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A Letter from Our Executive Director

A Letter from Our Executive Director

Over the last 18 months, we have experienced never-before-seen challenges which have required never-before-thought-of solutions. Despite these challenges, I have not once stopped believing in the transformative power and positive impact that designers, architects, and built-environment professionals have in this world.

It has been inspiring to witness the resilience of the AIA San Francisco and Center for Architecture + Design community at work this past year. Our events kicked off with the International Waterfront Symposium, bringing speakers from local jurisdictions, owners, and developers in conversation with designers and planners. Weekly programs featured thought leaders who spoke passionately on topics ranging from resilience, equity, diversity, housing, and design technology to water conservation, craftmanship, work-life balance, and so much more.

We also launched the Pflueger Architecture Scholarship to benefit architecture students at City College of San Francisco. Our Public Policy and Advocacy Committee consistently rallied architects to attend hearings and advocate for equity in housing. The Architecture + the City Festival inspired our community to explore our city’s built environment. Additionally, the Equity by Design Committee advanced the JE:DI Agenda for initiating and sustaining systemic change.

The coming year will be pivotal for the chapter. We will embark on the last stretch of fundraising to begin construction on the Bay Area’s new Center for Architecture + Design and expand our range of programs to fill our community’s critical need for public design education. I feel fortunate to count on the support of allied partners, firms, and individual contributors who have helped us raise close to $4M towards the campaign goal of $8M. I am also thankful to the 70+ firms who have donated their materials and services valued at $2.4M toward building the physical space.

Whether you participated in an event, volunteered on a committee, attended a hearing, took on a leadership role, donated funds, engaged with us on social media, or shared our work with a colleague – it all made a difference, and, for that, I am grateful.

I look forward to celebrating in each other’s company at the new Center for Architecture + Design. On behalf of everyone at AIASF and the Center, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyful holiday season.

Sincerely,
Stacy Williams, Executive Director
AIA San Francisco
Center for Architecture + Design