Call to Architects: Civic Engagement

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Tuesday Newsletter

September 2, 2025

Call to Architects: Civic Engagement

Architects working and/or residing in the Downtown area have an opportunity to join the DTLA Neighborhood Council’s Planning & Land Use Committee and help shape the future of Downtown Los Angeles.

This is a crucial opportunity for architects residing or working in the area to contribute their expertise and influence development.

Read the Call

Spotlight On

AIA|LA ARCHITECTS IN ACTION:

Q&A with Cynthia Sigler, AIA - Associate, HKS Architects & Co-Founder, The Foothill Catalog Foundation & Chair, AIA|LA Emerging Professionals Committee

Cultivating Regional Sensitivity and Emerging Leadership

I. Design Philosophy & Core Values

Q- Originally from Honolulu and now based in Pasadena, how has your diverse geographical background influenced your design philosophy, particularly your passion for “regionally sensitive” design?

A- One of the things that originally drew me to architecture as a profession was growing up travelling to different places and learning about what makes each place unique. It’s the people, the culture, and the landscape – but so much of it is also the built environment. I’ve always loved how architecture can embody the character of a place.

Read the Q+A

Get Your ADA Credits for License Renewal before the New Year!

AIA Members Save $70. Space will fill up soon.

Whether you’re renewing your license for 2025, getting ahead for 2027, or simply

seeking fresh insights on accessible design, these fall seminars with Janis Kent, FAIA, CASp, are for you. In just one day, you can complete the 5 hours of ADA training required every two years in California-while gaining practical, real-world knowledge on ADA principles, processes, and compliance.

Stepping Thru – Accessible Environments As We Age

PLUS

Accessibility: A Photographic Look at Non-Complying Elements

Friday September 12 from 9:30am-3:30pm

This seminar includes two topics, for 5 hours total!

Stepping Thru Accessible Public Multi-Family Residential Facilities

Friday November 14 from 9:30am-3:30pm

Coming up

REFRIGERATION CODE CHANGES: WHAT DESIGNERS NEED TO KNOW-FREE

September 3 @ 5:30P - 7:30P

“Refrigeration Code Changes: What Designers Need to Know.” With evolving standards around refrigerants and HVAC systems, staying up-to-date on code updates is essential for sustainable design:

– Recent updates in California & national refrigeration codes

– Environmental impacts of refrigerant types

– Design strategies to align with the new

– Q&A session with industry professional

Story and Registration

CHOOSING A GC/FIRE FORTIFICATION-FREE

September 9 @ 12:00P - 1:00P

Join AIA Los Angeles for an insightful Lunch & Learn presented by 30 year old veteran Monument Home Builders, a premier builder specializing in residential construction in the Palisades. They are focused strictly on the Palisades for efficiency and cost savings. With a reputation for quality craftsmanship and deep experience in custom and fire-rebuild projects...

Story and Registration

AIA|LA CITY LEADERS BREAKFAST RECEPTION W/ MICHAEL BAIM – VP, VENUE INFRASTRUCTURE (VNI), ENERGY (NRG), AND LOOK & SIGN (LNS), LA 28

September 11 @ 8:00A - 9:30A

The 2025 AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series allows architects & designers, and other community stakeholders to meet directly with key individuals transforming Los Angeles in a roundtable setting to discuss innovative ideas to ensure a healthy, sustainable, and economically competitive future.

Mike Baim joined LA28 as the Vice President of Venue Infrastructure in April of 2025. He oversees design, planning...

Story and Registration

Community

AIA Makes ARE Prep More Affordable and Supportive Than Ever

Members: Use code AIALA-10 for 10% off!

Becoming a licensed architect is a milestone moment, but the journey through the Architect Registration Exam (ARE) can feel overwhelming-especially when it comes to the cost of study materials.

The AIA is stepping up to make the process more accessible and supportive through PrepARE, a program designed to help you study smarter, connect with mentors, and pass the ARE with confidence.

* Designed by architects who understand the ARE journey

* Free weekly live Zoom study sessions led by AIA experts

* Real-time Q&A and concept breakdowns

* Access to a growing library of free practice exams

* Build confidence with the exam format—at no cost

* More affordable than traditional test prep programs that can cost thousands.

Whether you’re just starting your ARE journey or looking for support on a specific division, try PrepARE free for seven days. Get access to expert guidance, live study sessions, and practice tests—all at no risk. The AIA is here to make sure cost isn’t a barrier to licensure.

Ready to see what PrepARE can do for you?

AIA|LA is a proud partner of the 2025 Net Zero Conference!

Hosted by Verdical Group at the Los Angeles Convention Center on October 1, this event will feature global sustainability experts in

Climate, Net Zero, ESG, Equity, Carbon, and Resilience.

Join us for zero carbon learning

opportunities, exciting keynotes, an in-person Expo, and more! Register HERE and use code NZMP15 for 15% off

Jobs

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

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

Check Out All Jobs

Sponsor Highlight

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors of Powerful XII — your support makes this gathering of inspiration, leadership, and design excellence possible.

The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects