Happy summer greetings from AIASF!
We are past the halfway mark in this challenging year, and I hope that you are faring well amid the circumstances around health, equity, environment, and the economy that have disrupted our homes, work, and neighborhoods. I am grateful to the many members who have volunteered on AIASF Committees and the Board of Directors, and who have participated in the Chapter’s programming on topics that represent our professional values and commitment to designing a more just, equitable, sustainable, and beautiful world.
AIA San Francisco continues to provide resources and programming to support our community. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we quickly launched virtual programming—and have continued to offer 20+ educational programs per month. We are planning an inspiring virtual Architecture and the City Festival, September 11-30; stay tuned for the announcement!
As we adapt, our priorities include finding new ways to share knowledge and support one another. Our staff is encouraged to see professionals and firms working together to strengthen our community. Kudos to the Small Firms Committee, whose online forum has shared a flurry of helpful advice and lessons learned.
Early results from AIASF’s 2020 Member Survey show that the profession’s top concerns are around defining and securing their future role in the built environment, and ensuring architects’ ability in the near term to find interesting and rewarding projects during the pandemic. If you haven’t already done so, share your voice and take the AIASF Survey now.
2020 has been a transformational year, and AIASF is preparing for another significant transition. In early 2021, the Chapter and the Center for Architecture + Design (the Center) will relocate from the 6th floor to the street level of the Hallidie Building. The move to our new headquarters is an incredible opportunity to galvanize the public to experience architecture, engage with the evolving role of design in the built environment, reach architects, and commune with all who are interested in creating a more livable city. I invite you to learn more about this exciting milestone and join AIASF’s #futurehq Campaign!
Check out our events calendar throughout the year to find a great program lineup, including the expanded Architecture + the City Festival, Equity by Design Symposium, Community Alliance Awards, and hundreds of engaging Committee programs and symposia.
I look forward to the good work that we’ll accomplish in the second half of this year, and I’m encouraged by the opportunities that lay ahead as we continue to learn from each other and grow together.
Sincerely,
Stacy Williams
Executive Director
AIA San Francisco and Center for Architecture + Design
