Our shared daily experience now dramatically confirms what climate scientist have known for years: severe climate disruption is accelerating beyond the most pessimistic predictions. This crisis is the direct result of human activities and must be urgently addressed by all of us, collectively and globally.

Which is why the Board of Directors officially declared a climate emergency to immediately accelerate the decarbonization of the built environment.  It enables AIA CA to boldly move to influence public policy.

AIA CA also established the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion steering committee and policy. This Steering Committee was created to champion a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to create a more diverse community within the architectural profession. Using an EDI lens as a significant layer of perspective to AIA CA’s planning, the Committee will contribute to strategic planning conversations and create a dialogue for issues important to underrepresented groups in all aspects of architectural practice. And the policy created to state will act as a major element of 2022’s operating plan.

While we continue to advocate for the environment, and grow and establish and support EDI efforts, AIA CA also made significant legislative advocacy strides. AB 1010 was authored by Assembly Member Marc Berman (D – Palo Alto). This new law requires all California architects to complete 5 hours of continuing education in Net Zero Carbon design every two years and will be in effect for the 2023 renewal cycle.  This CE will help architects understand significant changes that are expected to be included in future building codes and standards and will help position California architects as the thought leaders in Net Zero Carbon design.  AIA CA will supply courses for free to all architects renewing their licenses in 2023.

In addition, AB 830 , authored by Assembly Member Heath Flora (R – Ripon), was signed. This bill contains language to restore freedom in how some newly formed architectural firms can name themselves.  In late 2019 the California Secretary of State’s office adopted a new interpretation of existing law and began rejecting the formation of new architectural general business corporations that includes a last name of a principal and any variation of the “A” word in its title (e.g. Smith Jones Architects, Inc.).  AB 830 restores the naming freedom to newly formed architectural general business corporations. 

The Healthcare Facilities Forum and Monterey Design Conference were both held and successfully attended, especially given the virtual environment. While this was not the first time HFF was held virtually, it was a first for MDC. Both conferences inspired thought, design, and thoughtful conversations about design.