Designing Our Future: A Final Word for 2025

From the AIA Santa Barbara Newsletter
Written by Matt Gries, 2025 President, AIASB

Dear AIASB Members,

AIA is more than a professional organization; it is an invitation to actualize our potential and contribute to the story of our city. In 2025, we set out to make this the "Year of Individual Voices," engaging directly with the community through articles, interviews, panel discussions, and the launch of our own “Voices” Podcast.

Architecture is a form of advocacy and storytelling. This year, we used our stories to impact our community’s future. We reconciled our past during the EQ25 Centennial, recognizing that while the 1925 earthquake gave us our iconic style, our current challenges require us to look forward to the next 100 years of sustainability and housing equity.

A Year of Transition and New Perspectives
Together, we navigated a landmark transition in our executive leadership, welcoming Ivonne Schley as our new Executive Director. We modernized our operations with an "AI footprint" to scale with our collaborative needs and reached a historic milestone: electing a full board of 22 members for 2026 for the first time in our history.

This growth was mirrored in the vibrant programming of our committees. Our Emerging Professionals expanded their horizons by introducing the Global Design Series, while our Women in Architecture committee brought us an incredible lecture by Silvia Perea, offering a rare look into her dual role as architect and archivist with a tour of the UCSB Art & Architecture Archives.

As we look to this new leadership, I want to welcome our four incoming board members, including Lindsay Campbell as our new EP Chair, and say a bittersweet goodbye to Past Presidents Amy Tripp and Alayna Fraser, whose proactivity has set an exemplary standard for years to come.

Recognizing Our Unsung Heroes
As one of my final duties as your 2025 President, I want to celebrate the individuals whose behind-the-scenes efforts have strengthened our Chapter.

I owe a debt of gratitude to Michael Holliday, FAIA, for his mentorship. It was Michael who first encouraged my involvement, leading to my path as President. This year, Michael independently designed and built our new AIA Santa Barbara Banner Flag Poles. While we have long had beautiful banners designed by Martha Grey, AIA, Michael’s commitment of time and resources ensured they are finally displayed in a professional, durable way—as seen at our December Gala.

We are also incredibly fortunate to have Seth Rosario, a talented and passionate photographer who has graciously volunteered countless hours since 2024 to document our General Meetings and events. Equally vital has been Marco Cervantes, who has elevated our events with his classical guitar and technical AV support. Beyond his artistry, Marco is a member of the COTE Committee, venturing ahead on exciting new sustainability initiatives that will bear fruit in 2026.

Impact Through Advocacy
This year, AIA Advocacy demonstrated remarkable productivity. Our Advocacy Committee, under the leadership of Ellen Bildsten and Detty Piekert, was instrumental in numerous 2025 initiatives. Their work involved drafting letters to local jurisdictions, actively collaborating with Staff to review and assess various issues, and providing public comment at multiple planning commission and city council hearings. These sustained efforts and long-term relationship building are yielding significant results. We are now trusted partners, with Staff regularly seeking our advice and feedback on current initiatives and ordinance updates. In 2025 these included:
 

The Adaptive Reuse OrdinanceSFDB process improvementsThe Creeks Buffer OrdinanceState Street Master PlanningCity and County permit process improvements

A personal highlight of this effort was joining Michael Holliday to receive our official Architecture Appreciation Week Proclamations from the City and County. I extend special thanks to Mayor Randy Rowse and Supervisor Roy Lee for recognizing our profession’s contributions to the built environment.

Final Reflections
In 2025, AIA Santa Barbara prioritized meaningful connection and tangible impact. Highlights like the EQ25 Symposium at the Lobero Theatre and our comprehensive member survey reflect our drive to continually move beyond policy into active public service, keeping AIASB at the center of a sustainable and functional Santa Barbara.

Before we turn the page, we need to hear from you. Our Annual Member Survey is our most vital tool for internal planning. If you haven’t yet responded, please take a moment to share your perspective; the survey will remain open until January 2nd, 2026.

Sincerely,
Matt Gries, AIA 
2025 President, AIASB