 Altadena, Pasadena, LA and the Foothill communities When a disaster occurs, like the wildfires that hit Los Angeles in January, architects are vital to the recovery process -applying their professional insights and guidance to the task of supporting individual property owners and the broader community. To support this professional response and empower our members, AIA California has developed a Disaster Response Toolkit which maps out the typical phases of recovery and the architect’s roles in each. You can download the Toolkit here. As we collectively move through these phases, AIAPF will continue to provide resources and materials for the public as well as our members and partners. Email: wildfiresupport@aiapf.org. To volunteer with us, click here to sign up. |
Get certified in building safety assessment The Safety Assessment Program (SAP) utilizes volunteers and mutual aid resources to provide professional architects, engineers, and certified building inspectors with the necessary training to assist local governments in safety evaluation of the built environment in the aftermath of a disaster. It is administered by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The next Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Training will be hosted by AIA Headquarters on 3/12-3/13 > Details and sign-up are here Lessons from Lahaina Lessons learned about the realities of the recovery process from those with boots on the ground in Maui. Presenters: AIA MAUI Past President David Sellers of Hawaii Off-grid (HIOG), AIA MAUI Current President Jeremy Stoddart of Pili Designs, AIA HONOLULU Executive VP Julia Fink, and AIA 2025 President-Elect Illya Azaroff, FAIA. > Click here to watch the recording. |
Advocacy efforts AIA California has issued a request to Governor Newsom requesting a waiver to allow property owners to access copies of plans from a regulatory agency (building department) without explicit approval from the architect that drafted them. > Read the letter. Deferred licensing fees Governor Newsom has postponed renewal fees for licensees impacted by the Los Angeles Fires. > Read the executive order and find out if your zip code qualifies. Hands-on volunteering The Pasadena Community Job Center has compiled some great opportunities for helping with the recovery. > Click here for a list of in-person opportunities. Donating your time If you are part of the AEC Community and would like to offer pro bono services, you can reach out to Help Draw Together. |
Questions about Rebuilding? AIAPF is offering free one-on-one consultations through our "Ask an Architect" program. Architects will be available to provide expert guidance, resources and community support as we navigate the rebuilding process. > Click to sign up for your consultation. Webinar: Understanding the Local Landscape and How You Can Help - Thursday, 3/13/25 from 12N – 1:00P An education session about recovery/rebuilding efforts for members including policy changes; process and timeline; our positions about each issue. Program: AIA Los Angeles and AIA California Looking for an architect? Check out the AIA|PF Directory of Local Member Architects & Partners > Click here For more information on How to Hire/Work with an Architect > Click here More resources for homeowners from AIA California > Click here. |
Policy recommendations from AIAPF The AIAPF Board has approved a policy memo regarding recent policy changes from LA County to provide guidance and suggestions on how to handle rebuilding. > See the memo here.Fire-hardening certification This site, from Bill Melby, FAIA, AIA California’s Disaster Network Chair, contains valuable information and a fire-hardening certification program, via the Institute for Business & Home Safety, an organization AIA works with. Click through, whether you are a member interested in certification, and learning opportunities on resilient design or share with homeowners as a resource. > Visit Wildfire Prepared |
Thank you to our everyone who is showing up to help with the response, recovery and rebuilding!