminates the role small practices can have in fostering culturally vital and dynamic communities.

The AIA California Board of Directors recognized Mark Jensen’s career as “exemplary” and the work of his practice “consistently at a high level of design excellence and sensitivity toward landscape and human habitation—all executed with the utmost care. He’s taught, he’s mentored, he’s impacted [a multitude] of people throughout his career.”

Linda Taylor, AIA

Lifetime Achievement Award in Healthcare Facility Design – Linda Taylor, AIA

The recipient of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award in Healthcare Facility Design founded her firm, Taylor Design, in 1979, in excess of thirty years in advance of the current wave advocating equal opportunities for women in the profession of architecture.

Taylor served as the practice’s president for 25 years, chairman for 12 years, and continues to serve on its Board of Directors, developing a firm that has grown to five California offices.

The Lifetime Achievement Award in Healthcare Facility Design is awarded to her  in recognition of a career of dedicated commitment to the built environment and in recognition of significant contributions and accomplishments toward the design and development of healthcare facilities in California.

Taylor’s influence continues to propel Taylor Design, today. Building on her foundation of an inclusive and diverse employee culture and a mission of “Design That Empowers People,” Taylor Design is increasingly recognized as an industry leader with expertise in Architectural Design, Interior Design, Planning, Data Analytics.

“Linda Taylor deserves enormous recognition in regards to the work she did when others didn’t,” the AIA California Board of Directors observed. “As well as the kind of practice she created and then led. She is an early example of a woman leading on her own. Not only did she create an ESOP, a firm with an Employee Stock Owned Plan, but her practice thrive.”

About AIA California

AIA California is dedicated to serving its members, and uniting all architecture professionals in the design of a more just, equitable and resilient future through advocacy, education and political action. It celebrates more than 75 years of service and, today, is composed of more than 11,000 members across the state.

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Press Release

March 22, 2023| Press Room/Releases|

For Immediate Release: March 28, 2023
Contact:  Tibby Rothman, Hon. AIA|LA
Communications Director, AIA California
trothman@aiacalifornia.org
916.642.1718

AIA California names state Senator Scott Wiener
Inaugural Legislator of the Year Award Recipient
Wiener’s legislation critical in addressing key issues facing California.

(Sacramento, CA) California state Senator Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, is the American Institute of Architects California (AIA CA) inaugural Legislator of the Year. 

“Scott Wiener is a positive change-maker when it comes to climate action and housing, issues that are priorities for members of our organization serving communities throughout California. He has and continues to advance smart, inventive, impactful legislation that improves quality of life and addresses these two global crises,” said 2023 AIA California President Scott Gaudineer, AIA.

“He exemplifies AIA California’s vision: to harness the transformative power of architecture and design to address the greatest economic, environmental, and social challenges of our time,” observed Gaudineer. “His commitment supports current and future generations.”

Among the 65 bills that state Sen. Wiener has authored and ushered through passage and signing are:

  • SB 700, the largest investment in clean energy storage in California
  • SB 35, alandmark law to expedite housing permits, which has resulted in thousands of new affordablehomes in San Francisco
  • SB 10, which provides a powerful tool for local governments to zone
    for more housing more quickly
  • SB 886, which streamlines and accelerates student housingproduction across the state
  • SB 379, which requires cities to implement instant permitting for solar and energy
    storage systems

Wiener, who Chairs the Senate Housing Committee, is a coalition builder, respected within the Capitol for his diligence in working with others to further legislation in key areas. He has enriched AIA California members’ understanding of the policy process and has been an excellent partner on priority issues. He is accessible, visible, and transparent about the need for the architectural community’s involvement in solving the housing crisis.

“AIA California initiated this award to recognize elected officials whose influential policy-making demonstrates the values important to the architectural profession to build a better California,” noted AIA Executive Vice President Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA, LEED Green Assoc. “State Sen. Wiener’s contributions epitomize the award.”

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About the American Institute of Architects California (AIA CA)

AIA California is dedicated to serving its members, and uniting all architecture professionals in the design of a more just, equitable and resilient future through advocacy, education and political action. The organization represents the interests of more than 11,000 architects and allied professionals in California. Founded in 1944, the AIA CA is the largest component of the national AIA organization. For more information, visit www.aiacalifornia.org.

