Latest news with #AmericanInstituteofArchitects
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A Modernist Home in Montecito Designed by a Pioneering Architect Just Listed for $18 Million
Designed by trailblazer Lutah Maria Riggs, Santa Barbara's first licensed female architect and one of the first women to be named a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, this midcentury-modern residence was described as a 'glass tent' by Time magazine upon its completion in the early 1950s. Sold to its current owner in spring 2011 for $6.25 million and subsequently renovated, it's just popped up on the market for a dash under $14 million. And, according to the listing held by Luke Ebbin of The Ebbin Group at Compass, it's 'a living piece of architectural history and one of Montecito's most important homes.' After starting out as an apprentice to Spanish Revival master George Washington Smith, Riggs went on to head up her own firm. In addition to creating numerous Spanish Colonial Revival and modernist homes throughout the Southern California region—including a suburban Los Angeles residence for actress Greta Garbo—the Ohio-born architect also had a hand in numerous commercial projects, ranging from the restoration of the Lobero Theatre to a small temple for the Vedanta Society. More from Robb Report Profits at the Macallan's Parent Company Dropped 26% This Year Porsche Club of America Members Get First Dibs on This New, Ultra-Limited 911 VisionF's New Speedboat Can Hit a Staggering 92 MPH at Full Tilt When her commissions dwindled during World War II, Riggs found work as a Hollywood set designer for MGM and Warner Brothers, crafting Regency-inspired sets for films such as The Picture of Dorian Gray. RELATED: Meg Ryan Has Relisted Her Revamped Montecito Estate for $19.5 Million Commissioned by Alice Erving and created during Riggs's modernist phase, this particular abode is tucked away on nearly three acres in the exclusive Golden Quadrangle neighborhood, near the Upper Village shopping center. A gated, oak-laced driveway meanders its way up to a motor court and flat-roofed carport, with a covered walkway leading past a courtyard before emptying at the wood-sided main home. Other structures include a small office and creekside guesthouse, adding to a combined total of three bedrooms and four baths in roughly 3,000 square feet. A double-height entry foyer flows to the soaring triangular-shaped living space, which is spotlighted by expansive walls of glass overlooking picturesque views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and a massive stone fireplace inspired by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, whom Riggs collaborated with on at least one project. Other highlights include a formal dining area, a kitchen updated with custom Poggenpohl cabinetry and top-tier appliances, and a primary suite hosting dual dressing rooms and a spa-like bath. RELATED: 'NYPD Blue' Star Dennis Franz Is Asking $18 Million for His Bucolic Montecito Retreat Arguably the property's most impressive feature is the secluded grounds. Originally designed by noted landscape architect Thomas Church and recently rejuvenated in keeping with Church's original vision, they include native plantings, lavender fields, fruit trees, vegetable gardens, a zig-zag bridge spanning a koi pond, a bocce court, and several spots for alfresco lounging and of Robb Report The 10 Priciest Neighborhoods in America (And How They Got to Be That Way) In Pictures: Most Expensive Properties Click here to read the full article.
