1928 -2023
AIA SAN DIEGO TURNS 95!
This year marks a very special milestone for the chapter as we celebrate 95 years of advocating and uplifting the architectural profession in San Diego.
Since its founding in 1928, AIA San Diego has been a leading voice and advocate for great design, effective planning, sustainability, design-education, professional development, civic leadership, and public engagement. Our members are committed to a set of values embraced by the American Institute of Architects such as upholding the highest professional standards, prioritizing sustainable and equitable practices, displaying a commitment to lifelong learning, working for community health, and holding the interests of clients paramount.
We can’t see where we are going without taking a look at where we’ve been - take a trip down memory lane with us…
University and 6th, c. 1928. Photo : San Diego History Center
1928
In 1928, the San Diego Region had a population of 147,995.
Lindberg Field
The city had just dedicated its municipal airport, Lindbergh Field- now the San Diego International Airport. Balboa Park’s Panama-California Exhibition took place a decade earlier and San Diego leaders were looking towards establishing San Diego as a destination as the first United States port of call for ships traveling north after passing westward through the Panama Canal.
Prominent San Diego Architects Irving Gill, Richard Requa, John Siebert, Louis Gill and more were active in the City of San Diego, meeting in what was called the “Architects’ Association.”
AIA San Diego’s previous offices, located in the historic Centre City Civic building on A Street in Downtown San Diego
In July of 1928, local architects had their sites set on a convention hall and municipal auditorium for the City. Architect William H. Wheeler had drawn up preliminary plans and submitted a design to the Chamber of Commerce.
Our local chapter was established in 1928 and in 1929, AIA San Diego elected our first president, John S. Siebert.
Louis Gill, Irving’s nephew, and Requa would later serve as AIA San Diego presidents.
Mingei Museum - LUCEet Studio
2023
Population: 3,298,634
Today, the American Institute of Architects in San Diego County represents more than 1,000 members. The local chapter is part of a greater network of AIA California chapters, which represents more than 11,000 members and is the largest state component of the AIA.
Our 2023 leadership has proven to be dedicated and motivated, and we have already held some incredible events to kick off the year.
Our Young and Emerging Professionals (YEP) group hosted an open house in February and had an incredible turnout at Tecture for a night of art, design, architecture and networking. Our Women in Architecture Community is also getting a rebrand. WE-A ( We In Architecture) is being built to bring more leaders to the table to make measurable progress toward representation in the profession. The knowledge community met for the first time under the new moniker in March at Safdie Rabines Architects. The group identified their goals for the year over a casual meet-up. We look forward to more community building from these two groups in 2023.
The Laura Shinn Diversity In Architecture Scholarship, established in 2020, continues to grow, and we have raised even more funds and resources to support local students for years to come. Our 2022 Recipient, Samantha Marquez of Woodbury University, used her platform for an in-person presentation with local students at Otay Mesa High School. Barbara Leon, AIA served as a mentor and connection to this emerging designer. We will continue to use our collective voice to inspire students to pursue the profession.
Our organization has been fighting to create transparency by educating the public on planning and design issues while uplifting the interests of our profession. With many inspiring presentations and strategic advocacy plans, RDAC, AIA SD’s Regional Design Advisory Council serves as a think tank representing the future of the architectural profession. Our numbers continue to grow with cross-disciplinary representation, including strategic partnerships with ASLA, SANDAG and more. We have already hosted incredible guests on a host of topics from World Design Capital to the Civic Center Revitalization Plan. If you missed a session, visit our youtube channel anytime to revisit the discussions. Want to learn more? The group will host a long-awaited in-person gathering on May 10th. All are welcome.
If you haven't heard, AIA San Diego officially moved offices last year. We transitioned from our long-held A Street office to a new landing space. Park and Market is a hub for innovation, talent and resources, and gives us the opportunity to work with incredible company, including the Burnham Center for Community Advancement and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. We have access to an incredible space located in the heart of downtown, and we will continue to take advantage of the great amenities and programs there.
As we look ahead to what the future holds for the chapter- and the city- we are cultivating events that bring us together to celebrate, uphold and shine a light on the profession- including our Annual Design Awards.
Save the date for June 21, 2023 and keep an eye out for special events and programs, including tours, talks, and exclusive experiences that celebrate design excellence. For all who want to have their work recognized on this special night - registration is now open for design awards recognition- remember you don't need to submit yet, only register now. All general submissions are due May 4th.
New projects by local architects continue to emerge and enhance our cityscape.
The Rady shell, by Tucker Sadler Architects, opened in Summer 2021, is an architectural gem in San Diego Bay. The venue is the fulfillment of a long-time civic desire to have a state-of-the-art concert venue that elevates the experience of live music while also serving as a dynamic public space for all of San Diego.
Also in 2021, The Mingei Museum completed a significant transformation. The renovation, by LUCEet studio, opened up the historic Balboa Park campus to achieve maximum public-facing civic space, restaurant, gallery space and a completely transformed interior plan.
Just short of a month ago, the long-awaited West Mission Bay Drive Bridge, by Safdie Rabines, opened. The artfully designed bridge improved traffic congestion in the area while enhancing pedestrian and bike connections.
These projects mark just a few of the recent architectural additions to our city completed by local AIA San Diego architects.
Midway Rising - Safdie Rabines
As we look ahead to what the future holds for the chapter - and the city - we are cultivating a culture that unites us together to celebrate, uphold and shine a light on the profession.
As we emerge from a tumultuous few years, we must remain committed to embracing change and moving forward. We may be getting back to “normal” but we cannot return to the way things were. More than just a designation, the AIA of today is dedicated to designing a better profession, one committed to transparency, equity, and positive change. As we grow and adapt, let's not forget how much stronger we are together and remain connected. We are striving to move forward as a resource for you, our members, and the communities we serve. Our mission remains committed to mentorship and advocacy at the core - bridging the gap between seasoned architects, the public, and the new generation of rising architectural talent.
The city of San Diego continues to make great strides and has seen tremendous growth. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has established the Civic Center Revitalization Committee, a multi-disciplinary group of community leaders leading the charge to guide the future redevelopment of San Diego’s Civic Core in Downtown.
The Midway Rising development, in Sports Arena, promises 4,250 new homes, which includes 2,000 affordable, 250 middle-income and 250 market rate units in addition to a new 16,500 seat arena, a 200-room hotel, a park and retail space.
In a remarkable win for our city, San Diego and Tijuana have been named World Design Capital in 2024, joining the like of cities such as Mexico City, Mexico, Valencia, Spain and Seoul South Korea. In addition to this celebration of our cross-border design, our World Design Capital Designation will act as a catalyst to propel San Diego even further as we establish ourselves as a world leader in design. AIA San Diego looks forward to our participation in exhibiting the power of design in our cross-border region, and showcasing the incredible work of our local talent.
Planning is already underway and now is the perfect time to get involved as San Diego takes the world stage. Learn more about our WDC bid, and hear from CEO Carlos De la Mora, in a recent chat with our RDAC committee.
We have been through 95 years together and we can’t wait to see what is next. Whether you are just thinking about licensure, pursuing fellowship, or everywhere in between, AIA SD has the resources to help you succeed. If you need stats on membership, etc. just say so!
Where will we go next? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: AIA San Diego will be at the forefront as the driving force and advocate of design excellence in our city.
