Committees… 

Making our chapter successful

What you get from AIA depends upon what you put in. The best way to take full advantage of your membership with AIA San Diego is to participate on a committee. There are a number of in-chapter committees to choose from.  There are also a number of “outside” or third-party committees in which AIA San Diego participates either via a designated representative or because there is some sort of collaboration between our chapter and another entity.  Please see the “Program and Events” section of this website for more information. With so many different opportunities to get involved, there’s sure to be a committee for you.  Not a member yet? No problem! We welcome prospective members to all our committees. It’s a great way to meet the AIA community and see what it can do for you.

Get involved with AIA San Diego! Click here for 2009 Volunteer Opportunities...

Committees and Commissions:

ADVOCACY COMMISSION:  Do you feel like our profession is being pushed around by building departments and planning groups? Do you feel more like a paralegal than an architect as you try to sift through all the new rules and regulations that keep piling up? Whether influencing decisions in the local planning departments or educating political leaders about the importance of architecture, AIA San Diego will continue to be a squeaky wheel in the coming years. The Advocacy Commission is comprised of four committees: Codes, Permits, & Processing, Community Involvement, Public Relations, and the Urban Design Committee (see below), all of which hold their own monthly meetings. The monthly Advocacy Commission meetings are a time for all of the committees to come together, give updates, plan strategy and share information.  The Advocacy Commission meetings are ‘big picture' in scope.  Contact: advocacy.cte@aiasandiego.org

Urban Design Committee:  Under the Advocacy Commission, the UDC seeks valuable insign to help form official position of AIA San Diego on such issues as: C Street Corridor, Toll Road at Trestles, Broadway Pier, Big Box Retail, and Affordable Housing. The UDC plans to inform our membership, host public workshops, and spread the word to the world at large. Our goal is nothing less than to influence the future of San Diego.  Contact udc@aiasandiego.org  

FELLOWSHIP COMMISSION
The Annual Chapter Meeting: is more than just a business meeting, it's about service and awards! The Chapter honors those individuals or firms who have provided exemplary service to the Chapter. Help us celebrate each other!  Savvy and talented committee chairs are needed for this event.  Contact: aiasdannual.cte@aiasandiego.org 

ArchiChat: Our focus is to provide a forum for architects and builders to showcase their works while bringing together design professionals in a casual setting.  We're always looking for exciting new locales and any suggestions or a desire to host are always welcome. In addition to organizing a year's worth of events, committee members get to help with the annual AIA Holiday Party architectural venue selection and planning.  Ideal candidates include professionals (and those on their way) who have a passion for architecture, are always on the lookout for what's new in San Diego, and are eager to make new contacts in the profession.  Contact archichat.cte@aiasandiego.org

Barstool: If happy hours are your game, join the Barstool Roundtable crew in planning monthly architectural gatherings at local drinking establishments!

Women in Architecture (WIA): Would you like to be a part of a network of female architects who inspire and advise one another as we move forward in both our careers and personal lives? Consider joining the Women in Architecture group. We aim to create an environment of camaraderie and informal networking and mentoring. Through regularly scheduled events, we'll focus on topics of interest to women such as: Starting your own design practice, balancing the role of architect and mother, and staying connected professionally while raising children. We are currently planning special events at restaurants, public spaces, and homes designed by women.  Contact: wia.cte@aiasandiego.org

PRACTICE COMMISSION 
Committee on the Environment (COTE-SD): Calling all stewards of the Earth!  Concerned about climate trends and environmental degradation?  Want to put your sustainable design values into action and help spread the "green building" gospel?  The Chapter's COTE has just formed and is looking for persons committed to the cause of a lifetime - preserving our environment and way of life for future generations.  Won't you join us in advocating and educating for a future of sustainable design right here in San Diego? We'll be working to influence the profession, the public, and our civic leaders in bringing about the necessary changes to our built environment to ensure a sustainable future.  So if you're ready to help put "green ideas into action" and bring about meaningful change, join us in this most important calling.  Contact: cote-sd@aiasandiego.org

Continuing Education: How far can you bend an I-beam without getting into trouble?  Can I really get rid of the elevator machine room?  Can acoustic treatments be beautiful?  What are the latest materials used for sustainable design? How can I become LEED accredited? Join this committee and help pull together a multi-media, cross-discipline, interactive and entertaining series of AIA continuing education luncheons and seminars. Help set the direction for continuing education at AIA San Diego!  Contact: coming soon!

PUBLIC AWARENESS COMMISSION 
Annual Design Awards: more info coming soon!

YOUNG ARCHITECTS COMMISSION 
There's more to San Diego young architectural life than presentation deadlines, Revit training and code research. Leave your 3D model rendering and get involved in a Young Architects Committee!!! What better way to build your network than by giving back to the profession alongside local architects (mentors!!!), firms, and allied professionals? Contact: ya.cte@aiasandiego.org (for all YA committees)

Architect Registration Exam (A.R.E.) Prep Seminars
Perhaps you need to jump start your architectural registration process... the A.R.E. committee needs your planning skills. Help us offer a full calendar of seminars to meet candidate needs for all divisions.  As a volunteer, there is no fee for each seminar you organize and oversee!

IDP/CIDP  The Young Architects Commission is looking for a few good...experts!  Become an IDP/CIDP ambassador to help lead your fellow young professionals through the maze that is architectural internship!Mentoring/PraxisVolunteering with Praxis will connect you with lots of local firms and architects! Opportunities abound!!!

Young Architect of the Year Award (YAYA) The YAYA is back and this committee seeks talented folks for graphics, promotion and schmoozing of famous architects!