Leadership Spotlights + Upcoming Moments to Connect

Join Us for What’s Ahead

Reflections & Insights from our 2026 Board of Directors

We’re honored to continue our series that brings you closer to the voices shaping our community. In these two video introductions, you’ll hear from our Vice President, Maxine Ward, and our board member Michael Robinson—sharing stories from their personal and professional journeys, along with the perspectives guiding their leadership.

We’ll feature more board members and industry leaders shaping the year ahead in upcoming newsletters.

WATCH THEM HERE ►

If you’re an architecture firm principal, join us at our annual Firm Leadership Roundtable & breakfast at 8:30am on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

This will be a space for thoughtful conversation on the state of our profession—grounded in shared insight and forward-looking dialogue. We’ll also hear a brief update from AIA California on key statewide initiatives and legislation shaping our work and region. More than a meeting, it’s an opportunity to connect, reflect, and learn alongside your peers.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026

Time: 8:30-10:00 am | program begins promptly at 8:30 am
Location: Downtown San Diego

If you are a firm principal and would like to attend, please email programs@aiasandiego.org

Friends of San Diego Architecture invited AIA San Diego President Ben Dalton and Executive Director Bennett Peji to spotlight AIA26: The AIA Conference on Architecture & Design, coming to San Diego, June 10-13, 2026, to talk about how San Diego’s design community is helping shape an unforgettable conference experience.

The conference is crafted to meet the moment with fresh insights, deep learning, and meaningful connection. Attendees heard how the conference serves as a catalyst for practice-defining ideas through visionary keynotes, hundreds of expert-led continuing education opportunities, exclusive architect-led tours of San Diego’s most compelling built landmarks, and the industry’s largest expo of materials, technologies, and innovations shaping the future of design and practice.

WATCH IT NOW ►

VISIT THE AIA CONFERENCE WEBSITE ►

April 29, 2026 | Irving Gill Simmons House Tour hosted by The Preservation & Reuse Committee

Join The Preservation & Reuse Committee for a tour of the Simmons House by architect Irving Gill. The tour will be between 60-90 minutes and will include a PowerPoint session describing Gill’s residential work and how the Simmons House fits into his legacy.
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May 14, 2026 | WE-A Happy Hour

Join The We in Architecture Committee (WE-A) for a happy hour event. More details to come!
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May 21, 2026 | 2026 Lecture Series - Jennifer Luce, FAIA of LUCE et studio

Don't miss the next lecture in the 2026 AIA San Diego Lecture Series
Featuring: Jennifer Luce, FAIA Founder & Principal Architect at LUCE et studio
WHERE: La Atalaya Theater at The Mingei Museum in Balboa Park
WHEN: Thursday, May 21, 2026
TIME: 6-8 pm
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THANK YOU TO OUR GOLD SPONSORS!

If your firm seeks residential clients, the AIAs in California have a new resource to help prospective clients discover you. Architect Connect links the public to architects via a simple, searchable database. Find out more about the benefits and how easy it is to list your firm.

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Details to Help You with Energy Code Compliance

Architects, we have a 2025 resource to help you with Energy Code compliance! Our Details resources are intended to be used as either a reference for you to understand how compliance is met through details, or for use in your own plan set with edits to the CAD or RVT file to select the appropriate compliance path documentation and insulation values.

These details are specifically meant to help with low-rise multifamily insulation at places like the concrete foundation, window, attic, etc. Give our new details a look today and integrate them into your project workflow!

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The Daily Transcript: National Architect’s Conference an Opportunity for Constructive Criticism

Check out the article on the AIA national conference in San Diego.

READ THE ARTICLE ►

THANK YOU TO OUR SILVER SPONSORS!

Sports are more than entertainment—they are economic drivers, cultural landmarks, and engines of urban renewal. This program explores where design, development, and strategy intersect in the business of sports.

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THANK YOU TO OUR BRONZE SPONSORS!

Learn How You Can Become a Sponsor HERE

Celebrating Design Excellence since 1928.

The mission of AIA San Diego is to promote the profession of architecture in the region and to support architects and designers in professional excellence.

AIA San Diego’s regular eNewsletter keeps you in the loop with the latest events, news, and opportunities from our local design community. If you have updates you’d like to share with our community, please email us at director@aiasandiego.org.