As the year wraps up, I wanted to take a moment to look back on all the ways AIA California has been Working for You. From pushing for policies that protect your practice and reduce risk, to delivering resources, education, and tools that make your work easier and your bottom line stronger, this year has been all about helping you thrive in a challenging and uncertain environment.

One of the most positive byproducts of this biweekly publication is the number of members who take a moment to respond to this message. I sent out 23 of these emails this year, yielding hundreds of comments. I am buoyed by your messages – both positive and negative – I appreciate hearing from everyone, I love to share the kudos, and your feedback helps our team be responsive to your needs. Keep them coming!

In case your inbox is overflowing and you’re interested in reviewing how we’re working on your behalf, you can find the messages here. No time to review them all? Here’s a snapshot of five ways AIA California has been Working for You in 2025:

1. Provided you with Architectural Details to Comply with CALGreen
   We’ve developed partnerships to give you access to a library of architectural details to implement CalGREEN in your daily practice. Under the EnergyCodeAce™ Resources banner you can access the current result: a library of existing details, searchable by Code/Year and or Regulation/Year, Building Type and more, offers downloadable materials with practical guidance on compliance. 

2. Advocated for Permit Streamlining to Support Housing Delivery
   Last year, AIA California was asked to provide input into the California Assembly’s Select Committee on Permitting Reform. AIA California was both interviewed and active in the process, sharing our own priorities and perspectives, some of which made it into the final report (this excerpt is from section on housing reform) issued in 2025. Our work on permit reform also includes our ongoing initiatives addressing adaptive reuse; we’ve worked with members to ensure architects’ voices are heard as HCD develops recommendations to facilitate adaptive reuse and modernize California’s building standards.

3. Provided FREE Professional Development, Member-Developed Continuing Education
   In 2025, AIA California offered 52 learning units, 29 of which were HSW units (including 11 ZNCD units required for licensure renewal!) All live courses are FREE to AIA California members and we also host a library of recorded sessions available 24/7/365, including required accessibility CE (which features recent design award-winning projects, sharing real-world accessibility solutions!) And – if you’re not yet licensed – these courses are available to support your AXP journey as well!

4. Helped you Navigate Onerous Contract Conditions
   AIA California is standing up for members and the practice of architecture by helping members navigate contracts that can quietly shift unfair liability onto design professionals. Don’t get caught off guard by onerous indemnification clauses—especially those that sneak in a “duty to defend” – resources to help you understand the issues and important points to consider during contract negotiations can be found here.

5. Ensured the Architects’ Voice is Heard in the Legislative and Regulatory Environment
   One of the most important things we do is create opportunities for members to share their expertise and feedback to inform responses to regulatory bodies across the design and construction landscape—from the State Fire Marshal and historic preservation authorities to building code development and updates to the Public Contracting Code. We’ve also created and participated in coalitions to amplify our voice. All this was possible because you stepped up – thank you!

By amplifying your voice, pushing for smart, practical regulation, and investing in programs that help architects succeed in a competitive market, AIA California is focused on making sure your membership delivers real value for you, your firm and your future. These are just a few of the many ways AIA California is Working For You and will continue to in 2026!

Nicki