AIA|LA & LADBS: A Roadmap for Improving Los Angeles Development Services

Having trouble viewing this email? Click Here

Tuesday Newsletter

September 30, 2025

AIA|LA & LADBS: A Roadmap for Improving Los Angeles Development Services

On Monday, September 22, the AIA Los Angeles (AIA|LA) hosted a roundtable discussion with LADBS General Manager Osama Younan.

While the conversation covered specific topics-including the transfer of zoning plan check to City Planning (LACP), new pilot programs, and challenges with Palisades fire rebuilds-a larger, more critical theme emerged: Los Angeles’s development services are fundamentally hampered by a lack of centralized authority and inter-departmental coordination.

Read The Story

Spotlight On

AIA|LA Architects In Action: Pioneering Regenerative Design and Community Resilience

Q&A with David Hertz, FAIA, LEED AP

I. Design Philosophy & Leadership Style

Q. For over 40 years, you’ve worked “at the edge of sustainability and the forefront of regenerative architecture.” How do you define “regenerative architecture,” and what does it mean to expand “the conceptual limits of architecture” in your practice?

A. Regenerative architecture goes beyond sustainability—it actively restores and revitalizes the systems it touches. It’s about designing buildings and environments that don’t just minimize harm but improve ecological and social conditions. Expanding the conceptual limits of architecture means embracing interdisciplinary thinking, incorporating systems design, and engaging deeply with place, culture, and ecology to imagine new possibilities for how we live.

Read The Q+A

AIA|LA CITY Leaders Breakfast Reception W/Mark Gonzalez – Assembymember, District #54, California

October 9 @ 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Assemblymember Mark González was first elected to the California State Assembly in November 2024 and appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly to serve as Majority Whip.

González represents the 54th Assembly District — one of the most diverse districts in California. District 54 encompasses Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, Westlake, Downtown Los Angeles, Koreatown, Pico-Union, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Historic Filipinotown, and the cities of Vernon, Montebello, and Commerce.

González is the son of a single mother and grew up in Section 8 housing — he understands the challenges working families face in trying to make ends meet. After his mother suffered a stroke two years ago, Mark became her sole caregiver — taking his mom to the grocery store, doctor appointments, and attending church with her every Sunday. In this role, he witnessed the failures of government, social programs, and the healthcare system to support vulnerable seniors adequately.

Info + Tickets

Coming up

2025 POWERFUL XII: OPTIMISM + RESILIENCE

October 3 @ 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The AIA | LA Women in Architecture Committee is excited to present our 12th annual Powerful Conference.

Powerful XII: Optimism + Resilience. 2025 has brought profound challenges, globally and here in Los Angeles, experiencing devastating wildfires at the beginning of the year. In the face of crisis, optimism and resilience have emerged as vital forces...

Story and Registration

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ CANDIDATE TOWN HALL 2026

October 6 @ 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

To help our members get to know this year’s nominees, and understand what programs and initiatives the candidates propose to bring to the table, we invite you to join us for the AIA LA Board of Directors 2026 Candidate Town Hall. We’ve scheduled this event for Monday, October 6, 2025 (5pm to 6:30pm.)

The Town Hall will b...

Story and Registration

AIA|LA & LADWP DEVELOPMENT SERVICES: 2025 QUARTERLY MEETINGS

October 7 @ 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM

This is a virtual meeting hosted on LADPW’s WebEx platform. Please register in advance to receive the link to access the meeting.

These quarterly meetings serve as an opportunity for AIA members to connect directly with LADWP leadership and to discuss opportunities and strategies to improve development services.

Story and Registration

Community

Hey, Los Angeles Architects! Step Into an Ironworker’s Boots for a Day!

Ever wondered what exactly those ironworkers are doing when you drive past a jobsite? Find out at this free SteelDays event (and earn 1.5 AIA LUs in the process)!

Join AISC on Thursday, October 23, for a morning of hands-on activities at a real Iron Worker Training Center in La Palma!

Space is limited, register today!

Join Tile of Spain USA on Thursday, November 6^th at 5:30pm for an inspiring evening of design and discovery. Enjoy a CEU discussion on the latest ceramic tile technologies and products, browse an exclusive exhibition of new products from 12 Tile of Spain companies and savor a taste of traditional Spanish tapas.

Thursday, November 6, 2025

5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

AIA Los Angeles

4450 W Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016

Link to Registration Page

Jobs

City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering ARCHITECT: BUREAU OF ENGINEERING / CONVENTION CENTER DIVISION FOR THE LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION AND MODERNIZATION PROJECT | Los Angeles, CA | 9/26

RO | Rockett Design | Senior Architect/Design er | Inglewood, CA

Houston/ Tyner, A Professional Architectural Corporation | Architectural Staff Level II | Torrance, CA | 9/24

Nelsen Partners | Senior Project Manager (Multi-family)| Austin, TX | 9/8

Michael Maltzan Architecture | Business Development Director | Los Angeles, CA | 8/29

Preen, Inc. | Architectural Designer 1-3 years | Chinatown, Los Angeles | 8/28

Dowbuilt | Digital Construction Project Engineer | Los Angeles, CA | 8/26

Mackenzie | Project Architect/Project Manager | Sacramento, CA | 8/25

RO | ROCKETT DESIGN | Intermediate Designer/Architect | Inglewood, CA | 8/20

McGriff Architects | Designer (5+ years’ experience) | San Francisco, CA (remote possible) | 8/20

FAME Architecture & Design | Intermediate Interior Architect/Designer | Los Angeles, CA | 8/11

Check Out All Jobs

Sponsor

It’s not too late to join as an AIA|LA annual sponsor! Sign on now and we’ll roll your sponsorship through the same month next year—so you start enjoying all the benefits of your support right away.

Thank you AMPAC - our latest Silver Annual Sponsor

The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects