Explore Santa Barbara during the 3rd Annual AIA Architectural Appreciation Weeks held July 6th through July 17th. This year promises to bring an array of spectacular events to celebrate the thriving Sustainable Design Community. These events coincide with the American Institute of Architects Santa Barbara Flag Display along Downtown State Street this summer.
All events are open to the public unless specified "Members-Only"
All tickets are non-refundable
July 7th, 5:00—7:00 pm AIA/AFSB Opening Reception
We welcome the community to our headquarters at the historic Acheson House to launch the Architectural Appreciation Weeks celebration in style. Enjoy wine, music and hors d’oeuvres, as you try your luck at winning great raffle prizes! On exhibit in the gallery will be “Shelter: Mud Architecture of Mali,” photographs by Charlene Pidgeon.
Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation Lecture & Tour
SB Contractors Association/Built Green Resource Center Tour
Continuing Education Opportunity satisfies HSW/SD requirements
Enjoy a special behind the scenes tour of the renowned Architecture and Design Collection at the University Art Museum, UC Santa Barbara. This tour is limited to 15 people; please call (805) 893-2951 to register for this event.
July 10, 6:00—7:30 pm
Green From the Ground Up, director Tracy Trotter
followed by Q&A w/Joe Campanelli, Owner/Builder
July 10, 8:00—9:30 pm
An American Film Company, director Dana Driskel
Flying A Studio Documentary
* Film screenings will be held at Santa Barbara City College East Campus,
Administration Building, Room A-211 a benefit for the new AIAS program our students will have a bake sale.
AIA Architects’ Home Tours
Featured homes belong to five AIA architects from the local chapter. The tour showcases how local architects design for their own use and includes the famous 1913 Flying A Studios, a mid-century modern Mission Canyon ranch house, a Zen bungalow, a hilltop sustainable home designed for Platinum level LEED certification, and a new take on Santa Barbara’s signature 1920’s style. The event offers an inside peek into the Santa Barbara lifestyle via the personal residences of some of the city’s finest architects.
Wine-down Mixer at Hayward Design Center and Tileco, Inc.
Wine-tasting event with live music entertainment featuring local wineries. Experience exquisite wines amidst fabulous showrooms displaying custom kitchens, countertops and fixtures, discover an array of beautiful stone and glass tiles and elegant surfaces.
July 13th, 9:30-11:30 am AIASB Members-Only
SB Zoo Tour of Condor Exhibit and California Trails Project
Continuing Education opportunity satisfies HSW/SD requirements
July 14th, 6:00—8:00 pm Historic Walking Tour
Join us on a walking tour of the El Pueblo Viejo area lead by trained docents of the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara. Tour leaves from the centrally located de la Guerra Plaza. On this tour see the historic de la Guerra Adobe, El Paseo, the Hill-Carillo Adobe, the Meridian Studios, the Lobero Theatre and much, much more. Hear the rich anecdotal history of these buildings, their designers, and their builders. Learn what created the stunning transformation and forever changed Santa Barbara from ordinary to extraordinary. Celebrate with us the rich cultural heritage left by the first Spanish and Mexican settlers and those giants of Southern California Architecture including Julia Morgan, George Washington Smith, Reginald Johnson, Joseph Plunkett and many others.
July 15th, 6:00—8:00 pm Historic Walking Tour
Join us on a walking tour of the downtown area lead by trained docents of the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara. Tour leaves from the entrance of the Public Library, 40 East Anapamu Street. On this tour see the historic art and architecture of downtown Santa Barbara as it was reborn following the 7.1 earthquake in 1925. From the Public library, through La Arcada Court, up State Street; experience sculpture, famous courtyards, the historic Arlington Hotel, the Granada Theater and other architectural delights. Learn about the architectural history and how the Women’s League and Pearl Chase forced the city to maintain an architectural integrity, beautiful public parks and rich landscapes making Santa Barbara “The Riviera of America”.
July 16, 3:00—5:00 pm Exclusive Event "A Walk With Barry"
Living Large in a Small Footprint
This 997 s.f gross (net 894 s.f. of living area) urban infill home, replaces a deteriorating 1400 s.f. dwelling. The home is a study in reducing a carbon footprint by eliminating circulation spaces, modeling storage and living functions after the efficiency of a small nautical vessel while utilizing sustainable design principles/materials.
July 17th, 6:30—9:30 pm Wine and Design Finale
We regret that this event has been cancelled.