Our theme this year is Beyond: Celebrating design that honors both the seen and unseen and focuses on every aspect of the design process, not just the finished structure we see, but considers all the many design decisions that affect a finished project.

We will be hosting the ceremony both in person and virtually, so regardless of how you choose to attend, we are excited to welcome you. Seats are limited in the theater, so be sure to reserve yours soon!

The reception and ceremony will be held at the David Brower Center on November 3rd, 2022.

September 20th & 22nd | 6:30pm - 7:30pm



Home Tours | Docents Training Session

This is a one hour mandatory training for our docents in advance of our Home Tours on October 1st. Docents only need to attend one of the two training days.

September 22nd | 12pm - 1pm



Contract Fundamentals: 10 Key Provisions In Owner Architect Agreements (1 LU)

While architects understandably prefer to focus on design, a critical component of any practice is the project contract, as it lays the groundwork for the project and the owner/architect relationship. In this seminar, we will focus on the reasons why a strong owner/architect agreement is necessary, recommendations as to the format of the contract, and developing a basic understanding of the key provisions in owner/architect contracts.

September 24th | 10am - 1pm



Bay Area Ferry Terminals Tour | Design Tours

Tour three beautiful ferry terminals and enjoy a day on the bay! Click the link above to learn about each individual terminal.

September 29th | 12pm - 1pm



Minimalist Leadership for Maximum Results (1 LU)

Architects who lead a team or lead their own practice need to be MORE than an architect. You need to also be a leader. The people you’ve hired or are “in charge of” DEPEND on your leadership. All the years of education, studying, and testing to be an architect did NOT prepare you to lead a team of other architects and staff. With the tools in this webinar, you’ll get what you need to not only be an effective leader – you’ll be a Minimalist Leader.

October 1st | 10am - 4pm



Home Tours

Join us for a beautiful trip through Napa Valley as we tour a vast array of homes that remind us “home” has no single definition. Featuring homes from Studio Bergtraun, Swatt | Miers Architects, Piechota Architecture, and S^A | Schwartz and Architecture, it is going to be an unforgettable day!

October 12th | 5pm - 7pm



How Architecture Tells: A Book Talk with Rob Steinberg FAIA

Join SPUR and AIA (San Francisco, East Bay and Silicon Valley chapters) for an evening conversation with Rob Steinberg FAIA (Chairperson of Steinberg Hart). Rob will lead a discussion on his recent book, How Architecture Tells, and our collective passion for the built environment. Roselyne Swig and Alicia John-Baptiste will make introductory remarks. The evening will include canapés and libations.

October 13th | 5:30pm - 7:30pm



New Office Open House

The last box has finally been unpacked, and we hope you can join us for drinks, light refreshments, and fellowship with other members and AIA East Bay friends. We hope to see you there!

Meet Shivani Bhalla | Member Spotlight

Shivani Bhalla hails from a long line of architects, so she always knew that was in her future. She has been practicing for 10 years. She started her journey in India and then came to the United States to complete her master’s at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. Upon graduating, her architectural journey has taken her from DC, back to India, to working with the United Nations, and finally settling in the East Bay. 

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A’23 Conference on Architecture

Call for Program and Tour Proposals

AIA SF is planning an incredible program for A’23, and we’d love your help. We invite you to submit a proposal if you’re a subject matter expert with a great concept for an education session.

Need inspiration? Check out the schedule from A’22.

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Emergency Escape and Rescue Windows for R-2 and R-3 Occupancies by Kerwin Lee

As Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) become more common as an answer to our housing needs, this does increase the density of our buildings. The past couple of articles have looked at separations between building and the protection of openings. The basic intent of the code is still Life Safety and protection of the occupants and the structure. The requirements for Emergency Escape and Rescue openings are found in Chapter 10, Section 1031 of the California Building Code (CBC) and Section 310 of California Residential Code (CRC).

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ABI July 2022: Architecture firm billings grow at a slower pace

While architecture firm billings grew for the 18^th consecutive month in July, the pace of growth continued to slow. The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 51.0 for the month is the lowest since January, and marks the fourth straight month with a lower score than the previous month. With a variety of economic storm clouds continuing to gather, we are likely looking at a period of slower growth going forward. In addition, inquiries into new projects also continued to slow this month, although the value of new design contracts rose slightly from June to July. While both of these indicators remain below their mid-2021 peaks, they show that there remains interest in new projects going forward.

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Project Architect - Emeryville, CA

Ratcliff’s Academic Practice is a regional leader in the planning and design of K-12, Higher Education and Civic projects throughout Northern California. We are seeking a Project Architect to join our team and contribute to positively transforming the built environment.

Sr. Project Manager - San Jose, CA and San Francisco, CA

We are looking for an experienced Sr. Project Manager with Healthcare experience. In this role you will be responsible for managing all phases of a medium to large size project through construction. You will have primary responsibility for budgeting, scheduling, planning, design, specification, and working drawings on a given project. You will given the autonomy to resolves architectural problems, have client contact and authority to direct, control, and monitor all project activities.

Architectural Designer - Oakland, CA

Are you an interior designer looking to expand your skills into architecture? Or are you a landscape designer, looking to also work on interior environments? Our small, creative office is looking for a good-hearted and super talented team member to take on a variety of roles for architecture and interior residential / multi-family housing and small commercial projects. We need a hard-working individual who is interested in growing with us in a long-term position; one who can wear many different hats on multiple projects and who is interested in growing their skills in a relaxed and positive work environment.

Architectural Scan Surveyor - San Francisco Bay Area, CA

PPM is an innovative and ambitious architectural measuring and drafting company with offices in California, Seattle, Washington DC, and Salt Lake City. We opened our Northern California office in 2014, and it has become our fastest growing region. We are looking for a full time As-Built Surveyor to join our team at PPM. Are you interested in learning how to use the latest 3D laser scanning technology to measure residential and commercial buildings throughout the Bay Area? Do you want to join a company with a great culture and room for growth?