Tag: AIA

Capture the Built Environment: 2026 Architectural Photography Competition Now Open

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AIA Long Beach/South Bay invites photographers, architects, designers, and lovers of the built environment to share their perspective through the 2026 Architectural Photography Competition (APC26).

Held biennially, the competition celebrates the art of architectural photography and the many ways a photograph can reveal the character of a building, space, detail, or place. Whether capturing a dramatic exterior, the atmosphere of an interior, or architecture closer to home, APC26 is an opportunity to showcase the built environment through a creative lens.

Three Categories to Explore

Submissions are invited in three categories:

Exterior — Images that capture the exterior expression of architecture, including form, materials, context, light, landscape, and the relationship between a building and its surroundings.

Interior — Images that explore interior architecture and spaces, highlighting elements such as composition, materiality, light, scale, detail, and the experience of being within a space.

Regional Focus — New for 2026, this category celebrates architecture and the built environment located within the AIA Long Beach/South Bay chapter region, offering photographers an opportunity to turn their lens toward the communities, buildings, landmarks, and places that define our own backyard.

Selected Regional Focus photographs may also inspire the next edition of AIA LBSB’s Color Your City Architecture Coloring Book. Images will be considered for transformation into coloring-book sketches for the 2027 edition, with the original photographer credited—creating a unique connection between architectural photography, community engagement, and design education.

Submissions Open Through October 31

The 2026 Architectural Photography Competition is accepting submissions through October 31, 2026.

We invite you to look closely, explore your surroundings, and show us architecture from your point of view. From iconic buildings to unexpected details and everyday places worth noticing, we look forward to seeing the built environment through your lens.

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REEL CONVERSATIONS: Exploring the Legacy of R.M. Schindler

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AIA Long Beach/South Bay was pleased to partner with the Art Theatre of Long Beach for a special REEL CONVERSATIONS screening of Schindler Space Architect, followed by an engaging conversation with the film’s director, Valentina Ganeva, moderated by AIA LBSB Board Director Casey Roccanova, AIA.

The award-winning documentary explores the life, work, and enduring influence of Austrian-born architect R.M. Schindler, whose experimental approach to space, materials, and indoor-outdoor living helped shape a distinctly Southern California expression of modern architecture. Through archival materials, Schindler’s writings and correspondence, and interviews with architects, historians, preservationists, homeowners, and members of Schindler’s family, the film traces his journey from Vienna to Chicago and ultimately Los Angeles.

Narrated by Meryl Streep, the film also features the voices of Udo Kier as Schindler and Xander Berkeley as Frank Lloyd Wright, along with commentary from architects including Frank Gehry, Thom Mayne, Steven Holl, Ray Kappe, and Wolf Prix. Since its 2024 premiere at the Architecture & Design Film Festival in New York, the documentary has screened internationally and received recognition at several film festivals.

Following the August 16 screening at the Art Theatre, Casey Roccanova led a Q&A with Ganeva, giving the audience an opportunity to go beyond the film and hear directly from the filmmaker about Schindler’s architecture, his creative philosophy, and the process of bringing his story to the screen. The discussion was a fitting extension of the film—connecting Schindler’s ideas with the architects, designers, and architecture enthusiasts gathered in the theatre.

The event was presented as part of REEL CONVERSATIONS — Films. Architecture. Conversation., a program bringing together film and thoughtful dialogue to explore the people, places, and ideas that shape the built environment.

Thank you to Valentina Ganeva for sharing both her film and her insights, to Casey Roccanova, AIA for leading the conversation, and to the Art Theatre of Long Beach for providing such a wonderful setting for an afternoon of architecture, film, and community.

Investing in the Future of Architecture: 2026 Scholarship Applications Now Open

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AIA Long Beach/South Bay is pleased to announce that applications are now open for our 2026 Scholarship Programs, supporting emerging professionals and students as they take important next steps in their architectural education and careers.

Through these scholarships, AIA LBSB seeks to reduce financial barriers, encourage professional growth, and invest in the next generation of architects who will help shape our communities and the profession.

Architect Registration Examination (ARE) Scholarship

The ARE Scholarship supports Associate AIA members working toward architectural licensure in California. Scholarship funding can help offset the costs associated with the licensure process, including ARE examination fees, study materials, exam preparation courses, and other related expenses.

Up to two scholarships of $1,000 each may be awarded, providing recipients with support as they continue progressing toward licensure and expanding their impact within the architectural profession and the communities we serve.

Student Scholarship Program

The Student Scholarship Program supports students advancing their architectural education, including those transferring from a community college to an accredited architecture program and students pursuing a Master of Architecture degree.

The program recognizes the commitment required to pursue an architectural education and seeks to support promising students as they continue developing the knowledge, skills, and experience that will prepare them for careers in the profession.

Applications Due October 31

Applications for both scholarship programs are open through October 31, 2026.

We encourage eligible students and emerging professionals to apply—and ask our members, firms, educators, and community partners to help us spread the word to individuals who may benefit from these opportunities.

Investing in emerging architects is an investment in the future of our profession and the communities we serve.

AIA Long Beach/South Bay Hosts Conversation with Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor Paul Seo

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AIA Long Beach/South Bay recently welcomed Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor Paul Seo for an engaging evening of discussion focused on leadership, community planning, housing, sustainability, infrastructure, and the future of our coastal communities.

Moderated by AIA Long Beach/South Bay Board Director and Advocacy Committee member Eric Nulman, AIA, the conversation explored the opportunities and challenges facing cities throughout the South Bay region and beyond. Attendees included architects, design professionals, community leaders, and residents interested in the important intersection of public policy and the built environment.

Mayor Seo shared insights drawn from his diverse background in public service, including his experience as a U.S. Army veteran, attorney, prosecutor, and local elected official. The discussion highlighted the critical role that collaboration between government, design professionals, and community stakeholders plays in creating resilient, vibrant, and sustainable communities.

Topics ranged from housing and infrastructure needs to environmental stewardship, public safety, and the importance of thoughtful planning in shaping the future of Southern California’s coastal cities. Mayor Seo also discussed the value of civic engagement and the ways local leadership can work alongside architects and planners to address complex community challenges.

AIA Long Beach/South Bay’s Advocacy Committee is committed to fostering meaningful dialogue between architects and public officials, helping members better understand the policy decisions that influence the communities we serve. Events like this provide valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and promote the role of design in advancing the public good.

We extend our sincere thanks to Mayor Seo for sharing his time and perspective, and to Eric Nulman, AIA, for facilitating a thoughtful and engaging conversation. We also thank everyone who attended and contributed to the evening’s discussion.

Be sure to check out the additional video highlights below, featuring key moments and insights from the conversation.