As you know, the most sustainable building is one that’s not torn down; finding innovative ways to reuse our existing building stock is critical, and an added bonus is the preservation of historic structures that make up the fabric of our communities. We’ve changed the playing field with our efforts to encourage adoption of the California Historic Building Code. Our work continues.

Already in 2026, AIA California is hosting several opportunities to proactively support historic preservation efforts.

• Sponsoring Legislation. In 2019, AIA California sponsored SB 451 (Atkins) creating historic tax credit to advance housing production, support local economies and reduce environmental impacts. In 2026, we’re co-sponsoring (with the California Preservation Foundation) another bill to strengthen this law, more closely aligning it with federal tax credits, and ensuring that projects across the state – large and small – can compete on equal footing. We believe this tax credit is a critical tool to make complex rehabilitation projects financially viable, creating opportunities for architects to envision new possibilities. Watch for requests to reach out to your legislator in support of AB 1265 (Haney).
• Providing Expertise

AIA California proactively influences the Governor’s Executive Appointments process on various boards and committees within California. For instance, at the moment there are openings on the Division of the State Architect (DSA) Historic Building Committee for AIA California members who may work for the Department of Parks and Recreation; or the California State Association of Counties; or the Department of Rehabilitation; or who are members who are also a California Licensed General Building Contractor.

Concurrently, AIA California is looking for members with deep expertise in historic preservation, historic architecture, and education of architectural history to “build the bench” to advise non-architects sitting on boards, commissions, and in elected positions (both in California and federally) before they make decisions that impact the built environment.

Interested in either of these positions? Please let me know.

Spotlighting ways to get involved and creating opportunities to advocate and influence, and supporting the design process to protect, preserve and reimagine our historic structures are just a few of the ways AIA California is Working for You.

Nicki