Fast Company
18-06-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Why are architects so underpaid? Here are 4 reasons, plus one way to fix it
Architects have long complained about the industry's relatively paltry pay. Given the amount of expensive education architects require (master's level), and the years they have to put in (many) before qualifying to take a licensure exam (arduous), they have been rightly upset: Architects can barely expect to crack the $100,000 salary mark after more than eight years in the profession. Now there are some numbers to back that up. Compared to every other design descipline Fast Company has studied in our our ongoing analysis of where the design jobs are, architects are underpaid, particularly as their careers progress. Their compensation increases at the slowest rate, based on years of experience. Fixing the problem requires a nuanced understanding of the outside factors that limit pay, according to Evelyn Lee, president of the American Institute of Architects. 'Architecture is an industry that's always been known to work within tight margins,' she says. Part of the reason is that the industry long ago set standardized fee structures—basically a percentage of overall construction costs—and those numbers haven't changed much. 'Our ability to get paid more is tied back to that,' Lee says. Architecture is also tied to economic cycles, and it can be a bellwether of recessions. 'When things are good, and people are spending a lot of money on capital costs, we are doing well. But we're usually the first service to get cut when people start to hold back, and we're the last to come on board when the economy starts coming back,' Lee says. And because they're never quite sure when the next project will come around, many architecture firms end up being conservative with their spending and salaries. Subscribe to the Design latest innovations in design brought to you every weekday SIGN UP Privacy Policy | Fast Company Newsletters advertisement The final deadline for Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech Awards is Friday, June 20, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
Los Angeles Times
14-06-2025
- General
- Los Angeles Times
How Architects Help After a Wildfire and How to Find the Right One
When wildfires destroy a home, hiring an architect may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it can make a big difference in how safely, affordably, and quickly the rebuilding process takes. 'One of the very first things an architect is going to do is to try and find that high-level alignment between, what someone wants to build and what they are able to finance,' Jessica Orlando, a licensed architect and Vice President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Pasadena & Foothill Chapter said. 'Selfishly, I wish that folks were more aware of architects and what benefit we can bring to the process.' Orlando has been working directly with wildfire survivors through the Pasadena & Foothill Chapter's 'Ask an Architect' program, which offers free guidance to homeowners navigating an unfamiliar system. 'We see it as part of our core mission to support the communities that we live and work in,' Orlando said. 'We understand that most folks have never done this before, and they don't know what to look for.' Orlando said it's important for people to understand what architects do and to include them on their rebuilding teams, as they can be a trusted partner and help homeowners make informed decisions that best fit their situations. 'Architects are really meant to be there for [wildfire survivors] to help with this overwhelming amount of information,' Orlando said. 'It can be really daunting to try and assess what the right option is,' she added. Architects act as guides during the rebuilding process. A significant part of their contribution comes in the design and permitting phase, but they can also vet contractors, review pricing estimates, and make sure that fire-resistant materials are efficiently incorporated into rebuilds. 'Their primary goal is really to advocate for the owner,' Orlando said. While architects are not legally required to rebuild a single-family home in California, they play a key role in helping homeowners meet the state's strict fire-resistance standards. In high-risk areas, homes must comply with Chapter 7A of the California Building Code and follow Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) regulations. Architects help interpret these complex requirements, navigate local laws and insurance limitations, and design for defensible space around the home. 'They will be best positioned to design what we call a resilient home for you,' Orlando said. 'There are specific kinds of strategies and materials that can be used to help safeguard your future home against a future wildfire or other natural disaster.' Their expertise also helps coordinate surveyors, engineers, and energy consultants, which reduces the risk of design flaws or costly delays. In unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, eligible homeowners may also benefit from the Building Plan Check Self-Certification Pilot Program. Licensed architects who meet specific criteria can expedite the permit process by certifying that their plans comply with all code requirements, enabling them to bypass traditional plan reviews and begin rebuilding sooner. Some homeowners prefer to work directly with a contractor after a fire, especially if they're focused on getting the rebuild started quickly. But architects and contractors serve different roles, and skipping the design side can create complications later and may even slow you down. '[Architects] will work directly with your contractor to resolve any issues that may arise during construction,' Orlando said. 'It's really their job to help shepherd the delivery to success.' Contractors are responsible for building the home according to the plans. Architects are laser-focused on ensuring that those plans are designed to code, reflect your goals, and can be permitted efficiently. Orlando said some homeowners who go straight to contractors may not realize they're losing flexibility in the design and long-term control over their budget. 