2027 Call for Nominations

AIA San Diego is seeking new and returning volunteer leaders to serve on the Board of Directors and on AIA San Diego’s Committees in 2027.

Nominations are now open for board seats. Please submit the form below to express your interest.

Call for Board Member Nominations: September 19- October 8, 2026
Board Election: November 20, 2026

2027 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE VACANCY

Secretary

The Secretary maintains official Chapter and Board records, including meeting minutes, membership records, notices, reports, and organizational documents. In collaboration with the President, they support Chapter meetings, oversee communications and reporting requirements, and ensure compliance with AIA and AIA California reporting obligations.

Serving at this capacity affords the volunteer leader the opportunity to shape the future of AIA San Diego and to get involved with AIA California and AIA National.

Vice President/ President-Elect

The Vice President/President-elect shall possess all the powers and perform all the duties of the President in the event of the absence of the President or of the President's disability, refusal, or failure to act and shall perform such other duties as are properly assigned by the Board of Directors or the President.

Typically reserved for those with previous Board or Committee leadership experience, this Executive Committee position requires a 3-year commitment as Executive Committee leadership: ’27 Vice President, ’28 President; ’29 Immediate Past President. Serving at this capacity affords the volunteer leader the opportunity to shape the future of AIA San Diego and to get involved with AIA California and AIA National. Chapter presidents serve as board representatives on AIA California and are offered the opportunity to represent AIA San Diego at various national conferences.

2027 BOARD VACANCY

Director Positions

AIA San Diego is accepting nominations for potential openings on the Board of Directors. Specific Board assignments and committee liaison roles will be determined based on Board needs and the final composition of the 2027 Board. Must be a current AIA Member.

2027 CALIFORNIA REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

The California Representative Council (CRC) is a statewide advisory body that helps elevate member perspectives, identify emerging issues, and provide strategic insight to inform AIA California leadership. CRC members play a key role in strengthening engagement across the profession, fostering meaningful dialogue, and helping shape the future direction of AIA California.

2027 COMMITTEES

COTE | Committee on the Environment
The Committee on the Environment (COTE) drives climate action and justice through design, empowering AIA members to enhance environmental performance and social impact. This leadership opportunity is for those passionate about sustainability, helping shape initiatives that educate and promote climate action in the built environment. Join COTE to make a difference!

COTE Co-Chairs - Matt Dunbar, AIA & Sierra Johannes, AIA

Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN)
The Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN), an AIA knowledge community, aims to highlight the value architects bring to custom residential projects. AIA San Diego CRAN supports residential architect members by facilitating the exchange of ideas and resources, advocates for them through enhanced media exposure, public awareness, and government relations, and educates both architects and clients via programs and events centered on custom residential architecture.

CRAN Co-Chairs - Hannah Williams, AIA & Angela Vanella, AIA

Healthcare Committee
The San Diego Healthcare Committee brings together professionals in the healthcare delivery AEC industry to advance health, wellness, and innovation in our community. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we aim to create impactful solutions that support the evolving needs of healthcare design and infrastructure.

Healthcare Chair - Vacant

K-12: Pathways to Architecture
The K-12 Pathways to Architecture Committee empowers youth to explore the world of design, fostering curiosity and problem-solving through design thinking. By connecting students with architects and design professionals, we provide opportunities to experience architecture firsthand and envision it as a fulfilling career. We organize events, summer camps, school outreach, and mentorship programs to introduce students to architecture. Whether you're a student, educator, or design professional, there’s a place for you in our efforts to shape the future of the built environment.

K-12 Co-Chairs - Garret Van Leeuwen, AIA & Laura DuCharme Conboy, FAIA

Preservation & Reuse Committee
AIA San Diego’s Preservation Committee seeks to broaden awareness and appreciation of preservation and historic architects in the profession, to identify and preserve architectural heritage locally, and to educate members regarding current trends and practices.

Preservation & Reuse Chair - David Marshall, AIA
Committee Vice-Chair - Andy Bowen, AIA
Secretary Lesmi Villaman

Regional Design Advocacy Council (RDAC)

The Regional Design Advocacy Council (RDAC) is a broad coalition of inter-disciplinary professionals, including but not limited to architects, planners, landscape architects, and elected officials. The Council strives to promote visionary thinking and serves as an advocacy group examining key planning and development projects and legislative initiatives which affect the design of San Diego’s built environs. RDAC welcomes all built environment professionals, community advocates, and civic-minded individuals to take part in shaping a more inclusive future for our region.

RDAC Chair - Michael Cintron, Assoc. AIA
Vice-Chair - Courtney Sawyer, AIA

Technology in Architectural Practice

The Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) Knowledge Community is a resource for AIA members, the profession, Contractors, Owners, and the public that servers to educate, illustrate, and illuminate the possible opportunities presented when connecting computer technology and architectural practice.

TAP Co-Chairs - Erik Narhi, AIA & Jose Villamizar, Assoc. AIA

We in Architecture
What was once Women In Architecture, a Knowledge Community known colloquially as WIA (pronounced We-A) is now WE-in-Architecture (WE-A)! AIA San Diego invites all to join us in our mission to diversify the profession - an effort that requires all hands…and voices and faces at the table! WI-A has always been dedicated to empowering, cultivating, and celebrating the contributions of women and minorities in the design community; WE-A aims to bring more leaders to the table to make measurable progress towards representation in the profession.

WE-A Co-Chairs - McKenna Leventhal, Assoc. AIA & Sophia Wang, Assoc. AIA

Young Emerging Professionals (YEP!)

The Young & Emerging Professionals (YEP) Committee supports early-career architects by providing mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities. Whether you're a recent graduate, working toward licensure, or a newly licensed architect, YEP is here to help you grow, connect, and advance in the profession.

YEP Chair - William (Bill) Anderson, AIA

APPLY TO JOIN THE BOARD HERE!

Ready to serve on the board? Great! What does it entail, you ask? Board members are asked to represent the Chapter in the community, attend a monthly Board meeting, as well as serve as liaisons to their respective committees. Board members will be briefed at our annual board retreat and will be asked to participate in AIA events and programs, as well as in planning for our future. Committee members typically meet once per month and implement events and programs which align their special interests with AIA’s overarching mission and objectives.

Contact AIA San Diego Executive Director Bennett Peji - director@aiasandiego.org - to discuss these opportunities and what you can expect to gain from AIA leadership!