January 19th | 2pm - 5pm

AIASMC Google Bay View Campus Tour (3 LU|HSW)

Join AIASMC Committee on the Environment along with architects from Heatherwick Studio and Google REWS teams for an insightful tour of the Google Bay View Campus. Opened in May 2022, Google’s Bay View campus is among the largest buildings in the world to receive Platinum certification for Building Design and Construction under LEED V4.

January 25th | 6:30pm - 8pm

The Creative Leadership Workshop (1.5 LU)

What does it take to be an A+D firm leader? Create your own path to success with business strategy consultant and leadership coach, Elisabeth Sporer, AIA CIC, whose approach rooted in mindfulness is influenced by psychology and neuroscience.

February 1st | 6pm - 7:30pm

Architecture in a Commodity Culture: Reflections during 50 Years of Practice and Teaching (1.5 LU)

Join us for a introspective discussion with Michael Pyatok, FAIA about his illustrious career and the things he's learned along the way! This talk has 3 parts: parts 1 and 2 focus on the possible connections between our economic system and the cultural landscape. Part 3 shares ways to pursue goals outlined in the previous parts.

February 6th | 6pm - 7:30pm

Sunnyvale 2.0 (1.5 LU|ZNCD)

Imagine what Sunnyvale could look like if we started from scratch. What kind of neighborhoods do we create? How do we make the lowest possible carbon impact?

The City of Sunnyvale gave Bluepoint Planning and HabLab a chance to reimagine the 1200 acre Moffett Park neighborhood as a 21st century sustainability icon. Join us to hear how they wrestled with profound planning and technical challenges along the way.

February 8th | 7pm | Three Sheets Craft Beer Bar

Emerging Professionals Happy Hour

Join us for a networking-focused happy hour for young architects and emerging professionals.

First rounds on us!

From Architect to Educator: The Inspiring Journey of Mimi Van Kirk | Member Spotlight

Mimi Van Kirk’s journey from architect to teacher is a compelling narrative that resonates with architects, designers, and educators alike. Moving from Chicago to California during high school, Van Kirk’s exposure to her father’s civil engineering work and her mother’s interior design magazines planted the seeds of her architectural career. Her path, defined by a decision in high school to switch from drama classes to architectural drafting classes, set the stage for a remarkable professional journey.  

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Emergency Escape and Rescue by Jonathan Clark

Section 1031 of the California Building Code (CBC) is where we find all of the requirements for emergency escape and rescue windows. Aside from the very technical descriptions of what makes an emergency escape and rescue window, the more important topic is where they are required. Section 1031.2 reads in part, “In addition to the means of egress required by this chapter, emergency escape and rescue openings shall be provided in Group R occupancies. 

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Engineers Alliance for the Arts – Call for Volunteers!

The Student Impact Project (SIP) brings professional engineers and designers to lead, teach, and engage students in the design and creation of scale model bridges. Emphasizing learning across STEAM-related fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), our project-based program encourages students to collaborate as they would in a real-world work environment. The importance of both functional and creative components are emphasized throughout the SIP.

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Climate Action: What You Can Do Right Now

The built environment is responsible for over 40% of global carbon emissions* and the architectural profession can greatly mitigate this impact through design. AIA California’s member-curated climate action resources are created by a diverse group of professionals with a deep understanding of climate science, policy, and sustainable practices.



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Retiring Your CA Architect License: Key Considerations

As architects approach the later stages of their careers, the prospect of retirement becomes an important consideration. Planning for retirement involves more than just financial preparation; it also entails making informed decisions about your professional standing. If you are an architect in California contemplating retirement, here are some essential factors you need to know about retiring your CA architect license.



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ABI November 2023: Business conditions remain soft at architecture firms

Business conditions remained soft at architecture firms in November, as the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) remained below 50 with a score of 45.3 for the month (any score below 50 indicates declining billings). The score increased by one point from October, indicating that slightly fewer firms reported a decline in billings in November, but the majority of firms continued to report weak business for the fourth consecutive month, and the seventh month so far this year.

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CA License Needs to Be Renewed?

This 3 course ADA bundle satisfies your CA licensure requirement on your own time.

Learn ADA online courses such as accessible hotels and restaurants, the trouble with accessibility, urban inclusiveness, and building inclusive communities.

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Medical Planner – Emeryville, CA

Ratcliff’s Healthcare Practice is a regional leader in the planning and design of complex healthcare facilities, including acute and ambulatory care facilities as well as medical campus master plans. We are seeking a Medical Planner who demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of healthcare architecture and significant experience leading the design and development of such projects.

Senior Project Architect – Academic – Emeryville, CA

Ratcliff’s Academic Practice is a regional leader in the planning and design of K-12, Higher Education and Civic projects throughout Northern California. We are seeking a Senior Project Architect to join our team and contribute to positively transforming the built environment.

Senior Project Manager – Academic – Emeryville, CA

Ratcliff’s Academic Practice is a regional leader in the planning and design of K-12, Higher Education and Civic projects throughout Northern California. We are seeking a Senior Project Manager to join our team and contribute to positively transforming the built environment.

Project Manager - Healthcare – Emeryville, CA

Ratcliff’s Healthcare Practice is a regional leader in the planning and design of complex healthcare facilities, including acute and ambulatory care facilities as well as medical campus master plans. We are seeking a Project Manager to join our team and contribute to positively transforming the built environment.