'There are some really great, reputable contractors out there… but we just want to make sure that folks understand the limitations of that system,' she said. Orlando emphasized that a good architect doesn't replace your contractor — they help guide and support the process from the beginning of the design through final construction. This also applies to homeowners using modular or prefabricated homes. While prefab manufacturers typically provide state-approved designs, a licensed architect can still assist with site-specific planning, zoning compliance, or adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) that may be used as a smaller shelter during construction. Here are some key tips to consider when selecting an architect to partner with for your building project. Make sure they're licensed Only architects licensed by the California Architects Board are legally allowed to call themselves 'architects.' Orlando noted that some people use the title without being licensed, which is illegal in California. Homeowners can verify the credentials of individual architects by visiting the California Architect Board's website. Orlando said AIA members have also committed to a code of ethics and are required to complete continuing education. Architects who are members of the national organization may have more knowledge to help with wildfire recovery. 'If an architect is an AIA member, it's kind of just that extra gold star for someone to showcase they are a very committed member of the profession,' Orlando said. Bring in an Architect Early 'We definitely feel that it's best if you hire an architect sooner rather than later,' Orlando said. While many homeowners wait until their insurance claim is finalized, Orlando explained that architects can help interpret what a settlement will actually buy and help shape your design to match your budget. 'So, you know, if you get a half-million-dollar payout… how much space can you build for that dollar value? They can help provide guidance on budget management and just the scope and scale of what you can rebuild.' Understand the fee and expectations Orlando acknowledged that many people assume architects are expensive, but the cost also includes a better peace of mind. She said architect fees typically range from 5% to 12% of your rebuild budget, depending on the level of service. Some architects stop after producing permit-ready plans and design services. Others stay on through construction. Orlando encourages homeowners to get at least three proposals and review what each one includes, so 'you can compare what each architect or designer is offering and make sure that they're apples to apples.' She also said many architects in the Los Angeles area are sympathetic to the wildfire survivors and want to ease their recovery. 'If you reach out to an architect, let them know that you were impacted by the fires. They may offer you a discount,' Orlando advised. However, it's not just about the cost being too high when considering fees and agreements with an architect. Orlando said people should steer clear of architects who have contracts with no plan revisions, unclear responsibilities, or who offer limited support during construction. 'We're seeing very cheap proposals that do not include what we would consider to be kind of basic services for folks,' Orlando said. Wildfire recovery is a complex process, and hiring all these professionals can feel overwhelming, especially when time and money are tight. To make sure you are using people who are not trying to take advantage of your vulnerability with a substandard proposal or services, the AIA's Pasadena Foothill chapter has created the 'Ask an Architect' program for wildfire survivors. 'It's a free public service that we're offering right now, where we will conduct one-on-one consultations with folks,' Orlando said. The 'Ask an Architect' program is a volunteer-led effort that connects homeowners impacted by the January 2025 wildfires with licensed architects. It does not provide design services, but it can help answer high-level questions about your situation and what the process might look like if you decide to rebuild. The volunteers will be able to flag if the proposals 'don't have what we at the AIA, would consider to be a minimum scope of services,' Orlando said. Even if you're not ready to rebuild or have already engaged a contractor, a short conversation could help you understand your options. To learn more or request a consultation, visit or email wildfiresupport@
Axios
10-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Seattle buildings take home national design honors
Seattle landed several major wins in this year's top national architecture awards, spotlighting the city's growing reputation for buildings that are visually striking and thoughtfully designed. Driving the news: The American Institute of Architects announced the winners of its 2025 national awards on June 5, recognizing standout projects in architecture and sustainable design across the country. State of play: Colman Dock was named one of the best works of contemporary architecture in the country. In its announcement, the AIA called the Seattle Ferry Terminal — designed by Seattle-based architecture firm NBBJ — a model for civic architecture and praised its mix of public space, tribal recognition, and multimodal infrastructure. Go deeper: Three other local projects earned spots on the AIA's COTE Top Ten, the profession's highest honor for sustainable design: The Bush School New Upper School, by Mithun — is the nation's first Salmon Safe school and the largest Passive House certified campus in the Western U.S., per AIA. Wagner Education Center at the Center for Wooden Boats, by Olson Kundig, features manually adjusted vents and windows that allow human hands to control the building's airflow. Founders Hall Plus: The Center for Behavioral Health and Learning at UW Medicine, designed by SRG + CannonDesign, earned an AIA Healthcare Design Award.
