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Tuesday Newsletter
September 08, 2025
| | The Advocacy Report - CIRCULAR SoCal | | |
CIRCULAR SoCal: A Catalyst for a Regenerative Future
On Friday, November 7, 2024, as part of the AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series, we hosted a deeply engaging roundtable with California State Senator Ben Allen on creating a more resilient and sustainable future for Southern California. One topic that resonated most deeply was the urgent need for a circular economy—a system designed to eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems.
This discussion highlighted the direct connection between principles of the circular economy and core architectural practices: from adaptive reuse and whole-building life cycle assessments to designing for disassembly and upcycling. The consensus was clear: we need more market-based systems and policies to support these regenerative practices.
Read The Report
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AIA|LA Architects in Action:
Q+A with Avi O. Grigoresco, FAIA, LEED AP - Senior Manager Design/ Construction Projects, Kaiser Permanente
Designing for Health, Efficiency, and Community Well-being
I. Design Philosophy & Core Values
Q. Your professional “north star” is defined by three guiding principles: intuitive, pervasive, and aspirational. Could you elaborate on how each of these principles translates into tangible design choices and outcomes in the healthcare facilities you manage?
A. “Intuitive” emerges as that seamless connection, where designs become almost second nature, easing the burdens of patients and staff alike. Weave in natural light, open sightlines, and touches of nature through biophilic cues, much as casual acquaintances might offer unexpected comfort, turning spaces into instinctive havens of healing. “Pervasive” spreads like a grapevine closer to the rhythms of daily life and weaving health into the fabric of work, play, and home, reducing barriers much like weak ties bridge gaps in our social worlds. “Aspirational” lifts the gaze higher, envisioning environments that spark hope and ingenuity, akin to those peripheral bonds that reveal new facets of ourselves, not just for function but to inspire—a beacon drawing in talent and retaining spirits.
Read the Q+A
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ADA Seminar This Friday:
Three More Days to Sign Up!
Time is running out—our September seminar is just three days away! Don’t miss this chance to take care of your entire 5-hour California ADA training requirement in a single day.
Whether you’re renewing for 2025, getting ahead for 2027, or simply looking for new perspectives on accessible design, join Janis Kent, FAIA, CASp, for a focused, practical session that delivers compliance information and valuable real-world insights.
AIA Members Save $70!
Friday September 12 from 9:30am-3:30pm
Stepping Thru – Accessible Environments As We Age
PLUS
Accessibility: A Photographic Look at Non-Complying Elements
Includes two accessibility topics, for 5 hours total!
GET IT DONE ON SEPTEMBER 12
Also, coming up…
Friday November 14 from 9:30am-3:30pm
Stepping Thru Accessible Public Multi-Family Residential Facilities
TAKE CARE OF IT ON NOVEMBER 14
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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, Monument Home Builders is committed to building better, smarter and stronger.
Whether you’re an architect, project manager, or designer, this seminar offers actionable strategies for successful project delivery and resilient construction.
Story and Registration
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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, procurement, and delivery of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue infrastructure, energy, look, and signage.
Story and Registration
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SINGLE-FAMILY 2025 TITLE 24 OVERVIEW-FREE
September 23 @ 12:00 - 1:00P
In less than four months, the new statewide Energy Code will go into effect on January 1st. This course will review the 2025 Energy Code Mandatory and Prescriptive requirements for Single-family envelope, mechanical, photovoltaic and heated pool and spa requirements. In addition, we will review the new electric-ready and performance compliance metrics introduced in the 2025 Energy Code.
This event will be virtual over ZOOM. All registrants will be sent a ZOOM link in the Event Confirmation email that is sent out 24 hours prior to the event.
Story and Registration
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Managing Cost through Design for Disaster Rebuilds
Join the AIAPF along with our contractor partners to understand key strategies and tools to help manage budget when working with disaster-affected clients.
REGISTER
| | | ACLA’s Transform LA: A Sustainability Charrette | | |
Transform LA invites high school students in grades 9-12 to join us for an exciting
day of exploring sustainable architecture and environmental justice. Discover how
architects are leading the way in solving climate challenges and how YOU can be
part of that change.
This hands-on program offers a unique opportunity to dive into the world of
eco-friendly design. You’ll work in small teams, using real design tools to create
models and tackle real-world sustainability challenges.
Space is limited to 20-30 participants, so don’t miss out on this chance to
collaborate with other passionate students and develop skills that can shape the
future of our planet!
PARTICIPATE
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What Is Design Like A Girl?
A hands-on architecture & design mentorship program in Los Angeles for girls ages 11–14, pairing them with women professionals in architecture, construction, and engineering. Each full-day workshop includes design challenges, group activities, and ends with the girls presenting their creative ideas!
Location: AIA|LA / ACLA Center for Communities
First Workshop: September 13
Second Workshop: October 18
Interested? Find out more HERE
| | | The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects | | | | |
