All members of the American Institute of Architects, California Council are automatically members of the California Architectural Foundation. A small amount of your AIACC dues supports the efforts of the CAF. I’d like to tell you a bit more about your “investment.”
Founded in 1979, the California Architectural Foundation promotes excellence in architecture though scholarships, grants, and education programs and bridges the gap between the academic and professional worlds. Committed to making stronger and more effective connections between students and schools, planners and professionals, the Foundation cultivates the resources and creativity necessary to forge these links.
We also believe in the necessity of training and practice through education and the importance of public awareness activities. Through the annual Mel Ferris Scholarship, we have supported over 50 outstanding university students in California* who need financial assistance to complete their architectural education.
Ten years ago, after the passing of renowned architect William Turnbull Jr., FAIA, the Foundation Regents initiated a special environmental education grant, as a tribute to his legacy. The William Turnbull, Jr., FAIA Environmental Education Grant program fosters the public’s awareness of the relationship between the built and natural environments. This program has supported a number of community programs, including the San Diego Zoological Society, the California Preservation Foundation, and the Greenspace Cambria Land Trust. This year, thanks to the generosity of architectural firms, individual contributors, and corporate supporters, we supported the Great Valley Center’s efforts to help our communities think about building a livable future by sponsoring publication of Our Valley…Our Choice (which was reviewed in last quarter’s arcCA).
The Foundation is continuing its efforts to emphasize this connection with the “Off Grid” competition. The 24-hour life of the urban fabric of our communities is affecting not only the natural environment, but human health and well being. As the human “footprint” continues to expand, issues surrounding sustainability rise to the forefront. The Foundation challenges architects, students, designers, planners, and all interested individuals to develop solutions to reduce the environmental impacts on our planet, slow urban sprawl, and discover innovative ways to effectively reuse existing resources. “Off Grid: Ideas for a Carbon Neutral Future” is an open ideas competition that will provide possible solutions for an urban infill site in Northern California. Through this competition, the Foundation is exploring new ways to combat old problems. All of this cannot happen without support. The Foundation relies on private donations in order to make its programs realized. By making a contribution today, you can help build the communities and architects of tomorrow. Visit www.aiacc.org—“California Architectural Foundation” for more information.
* including one current arcCA editorial board member. (Editor’s note)
As a student facing an ever-increasing burden to obtain the financing for an education, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the California Architectural Foundation (CAF) for awarding me with the Mel Ferris Scholarship. I greatly appreciate the award money the scholarship has endowed as it allows me many new possibilities to further explore my education. Because of the generosity of the California Architectural Foundation, I have been provided the opportunity to focus more time and energy towards a valuable education as opposed to struggling to acquire the funding for it.
~ Ricky Hele
I would like to thank the AIACC and the California Architectural Foundation for selecting me as a recipient of the Mel Ferris Scholarship. Architecture at Cal Poly Pomona is a rigorous and strict major. The stern curriculum and competitive environment leave no time for a part time job. The expenses of tuition, supplies, transportation, and rent cause a great deal of financial stress. Now I can happily concentrate and focus my time on my education without the burdens of towering expenses. I can now spend time improving my portfolio in hopes of landing a summer job at a respected architectural firm.
~ Stephen Nieto, Cal Poly Pomona
It is a great honor to be a recipient of the Mel Ferris Scholarship. The financial help that the scholarship gave me can be shown in the time that I can now put into my studies without the constant concern of how I might support myself. The ability to design with the opportunity to use different materials and equipment that were out of reach before getting this award is priceless. This scholarship is a very important milestone in my education; it supports my achievements in so many different aspects.
~ Ron Elad, SCI-Arc
Author Lance Bird, FAIA, is President of the California Architectural Foundation.
Originally published 3rd Quarter 2007, in arcCA 07.3, “Comparing Awards.”