Mail & Guardian
11-05-2025
- General
- Mail & Guardian
Female architects ensure potty parity
(Graphic: John McCann/M&G) Ever wondered why the queue to the women's public toilets is forever stretching around the block while men roll in and out of their facilities with ease? A new line of men begins to form as they wait for their wives, daughters and girlfriends to leave the women's toilets. I pondered the question of potty parity in real estate while I was quite literally standing in the restroom queue. It is true that women typically take longer in a bathroom setting than men, but this does not alter the question. It comes down to design bias. Most of these public spaces, where this issue of long wait times for women is encountered, were designed by men. Men who decided that an equal toilet ratio would be suitable for both genders to make use of. It's safe to say that female architects were significantly underrepresented when most of these buildings were designed and built. The American Institute of Architects has published mountains of demographic data about the architecture industry. I read that in 1970, roughly 1% of registered architects in the United States were women. By 1980, this number grew slightly to about 4%. Many of the buildings and their toilet facilities I referred to above were built during this period. In terms of the architectural sector in South Africa, a 2019 article states that, according to the South African Institute of Architects in the Eastern Cape, only 21% of registered architectural professionals in the country are women. This is still extremely low. Without the female perspective in spatial planning, it's no wonder we are stuck with long restroom queues. Flash forward to today and I am pleased to see women in all aspects of real estate taking their place at the table and sharing their valuable expertise. There are now more female architects, property developers, brokers, chief executives, and chief financial officers of publicly listed real estate investment trusts, as well as owners of real estate-related service companies, than at any other time in history. The Leonardo skyscraper, located at 75 Maude Street in Sandton, Johannesburg, is the tallest building in South Africa and the fourth-tallest building in Africa. The building spans 55 floors and is 234m high. It has 232 apartments, nine conference venues, 1 251 parking bays and eight penthouse suites. Some three-storey penthouses have been listed online for sale for a staggering R250 million. Did you know that a predominantly female team designed the tallest building in South Africa? Nine out of the 11 architects were women. They include Catharine Atkins, Malika Walele, Salome Daley, Janel Venter, Megan Holman, Angela Barnard, Keitsitse Losaba, Antonella Giuricich and Rachel Zwane. The main contractor for this development was Aveng Grinaker-LTA and the architects were Co-Arc International Architects. They broke ground on 17 November 2015, and the development was completed in 2019. Amenities inside this mixed-use tower include restaurants, bars, a spa and a gym, a Montessori crèche and a swimming deck. Alto234 is a bar at the top of the Leonardo offering sensational 360-degree views of Johannesburg (especially beautiful when the jacarandas are in bloom and the landscape is a sea of purple). This is the highest bar in Africa. Among the residential apartments, retail and office space is the Legacy Hotels & Resorts 240-room hotel. The art collection displayed throughout the building is impressive. More than 100 contemporary African artists were asked to create unique works specifically for this building. There are close to 1 500 unique artworks displayed on the interior walls. A notable piece is the entrance area's chandelier with more than 80 000 squares of hand-assembled metal. The artwork is titled The Ancestor, which was curated, commissioned and directed by The Trinity Session. Half a tonne of copper, stainless steel and brass was used to create this stand-out piece. These materials were inspired by Johannesburg, the City of Gold. Another notable artwork is the tall, colourful artwork by Mbongeni Buthelezi. This artist heated plastic to create an oil-painting effect. Another notable building whose design team was woman-led is the Mall of Africa. Completed in 2016, this shopping mall is famous for its size — 131 038m2 — and being the largest single-phase mall developed in South Africa. Tia Kanakakis was the principal designer at MDS Architecture. The mall's design reflects Africa's unique geological characteristics and landscapes. It includes different sections, such as the Oleum Court, which represents the oil-rich regions of West Africa; the Great Lakes Court, symbolising East Africa; the Crystal Court, showcasing Southern Africa's mineral resources; and the Sand Court, which captures the essence of the desert dunes found in North Africa. The mall is home to more than 300 shops and 6 500 parking bays and has won multiple awards for its design. Last, I want to praise Ashleigh Killa, the co-founder of The MAAK, an architectural studio based in Cape Town. They were responsible for designing a TB testing lab for the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation in Masiphumelele, Cape Town. I wrote about this lab a few years ago because I was (and still am) a huge fan of the bold design. Thanks to this lab, the foundation can advance its research on this illness while also providing support to the local community. The building was built in 2019 and spans 500m2. Cheers to Ashleigh and her team for being trailblazers in aesthetically pleasing design for public infrastructure that serves the communities most in need. I wish more designers of public infrastructure would be inspired by her approach when it comes to the design of a site like this. Just because it's public infrastructure does not mean we need to put up some depressing, brutalist blob. In a field long dominated by men, the women I've highlighted stand as powerful reminders that architectural brilliance knows no gender. Their work, rooted in innovation and social awareness, is not only shaping the skylines of South Africa but also transforming the way we inhabit our spaces. These women architects are designing more than buildings; they are building futures that are inclusive, sustainable and undeniably bold. As their effect ripples through communities and across generations, one thing becomes clear: the future of South African architecture is not only female, it's visionary. Ask Ash examines South Africa's property, architecture and living spaces. Continue the conversation with her on email (