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California’s Emerging Architects Recognized by American Institute of Architects California

March 10, 2023| AEP Awards, Press Room/Releases|

For Immediate Release:  March 13, 2023
For images and more information contact:
Tibby Rothman, Hon. AIA|LA
Communications Director, AIA California
trothman@aiacalifornia.org

California’s Emerging Architects Recognized by American Institute of Architects California
Composition of 2023 recipients demonstrates changing landscape of genders leading firms 

(March 13, 2023—Sacramento, California)  A continued tradition of excellence, innovation, and commitment to communities through the field of architecture relies on a pipeline begun with the education and mentorship of, support for, and then the recognition of next-generation turned this-generation leaders in the field of design.

AIA California Academy of Emerging Professionals is delighted to recognize three individuals who, in 2023, demonstrate a new generation of architectural practitioners through its 2023 AIA California Academy of Emerging Professionals awards.

This year the academy recognizes two California members with the Young Architects Award, the highest award bestowed by AIA California to emerging professionals: Leah Alissa Bayer, AIA, NOMA, and Andrew Goodwin, AIA.

The Young Architect award recognizes an individual who has shown exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession in the early stage of their architectural career.

Honored with the Associates Award, for designers exhibiting leadership while in the process of gaining full licensure as architects in California, is Madhubala Ayyamperumal, Assoc. AIA.

“In relatively early years in their career, these three award recipients are demonstrating leadership in the field, with Leah and Andrew driving their respective practices in realizing meaningful design,” said AIA California President Scott Gaudineer, AIA.

About the Award Recipients

Leah Alissa Bayer, AIA, NOMA

“Leah Alissa Bayer, AIA, NOMA, is a force for change and the kind of change that we need as a profession,” noted the AIA California Awards Committee in making its decision.

Bayer is the President of Architects FORA, a 100% women-owned, 100% virtual mid-sized architecture firm specializing in affordable housing. Skilled in creative business management and storytelling, Leah designs systems and teams at FORA that are transparent, equitable, and healthy, which then carries into the work that FORA creates. Prior to FORA, Leah founded a virtual firm with an award-winning business plan, EVIA Studio, which specialized in high-quality sustainable housing along the Pacific Coast.

Passionate about equity, progressive business practices, and improving the future of the profession, Bayer regularly advocates to improve the profession. She has held active leadership roles in the American Institute of Architects locally, on a state level, and nationally, particularly in EDI and Practice, for nearly a decade.

Andrew Goodwin, AIA

“Andrew Goodwin, AIA, holds an impressive focus on goals, outcomes, and advancing the built environment for all mankind,” described the awards committee of the second Young Architects Award recipient.

In 2015, Goodwin formed his own practice, AGD (Andrew Goodwin Designs), which holds commissions ranging from residential, boutique commercial, and hospitality to civic projects. The office is based in San Luis Obispo, but Goodwin has deployed architecture to contribute to communities across the world. His passion for public interest design led him to create RED Studio Foundation, focusing on providing socially responsible design services for non-profits. In 2013, RED Studio Foundation became part of the non-profit Journeyman International (JI), which Goodwin served as Director of Architecture from 2014-2016, overseeing the design of community-enriching projects in countries from Rwanda and South Africa to Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Goodwin has been an architecture faculty member at Coly Poly San Luis Obispo for nearly a decade, accumulating a breadth of knowledge about designing for the chronically homeless, people living with HIV/AIDS, and those living with mental illness.

Madhubala Ayyamperumal, Assoc. AIA

Associate Award recipient Madhubala Ayyamperumal, Assoc. AIA, “offers impressive credentials and a diversity of activities and involvement that advance architecture as a profession. Her accomplishments are significant” noted the awards committee in honoring her.

Ayyamperumal is a designer, mentor, and sustainable design advocate, who believes in improving people’s lives through socially and environmentally responsible design. Having worked in Asia, Middle East & United States, her experience spans across Healthcare, Life Science, Tenant Improvement, Hospitality, Mixed use and Workplace Design. She currently works as a designer with a focus on design experience at Gensler at Oakland. Madhu brings the fluency of sustainability and wellness-centric design to her projects.

