SACRAMENTO, Calif.-The American Institute of Architects, California (AIACA), welcomes Benjamin Kasdan, AIA, as the 2019 President. Kasdan succeeds 2018 President, Britt Lindberg, AIA.
The task of leading the nation’s largest AIA component could be construed as overwhelming, but Kasdan, of Director of Design at KTGY Irvine, is excited to take on the task.
Installed in November 2018 at the Newport Beach Civic Center in Newport Beach in, Kasdan was joined by fellow board members, friends, family and colleagues as he humbly accepted the role.
Kasdan has been involved with the AIA at the Local, State and National levels for many years. “It all started when a friend/colleague personally invited me to attend an Associates Committee event at AIA Orange County. When I arrived, she informed me that I was now the co-chair of the committee. I haven’t stopped showing up yet and have met even more great friends/colleagues along the way,” he said. Within the AIA CA, Kasdan has moved from participating as a member of the Academy of Emerging Professionals, to becoming the Vice President of AEP, President-Elect and now President.
2019 brings many changes for the AIA CA, with it, a name change from the AIA California Council to the AIA California. Kasdan says of this transition, “Like many others, the ‘Council’ part will always have a special place in my heart, but not a lot of people know what it means anymore. AIA California speaks for itself.”
Kasdan looks forward to this next year with the AIA CA. “My biggest goal for AIA CA in 2019 is to make it possible for the organization to delve more deeply into fewer issues at a time,” he explained. So members can look for a more singular focus and meaningful contributions to the profession and to society at large.
AIA CA staff looks forward to working with him, and Executive Vice President, Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIACA, said, “His (Kasdan’s) service exemplifies how the passion, drive and commitment of one person can make a significant impact; on not only the careers of his colleagues, but on the organization’s success as well.
In the meantime, one can learn more about the current president by watching his AIA CA Instagram Takeover January 10 – 18. Use #aiacaliftakeover to view. And be sure to tune in to his monthly messages at aiacalifornia.org, beginning January 15, 2019.
For more information on any of the above information, contact Shannon Calder 916.642.1718.
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The AIACA represents the interests of more than 11,000 architects and allied professionals in California. Founded in 1944, The AIACA’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 AIACA is the largest component of the national AIA organization. For more information, visit www.aiacc.org.