AIA|LA ADVOCACY REPORT
February 11, 2025
AIA|LA & ACLA Boards Meet on Saturday, February 8th to Discuss 2025 Priorities

AIA|LA & ACLA Boards Convene to Drive Action on Wildfire Recovery

LOS ANGELES, CA – February 10, 2025 – In the wake of the devastating Southern California wildfires, the AIA|LA Board of Directors, the Architecture for Communities Los Angeles (ACLA) Board of Directors, and committee chairs from both organizations gathered to advance a coordinated wildfire response plan. This meeting builds upon the collaborative efforts launched on January 30, when leaders from AIA Los Angeles, AIA Pasadena & Foothill, AIA San Fernando Valley, AIA Long Beach/South Bay, and AIA California united to strategize a collective approach to response, recovery, and rebuilding.

A Coordinated Response for a Resilient Future

Backed by over 500 architects and allied professionals who have already volunteered to assist in the AIA/LA’s efforts, the January 30 plan provides meaningful, actionable, and sustainable contributions to wildfire recovery. Recognizing the challenges of time, resources, and capacity, AIA components have identified five key areas to maximize impact:

  • ADVOCACY: Develop a unified policy playbook with real-world applications to guide local advocacy efforts.
  • EDUCATION:  Inform architects, clients, and policymakers about both the current and future state of resilient design.
  • COMMUNICATION:  Establish a cohesive message from the architectural profession on recovery and rebuilding.
  • COORDINATED RESOURCES: Create a central hub for education, tools, and volunteer efforts, ensuring efficiency and alignment.

With these pillars in place, AIA|LA and ACLA are committed to leading a response that is not just about rebuilding structures but about shaping a more just, equitable, and resilient future.

As we move forward, we call on our members, partners, and the broader community to join us in this critical mission. Together, we can ensure that our profession plays a central role in strengthening and protecting the places we call home.

AIA Los Angeles Offers Expertise and Support for Wildfire Recovery in Los Angeles

HERE’S OUR LETTER TO MAYOR KAREN BASS

Dear Mayor Bass,

On behalf of the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA|LA), representing over 4,500 architects, designers, emerging professionals, and students in Los Angeles, we offer our support and expertise in the City of Los Angeles’s critical efforts to rebuild communities impacted by the recent devastating wildfires.

AIA|LA recognizes the immense challenges facing our city and county in the wake of this tragedy. The swift and equitable rebuilding of homes, businesses, and public infrastructure is paramount while simultaneously ensuring the safety, resilience, and long-term sustainability of our communities.

AIA has a proven track record of contributing to disaster recovery efforts. Following Hurricane Katrina, AIA New Orleans played a vital role in rebuilding the city, providing architectural expertise, community engagement, and advocacy for resilient design solutions. Similarly, after Hurricane Sandy, AIA New York mobilized its members to assist with rebuilding efforts, focusing on community-driven solutions and leveraging innovative design strategies. In the aftermath of the Maui wildfires, AIA Hawaii (with leadership from AIA Maui & AIA Honolulu) has been actively involved in supporting recovery efforts, providing guidance on rebuilding codes, promoting sustainable construction practices, and assisting homeowners with navigating the complexities of the rebuilding process. AIA|LA has both the expertise and the focus to ensure that the rebuilding effort in our city is both resilient and equitable.

AIA|LA stands ready to offer our expertise in several key areas:

  • Developing and implementing a robust Professional Certification program: We believe that a well-structured program, where qualified architects self-certify their designs, can streamline the permitting process without compromising public safety or the quality of construction.
  • Advocating for building codes and policies that promote fire-resistant design and construction: We can contribute to the development and implementation of updated building codes and zoning regulations that enhance the resilience of future structures.
  • Providing technical assistance and guidance: AIA|LA members can provide services to homeowners and communities, assisting with design consultations, code interpretation, and navigating the rebuilding process. We have already amassed a list of professionals who want to help in the effort, including volunteering and offering design assistance.
  • Engaging in community outreach and education: We can organize workshops, seminars, and public forums to educate homeowners and the broader community on fire-safe building practices, disaster preparedness, and available resources.
  • Collaborating with other stakeholders: We are committed to working closely with your administration, LADBS, City Planning, community organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and effective recovery effort.

