Category: Advocacy News

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.

On June 6, AIA Long Beach/South Bay had the privilege of hosting a special roundtable discussion with AIA National leaders while they were in Long Beach attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting.

Joining the conversation were Illya Azaroff, FAIA, 2025 President of the American Institute of Architects, and Amal Mahrouki, Senior Director of State and Local Affairs at AIA National. They met with AIA Long Beach/South Bay board members and local design leaders to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the profession and our communities.

The discussion centered on AIA’s key policy priorities, including housing and affordability, climate and sustainability, infrastructure and community investment, business and the profession, and the Chief Architect initiative. Participants explored the important role architects can play in addressing complex challenges through thoughtful design, civic engagement, and collaboration with public officials and community stakeholders.

The roundtable also provided an opportunity to share local perspectives and discuss how architects can help shape healthier, more resilient, and more equitable communities. Topics ranged from housing production and climate action to the evolving role of architects as trusted advisors and civic leaders.

AIA Long Beach/South Bay was especially grateful for the participation of several local firm leaders, including Alan Pullman, AIA, of Studio One Eleven/RDC, and Keith Hempel, FAIA, President and Chief Design Officer of LPA Design Studios, whose insights helped enrich the conversation.

The meeting underscored the value of connecting local, state, and national leadership and highlighted the important role chapters play in advancing advocacy efforts within their communities.

We extend our sincere thanks to Illya Azaroff, FAIA, Amal Mahrouki, and the entire AIA National State and Local Affairs team for their time, leadership, and commitment to strengthening the profession. We also thank Alan Pullman, Dalane Nash, and the Studio One Eleven team for graciously hosting the gathering, and Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and the City of Long Beach for hosting the U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting and bringing this important dialogue to our community.