Dear AIA San Diego Members,

I’m truly honored to serve as your President for AIA San Diego in 2026. I step into this role with gratitude and excitement, especially at a moment when our chapter is energized by fresh ideas, renewed momentum from our new Executive Director, Bennett Peji, and the incredible opportunity of hosting the National AIA Conference in our city for the first time in 23 years. It’s an inspiring time to be part of this community.

I want to begin by offering my heartfelt thanks to our 2025 President, Katee Chard. Katee has poured herself into this role, helping steady and strengthen our chapter through a year of transition. The time, care, and leadership she has given have made a real difference, and I’m deeply appreciative of her commitment. Because of her efforts, and the opportunities now before us, we head into 2026 with more potential than I could have imagined a year ago. With that strong foundation, the bar is high, and I welcome the challenge.

As your President, I have three primary goals for the year ahead:
• To host a successful National Convention that showcases San Diego and celebrates the many ways our profession has shaped the beauty, vitality, and character of our city.
• To broaden our outreach and support for local firms, practitioners, and students, strengthening participation and growing our membership.
• To build on our programs and events in ways that increase relevance, value, and visibility, making AIA San Diego an even more useful and connected presence in our local community.

I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead. With a dedicated Board and a strong Executive Director by our side, we are energized by the possibilities before us. Our volunteer service is ultimately in support of excellence in the profession of architecture and in service to you, our members. I invite you to engage with us, share your ideas, and help us make the most of this moment as we work together to shape the future of San Diego.

Thank you for your continued support of our chapter. Please know that our doors are always open for your feedback, your participation, and your needs. Let’s work together to make 2026 a meaningful, impactful, and memorable year.

Warmly,
Ben Dalton
President, AIA San Diego

Don't Miss the January 2026 Lecture

Roger Sherman, FAIA, is Design Director at Gensler LA, where he leads the Stone Soup Group (also known as the Community Impact Group), with projects ranging from permanent supportive housing to non-profit institutional work and mission-driven planning.

WHERE: Marina Village Conference Center
WHEN: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
TIME: 6 PM Networking + Check-In | 7 PM Lecture | 8 PM Q&A

REGISTER TODAY ►

The AIA26 Conference Website is Live!

The AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2026 comes to San Diego in June. Experience tours, keynotes, continuing education, and the industry’s largest expo.
AIA26 CONFERENCE WEBSITE

Check out our San Diego hub for more information on AIA26 and how you can get involved!
AIA26 LOCAL HUB ►

New AIA California members get a special perk this year: FREE registration to the AIA26 Conference on Architecture & Design in San Diego! This special offer is worth up to $1,499 per member!
Your free registration gives you full access to:

• Visionary keynotes and nationally recognized speakers to inspire your work

• Industry-best CE, including the opportunity to earn your HSWs for the year!

• Exclusive architect-led tours featuring San Diego’s top architecture and firms

• Unparalleled networking with peers, firm leaders, and industry partners

• The industry’s largest expo, featuring hundreds of leading AEC brandsArchitect, Associate, Associate New Graduate, and International Associate members are eligible.
  
  BECOME A MEMBER AND GET FREE AIA26 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION ►

AIA26 Blog Post: San Diego Restaurants: Design You Can Dine In

Savor San Diego’s most memorable flavors with this handpicked list of restaurant recommendations from AIA San Diego Executive Director Bennett Peji. From award-winning street tacos and plant-based steakhouses to beachside Mediterranean fusion and nationally recognized gelato, these are the places where food, culture, and architecture intersect in unforgettable ways.

While you’re in town for AIA26, take time to visit some of these must-try restaurants—each blending craft, community, and beautifully designed experiences.

READ THE POST ►

An Opportunity to Participate in a Focus Group about Neighborhood Homes for All of Us.

The City of San Diego's City Planning Department is seeking community members interested in discussing Neighborhood Homes for All of Us. They invite small-scale infill developers, planners and home developers to provide input on the home opportunities that neighborhood homes can create.  

Focus groups will take place on Jan. 28 and Feb. 2. Participants will receive a $10 Target gift card for their participation. Please sign up by Jan. 23, 2026.

Neighborhood homes are small-scale attached and detached homes, such as townhomes, duplexes, and small-scale multiple-home buildings, that complement existing homes in the surrounding area. By allowing for more than one home on a lot, the opportunity to buy or rent one of these homes will be more affordable for more San Diegans, including first-time homebuyers and middle-income households.

The City encourages you to apply to participate in a focus group on barriers to developing infill home projects and home design considerations. The input received will help the City develop architectural plans and renderings for neighborhood homes.

APPLY TO PARTICIPATE ►

Help Shape the Future of San Diego's Built Environment

AIA San Diego is collecting input from members to better understand where architects are already engaged and where there is interest in getting more involved in civic advocacy. Whether you currently serve or are simply curious about public service, we want to hear from you.

Take the quick survey