Architects & designers passionate about improving the design quality of newly proposed projects throughout the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to participate in the Professional Volunteer Program (PVP), which is a collaborative design review program organized by AIA LA & Los Angeles City Planning (LACP)’s Urban Design Studio.

In 2023, we will be coordinating thirty-six virtual design review sessions, which will serve as opportunities for architects and designers to help the Los Angles City Planning’s Urban Design Studio critically review upcoming projects throughout the City.

The review sessions will enable a rotating pool of architects and designers the opportunity to provide insightful and critical design feedback on pending projects that will be reviewed by the Planning Commission. As a volunteer, you will help educate planning staff on urban design issues and complex urban typologies and you will have the chance to provide project specific urban design advice for planning staff’s consideration.

If you are interested in participating in three or four of the following upcoming design review sessions, then please contact Will Wright to receive additional information. Please note: We’re involving a rotating pool of architect volunteers, with sensitivity to the value of your time – so therefore, you are encouraged to RSVP and attend at most only four or five sessions during any given calendar year. This will ensure more space to accommodate as many volunteers as possible since each session accommodates a limited capacity.

All meetings will be virtual until further notice.

The design review sessions are held on the first, second, and third Tuesday of each month (10am – 12pm). See exact dates below.

REGISTER HERE for each session that you’d like to join.

You will receive a registration confirmation email from Zoom. We recommend that you add the event to your calendar.

Jan 3, 2023 10:00 AM
Jan 10, 2023 10:00 AM
Jan 17, 2023 10:00 AM
Feb 7, 2023 10:00 AM
Feb 14, 2023 10:00 AM
Feb 21, 2023 10:00 AM
Mar 7, 2023 10:00 AM
Mar 14, 2023 10:00 AM
Mar 21, 2023 10:00 AM
Apr 4, 2023 10:00 AM
Apr 11, 2023 10:00 AM
Apr 18, 2023 10:00 AM
May 2, 2023 10:00 AM
May 9, 2023 10:00 AM
May 16, 2023 10:00 AM
Jun 6, 2023 10:00 AM
Jun 13, 2023 10:00 AM
Jun 20, 2023 10:00 AM

Jul 11, 2023 10:00 AM
Jul 18, 2023 10:00 AM
Aug 1, 2023 10:00 AM
Aug 8 2023 10:00 AM
Aug 15, 2023 10:00 AM
Sep 5, 2023 10:00 AM
Sep 12, 2023 10:00 AM
Sep 19, 2023 10:00 AM
Oct 3, 2023 10:00 AM
Oct 10, 2023 10:00 AM
Oct 17, 2023 10:00 AM
Nov 7, 2023 10:00 AM
Nov 14, 2023 10:00 AM
Nov 21, 2023 10:00 AM
Dec 5, 2023 10:00 AM
Dec 12, 2023 10:00 AM
Dec 19, 2023 10:00 AM

zoom access details available upon RSVP.

PVP discussions provide an opportunity for an open discussion with the notion that the information is to remain confidential and not shared in any other public or private forums. Anonymity shall be maintained by all PVP participants at all times.

The following resources are helpful to review in advance to become more familiar with the Urban Design Studio’s three design approaches.

Citywide Design Guidelines

Above-Grade Parking Advisory

Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director, Government & Public Affairs
American Institute of Architects | Los Angeles Chapter

(213) 639-0764
will@aialosangeles.org