This session qualifies for 1 LU/HSW (currently pending approval; live webinar attendees only).
FREE registration for this webinar will close at 12pm PT on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
The AIA in CALIFORNIA is responding to the recent southern California fires with a unified plan for response, recovery and rebuilding for communities that were devastated by the disaster. This series of sessions will help the architectural profession understand the rapidly changing landscape, the local issues facing communities, and strategies for resilient design and disaster response; the AIA in California is connecting policy makers, government officials, and practitioners uniting architects in building a more just, equitable, and resilient future.
Since the first days of the disastrous fires, Southern Californians have advocated that recovery and rebuild efforts respect the historically Black neighborhood of Altadena. This conversation is an opportunity to hear perspectives and experience directly from two prominent Altadena architects–one who lost his home in the fire, one whose home remains.
Architects are passionate about supporting residents of Altadena – where, in 2023, home ownership among Black Residents was nearly double the national average – but how should they approach fire-recovery in historically Black neighborhoods?
“Don’t come with the answer, lead with the question and then… listen,” says Steven Lewis, FAIA, NOMAC.
Lewis has achieved national prominence by entwining three critical areas of practice. He co-owned the architecture firm, RAW International and since leaving after 20 years, he has gone on to hold leadership positions at a number of successful firms; he is a tireless advocate for justice and equity for people and communities of color; and, his achievements include having served as National President of NOMA, received the prestigious Whitney M. Young, Jr. service award from the AIA, and served Detroit residents as the Urban Design Director within the City’s planning & development department.
This conversation sees Lewis return to his own neighborhood, Altadena, bringing with him the words spoken in solidarity with community members in Detroit: “Nothing without us, about us, is for us” and seeking counsel, expertise, and the thoughts of a fellow prominent Altadena architect Charles T. Bryant, AIA, NOMA.
A former President of AIA Pasadena & Foothill, Bryant co-owns Masbuild Design Solutions, Inc., an award winning architecture, interiors and planning firm, established in 1996. His more than forty years of experience in the design and construction industry includes Principal Architect for institutional, multi-family residential and commercial projects for the HUD, the Navy and the Air Force; internationally for the US State Department; and for school districts throughout the nation. Prior to co-founding Masbuild Design Solutions, he led the award-winning firm Charles T. Bryant & Associates. Mr. Bryant has long provided services to underserved and marginalized communities, including communities of color, senior citizens, veterans, and those facing housing insecurity.
