American Institute of Architects Los Angeles
Launches Architecture for Communities Los Angeles
Organization will bring appreciation of architecture to communities,
neighborhoods and schools throughout the region.

November 10, 2020—The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIALA) is pleased to announce the launch of Architecture for Communities Los Angeles (ACLA). A non-profit branch of AIALA, ACLA turns outwards, sharing appreciation of architecture and its implementation with the communities of Los Angeles. As one aspect of this focus, ACLA will work with K-12 students.

“Our mission is to inspire all people to embrace the value of architecture and design for all Los Angeles communities,” said Barbara Bouza, FAIA, who is the first president of the new organization. “To accomplish our goals, we will: raise public awareness regarding the role of architecture design; create outreach programs to discuss the profession with and inspire K-12 students; and engage Los Angeles communities, implementing collaborative activities and conversation opportunities for architects and the general public.”

Noted 2020 AIALA President Greg Verabian, AIA, “AIALA members bring the power of design and architecture to Los Angeles. We are launching ACLA to facilitate organizational values that AIALA has long considered foundational—among these is the importance of bringing the opportunity to enter the field to all students throughout Los Angeles.”

ACLA and AIALA are separate legal entities with two independent board of Directors, but to ensure collaboration, sixty percent of the ACLA’s Board of Directors is composed of AIALA board members. “By working in a complementary fashion, both entities will be more effective,” observed Verabian.

In keeping with this collaborative approach, the AIALA Executive Director Carlo Caccavale, Hon. AIALA, will head operations of both entities. “The creation of ACLA is a huge step in developing a more continuous conversation with our city,” he said. “It is a vehicle for the field to offer solutions to regional challenges, and it will generate a pipeline of students interested in the profession of architecture.”

To find more about ACLA, please visit www.ac-la.org

To support ACLA, is incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization, please contact Carlo Caccavale, Hon. AIALA, through email at carlo@aialosangeles.org or by phone at: (213) 639-0777 x-21.

About the American Institute of Architects Los Angeles (AIALA)

Serving Los Angeles for more than a century, AIA|LA has more than 4,000 members and is one of the largest of the AIA’s chapters.

AIA|LA is a resource for its members and the design community. It strives to improve the quality of the architectural profession in the Los Angeles area by promoting architecture and design. AIA|LA furthers this goal through advocacy, public outreach, member services, and professional excellence. AIALA in incorporated at a 501(c)6 professional membership organization.

About Architecture for Communities Los Angeles (ACLA)

The ACLA enhances public appreciation for architecture and design, both locally and internationally, through outreach to K-12 students and the many communities of Los Angeles, exhibitions, lectures, tours, films, and other programs that reveal the richness of the design arts. The ACLA is a collaborative environment where architects and designers share ideas with communities.

The ACLA is a 501(c)(3) public charity. The ACLA’s focus is to advance charitable initiatives on behalf of the architecture and design profession that benefit the community at large.