This year the members of the American Institute of Architects mark the AIA's 150 years of service to the profession and the nation by working with their communities to create a better future by design. AIA Santa Barbara Chapter was chartered in 1945 to serve member architects and to promote awareness and appreciation of our local architectural heritage and the important role architects serve in Santa Barbara.
We will be celebrating AIA150 the weeks of July 9 through July 20, 2007. During this period of time we will be hosting special events and presentations and our flag will be displayed along State Street for the first time.
The flag design abstracts the prototypical arches and arcades seen throughout Santa Barbara while the palm frond symbolizes the importance of architecture relating to the environment and a reminder of the importance of promoting green building principles and sustainable design practices. The original flag design was created by local architect Martha Gray, AIA and developed by the Flag Design Committee, chaired by current chapter president, Greg Rech, AIA. AIA Santa Barbara would also like to thank Gary Elkins, assistant principal at Carpinteria High School, for his technical support.
The City of Santa Barbara is beginning the general plan update process, Plan Santa Barbara, that will engage the community in establishing the next increment of growth in the City from 2010-2030. As part of the AIA150 Blueprint for America initiative, AIA Santa Barbara will be leading a team of design professionals and experts in urban planning to educate the public about livable communities and sustainable design practices. We will be advocating for the inclusion of our principles into this general plan update. To learn more about AIA150 Blueprint for America initiative visit www.aia150.org.