“Citizen Architects,” the 2nd quarter 2002 issue of arcCA (Architecture California), profiles eight architects who, in various ways, have been motivated to apply their abilities to public service—as designers, advocates, teachers, developers, and elected officials.
Architects regularly play such roles. Among California’s elected officials are Liz Gibbons, current vice-mayor and former mayor of Campbell; Jack Matthews, AIA, former mayor of San Mateo; Julie Oakes, AIA, former mayor of Hermosa Beach; Dean Orr, AIA, former mayor of Orinda; and Newell Arnerich, AIA, six-term mayor of Danville.
A few other examples: Ric Abramson, FAIA, serves as City Architect for the City of West Hollywood. Phil Bona, AIA/APA, is founder and driving force behind San Diego’s Housing the Next 1 Million. Robert Chase, AIA, recently completed a term as Deputy State Architect and is now an Architect Consultant to the California Architects Board. Michael Lehrer, FAIA, is a member of the UC Riverside Design Review Board and Past President of Homeless Health Care Los Angeles. Rona Rothenberg, FAIA, is the recipient of the 2020 Thomas Jefferson Award. And there are many more.
A primary resource for any architect seeking to become involved in public service of whatever sort is the AIA’s Citizen Architect Handbook, developed under the leadership of Mark Gangi, FAIA, of Burbank.
From arcCA DIGEST Season 5, “Motivation.”
