FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AIA|LA Announces New Office Space and Center for Communities

The West Adams location will serve as a multi-purpose venue for professionals and the public through its new nonprofit, ACLA.

The American Institute of Architects Los Angeles (AIA|LA) is delighted to announce its relocation to a new, larger space that will also house its nonprofit spinoff, Architecture for Communities Los Angeles (ACLA). “This will be the first such space for AIA Los Angeles. I am very happy our organization’s scope will extend to the larger community by providing an environment that facilitates discussion about the value of architecture and design as tools to make our city a more equitable and just place for all Angelenos. At the same time, we will offer a state-of-the-art facility for our membership to gather for programs and events,” says Carlo Caccavale, Hon. AIA|LA, AIA|LA and ACLA Executive Director. Adds 2022 AIA|LA’s President, Mitra Memari, AIA, “The Chapter was at the right juncture to embark on a bigger venture: when, in 2020, we launched ACLA with the tight mission to provide architectural education to empower communities and open the pipelines for the future of our profession by engaging in conversations with K-12 students, we thought it was also time to create a space for both AIA|LA (and its professional community) as well as ACLA to fulfill its mission with a programmatic use of an indoor/outdoor, beautiful new home.” AIA|LA and ACLA will occupy a 1927 former bank building and an adjacent lot situated in the historically-rich West Adams district of Los Angeles. The main building will maintain its original overall structure and the lot will be revitalized as a place for conversation and engagement. Both areas will be open spaces to host conferences, exhibitions, meetings, and educational programs. “We are aiming at a high level of sustainability in our design of an adaptable, multi-functional space that not only features AIA|LA’s and ACLA’s programs, but also welcomes other like-minded organizations with their own programs. We hope to be a vital hub in the West Adams neighborhood where communities can come together,” continues Caccavale. Clay Holden Architects is designing and supervising the Tenant Improvements, and construction is scheduled to begin in September for a Spring 2023 official opening. “This will define a new era in the life of AIA|LA and we hope that this huge effort will be embraced and enjoyed by our members and the public served by AIA|LA and ACLA,” concludes Memari.