Greetings from the AIA California Office,

Sometimes, I step back to view professional development programs from a top level. Yes, for many, these programs can be mundane, but at their core, I am fascinated by how committed and rigorous architects are on a daily basis in terms of expanding their knowledge.

In the office, we are equally committed to delivering dynamic informative CE programs through compelling presentations by peers and experts in specific knowledge areas. It’s important to us that information delivered in these courses can be embedded in daily practice.

In the last two years, free Zero Net Carbon Design courses have been an essential part of this mix. When AIA California succeeded in requiring ZNCD units for licensure, it was due to the big-thinking and diligence of its leadership and members. It advanced California as a leader in addressing the climate emergency we are experiencing in our state and globally.

But changing this licensure requirement wasn’t enough. From the start, we were equally committed to providing high-quality, free education in this area.

In 2023, a licensure renewal year, AIA California delivered forty-eight hours of programming for the profession, reaching 11,989 individuals. To me that number runs so much deeper than a metric. Instead it’s a tangible way AIA CA is equipping the architectural profession to address the rapidly changing environment and ensure relevancy in meeting client and community needs.

Of course, we hope you find this ease of access, level of information, and variety of topics embedded in all our CE offerings. We are already deep in planning for next year’s courses but are grateful to so many of you who joined us in 2023! 

Speaking of 2024, let’s catch up again in that first week of January. Until then, I wish you a beautiful holiday season.

Have a wonderful week,