“California’s architects are national leaders in climate resilience, in energy efficiency, wildfire safety and innovative housing solutions,” noted State Senator Ashby from the State Senate floor. “Through this work, they advance accessibility, sustainability and quality of life in all of our districts.”

The resolution establishing Architecture Week notes core values and strategic goals that are key to the work of AIA California members and organizational activities and initiatives:

• Architecture profoundly influences quality of life, shaping the communities where Californians live, work, and gather
• Architects play a vital role in advancing public health, safety, and welfare through thoughtful planning, sustainable design, and innovation
• The American Institute of Architects California, represents more than 11,000 members statewide and is dedicated to advancing architecture that creates a safe, sustainable, and inspiring built environment for current and future generations
• * Architecture Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the profession’s contributions to California’s diverse communities, inspiring civic pride and a shared vision for a resilient, inclusive, and beautiful future

AIA California is grateful to California State Architect Ida Clair, FAIA, who joined AIA California President Ginger Thompson, AIA, and AIA Central Valley immediate Past President Melisa Gaudreau, AIA, at the Capitol on April 6 to be recognized on the Senate Floor as part of the Architecture week presentation. In her presentation, Senator Ashby called Clair “a role model for young women and a leader in advancing sustainable and accessible design across the state of California.”

“The California State Senate’s recognition is meaningful in many ways, most importantly by helping to inform Californian residents of the service architects may bring to them. We are grateful to State Senator Ashby for helping to illuminate our commitment,” said AIA President Ginger Thompson, AIA. “This is also an opportunity to thank California State Architect Ida Clair, FAIA, who attended the Senate presentation and vote with me for demonstrating to state officials on a daily basis the purpose with which we lead.”

To honor the official designation of the importance of architecture in California, the diverse communities the profession believes in supporting, and the essentiality of making the profession open to all, AIA California’s charitable organization, the California Architectural Foundation (CAF), is introducing a new statewide Architecture Coloring Book that highlights the diversity of architects and project types across the profession, to further support architectural education efforts during Architecture Week.

CAF’s free educational program Architecture by the Book which pairs volunteer architects with students in schools and community programs, will be visible throughout the state during the week. AIA members will visit multiple classrooms in schools in California’s Central Valley, San Fernando Valley, Orange County and Santa Barbara. The initiative is estimated to reach 500 students.

Both Architecture Week and CAF’s activities are part of a national program driven by the American Institute of Architects. Each spring, AIA Architecture Week invites the architecture profession to step beyond their offices and into classrooms and community spaces to connect with K–12 students and share the power of design.

About the American Institute of Architects California (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. 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