From the Desk of the 2021 AIALA President
Wade Killefer, FAIA

2021 has been a difficult year but due to the great effort put forward by Carlo Caccavale, Hon. AIALA, and our staff, we weathered the tough challenges thrown at us and accomplished a great deal, highlighted by the inspiring awards ceremony at the SoFi Stadium, back in-person again.

ACLA, the chapter’s non-profit educational arm, is up and running under the leadership of 2021 ACLA President Barbara Bouza FAIA. 2022 ACLA President Clay Holden has ambitious goals for 2022.

We have achieved tangible results with City leadership and City agencies simplifying permitting, allowing some self-certification of tenant improvement plan check and loosening DWP restraints.

We have created the first intensive ARE study program, underwritten by AIALA, to allow 18 associates to prepare for licensure at virtually no cost, committing to support our Emerging Professionals.

Our in-person tours of significant new Los Angeles projects are back providing forums for the architectural community to assess and discuss our colleagues’ work.

We are going into the new year with a strong, committed and diverse Board of Directors and engaged committees dedicated to improving our profession and our City.

We continue to run a financially solid and responsible chapter that brings value to our members.

Next year we will be moving into new offices, event space and gardens at 4450 West Adams Boulevard that we will use as a platform to launch our increasingly ambitious educational programs, design awards and civic initiatives.

There is much to celebrate at the end of 2021 and much to look forward to in the new year.