A recipient of the Paul J. Welch ARE Scholarship, she supports through her contributions to the ACE Mentorship and SFNOMA leading mentorship initiatives, shaping the future generation of the profession and advocating for diversity & inclusion.

The 2022 AIA California Awards Committee, which selected the 2023 Academy of Emerging Professionals awards, is comprised of: Amy Eliot, AIA; Anne Cotter AIA; David Garcia, Assoc. AIA; Matthew Harris, AIA; Dan Hogman, AIA; Edward Ogosta, AIA; Scott Mackey, AIA; and Liz Ranieri, FAIA.

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Scott Gaudineer, AIA, to Lead American Institute of Architects California as President in 2023

January 11, 2023| Press Room/Releases|

For Immediate Release
January 11, 2023
Contact:  Tibby Rothman, Hon. AIA|LA at trothman@aiacalifornia.org

 

Scott Gaudineer, AIA, to Lead American Institute of Architects California as President in 2023
AIA member uses extensive experience to guide forward-leaning vision

 

(Sacramento, CA) Scott Gaudineer, AIA, who began his participation in the activities of the American Institute of Architects as a Student Member attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design in 1974, will lead AIA California as its president in 2023. Composed of 11,127 Members, AIA California is the national entity’s largest AIA state organization.

“Even when I was in college, it was clear to me that the American Institute of Architects is the essential representative of ‘the architect’. I also believed, ‘If you’re going to be in the profession, be all the way in,’; Of course, I became a member,” noted Gaudineer.

Though Gaudineer’s commitment to the profession and the AIA span almost fifty years, he continues to be forward-leaning, perceiving the need for and advocating on behalf of change–both in the profession and how architects may serve society.

During his investiture in December, he particularly noted the importance of realizing the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion within the field, and the power of architects to continue to call for and facilitate benchmarks that reduce drivers of climate change.

“Whether it is promoting environmental stewardship, championing livable communities, or fostering equality, diversity and inclusiveness, we need to continue to advocate,” notes Gaudineer. “The implementation of EDI principals create environments for all who work in the profession to achieve full potentiality. Through these principles, clients and community are better served. They improve our offices, and when they improve our offices, they advance business goals.”

These areas are embedded in five strategic plan goals adopted by the organization for 2023 – 2026. “I look forward to guiding the implementation of the strategic plan and its five major tenets–Engagement, Advocacy, Education, Innovation, and Culture–during my tenure” said Gaudineer.

“Within the state, AIA California is a leader on issues that impact all residents, such as Climate Change. For architects, the organization has been highly successful at advancing policies that support Practices every day.  I am tremendously honored to be the AIA California’s new president,” said Gaudineer.

During his tenure, Gaudineer also plans to institute a program by which local colleges and high schools are “adopted by” individual Chapters.

Gaudineer has a lengthy history of service to the AIA at local and state levels, including President of AIA Pasadena and Foothill; Chair of the AIA California’s Government Relations as well as Business and Practice Committee, and Vice-President of Regulatory Affairs. He is the president of Flewelling & Moody, Inc., a 24-person architecture and planning firm based in Los Angeles.

Three newly and re-elected members join Gaudineer and already sitting members on the 2023 AIA California Executive Committee. They are (firms are included for reference):

Newly elected:

  • 1st Vice President/ President Elect: Winston Thorne, AIA – Winston Thorne Architect
  • Vice President of Education and Professional Development: Amy Eliot, AIA – Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture
  • Vice President of CA CACE: Leigh A. Eisen – AIA San Diego

Re-elected:

Already Sitting on Executive Committee:

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The AIA CA represents the interests of more than 11,000 architects and allied professionals in California.  Founded in 1944, The AIA CA’s mission supports architects in their endeavors to improve the quality of life for all Californians by creating more livable communities, sustainable designs and quality work environments. Today, The AIA CA is the largest component of the national AIA organization. For more information, visit www.aiacalifornia.org.

 

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