We believe that by leveraging the expertise of our members and collaborating closely with the City of Los Angeles, we can help ensure that the rebuilding process is efficient and equitable and results in safer, more resilient communities for all Angelenos.

We respectfully request a meeting with you or your designated representatives to discuss these matters further and explore opportunities for AIA|LA to contribute meaningfully to the City’s recovery efforts.


Wildland Urban Interface(WUI) Wildfire Resilience Homeowner Handbook

Defensible Space

WILDFIRE RECOVERY RESOURCES DESIGN & CONSULTING SERVICES

The architects, designers, and consultants listed in our Wildfire Recovery Resources: Design & Consulting Services have voluntarily reached out to our task force to offer their services to homes and businesses affected by wildfires. This list is provided as a public resource to help connect those in need with professionals who may be able to assist in rebuilding and recovery efforts.

LIST OF ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS

 

 



 

WILDFIRE RESPONSE RESOURCES & READING LIST

Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program

Communities at risk from wildfires can now apply for funding | US Forest Service
Notices of funding opportunities are available on Grants.gov. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time on February 28, 2025. Applicants are strongly encouraged to develop proposals in consultation with state or Forest Service regional cooperative fire contacts listed in the Notices of Funding Opportunity.

Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program | US Forest Service

Funding – Wildfire Risk to Communities

National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy

Our Network – Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network

Partnerships & Community Engagement

Strategy & Priority Setting

Best management practices for creating a community wildfire protection plan | US Forest Service Research and Development

Homepage – Wildfire Risk to Communities

Reduce Risk – Wildfire Risk to Communities

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AIA|LA Wildfire Response 2025: Sign Up to Volunteer

AIA|LA Los Angeles Wildfire Disaster Response Task Force (Recording on Youtube) = January 15, 2025

Agenda for AIA|LA Wildfire Disaster Response Ad Hoc Task Force Meeting

AIA California DISASTER RESPONSE TOOLKIT

Pacific Palisade Community Council

Palisades Fire Information/Updates

PPCC January 23, 2025 Meeting Recording

Fire Safety and Health Information (LA County)

Hazardous Debris Removal

All Releases and Fact Sheets FEMA shares on this disaster can be found here

LA County Debris Removal

Medication Assistance

Here’s all the actions Governor Newsom has taken in response to the Los Angeles fires

LA County Emergency Resources for Workers and Businesses

Mayor Bass Appoints Steve Soboroff As Chief Recovery Officer to Kickoff the City’s Massive Rebuild Effort

Los Angeles Wildfires: Safety & Support Guide for Angelenos

Recovery Efforts: Briefing on Governor Newsom’s Recent Executive Order N-4-25

Padilla Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Wildfire Resilience and Recovery

Mayor Bass Issues Sweeping Executive Order to Clear Way for Angelenos to Rebuild Their Homes Fast

Eaton & Palisades Fire Response

Moving from “Reaction and Relief” to “Recovery and Resilience”

In the rush to rebuild, one topic is taboo: What should be built differently — or not at all?

Wealth will dictate LA fire recovery unless California learns from mistakes of past disasters

Opinion: Before rebuilding, we should recognize the fires’ tragedies and opportunities

Disasters Are Exactly the Time for Urban Planning

After The Fires

Building Code is the New Zoning Reform

Why California keeps putting homes where fires burn

‘Passive House’ Survives Fire in California: How It Avoided Total Destruction, According to Architect

How Los Angeles Dreams Became Kindling

Editorial: After the fires, must we get rid of our flammable eucalyptus and palm trees? Maybe not

‘We surpassed human limits to stop this’: LA megafires show our approach to fire needs to change

“Los Angeles Against the Mountains—I.”

DESIGN FOR LA

Petition for Immediate Action to Address Firestorm Catastrophes in Los Angeles County


Adaptive Reuse & AB 529 Working Group

On October 21, 2024, HCD released a request for information (RFI) that encouraged all interested parties to provide feedback and help identify challenges and opportunities that help support the creation and promotion of adaptive reuse residential projects.
Below are several links to responses from AIA California submitted to HCD.
We encourage all stakeholders to review the RFI responses and direct further comments to AB529Workgroup@hcd.ca.gov.
Posted Public RFI Responses = American Institute of Architects California (AIA)

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director, Government & Public Affairs
t: 213.639.0764
e: will@aialosangeles.org
www.aialosangeles.org