Since 1987, we have participated in shaping our local communities.
Where we’ve been. Where we’re going.
Today.
AIASFV received its official charter on July 1, 1987. To mark our 35th year, we look back to our beginnings and recognize the substantial accomplishments of our founders and leaders, including our current Board of Directors, committees, strategic partners, and other leadership positions. We are here because of you – and continue to be here because of you, our members, partners and sponsors.
Beginnings.
In 1946 several architects living and working in the San Fernando Valley decided to meet once a month for lunch to exchange ideas and to help each other in their practices. The original group called themselves Architects of the San Fernando Valley. Most were members of the Southern California Chapter of the AIA and were interested in working with government reps to make an impact on local development.
Early years.
Under the leadership of Joe Jordan, AIA, the Valley's original movement toward localized governance began in 1955 and continued to be a goal as the AIA established the Southern California Chapter in 1960 and the Los Angeles Chapter in 1977. The relationship with the Los Angeles Chapter proved to be beneficial – although the desire for local governance still remained.
Growth.
High housing prices in the 1980's pushed the Los Angeles metropolitan area outward. The rapid growth of the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys during this time, initiated a stronger drive for a separate chapter. These efforts eventually culminated in approval of the Section's quest for Chapter-hood. This period was also an intense time of establishing all the elements of a fully functioning chapter.
Chapterhood.
By 1989 the AIASFV Long Range Planning Committee, under the leadership of Committee Chair Bouje Bernkopf, AIA, had initiated a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan. By 1990 there were 23 thriving committees in place. Today we have many ways to contribute: committees, state and national level committees and networks, as well as special projects and initiatives. Have an idea? Share it and development it with your fellow members.
Leadership.
“It is time for our profession to reevaluate its role in society, to unite and commit greater resources toward addressing the problems of today and the challenges of tomorrow. We must raise the quality of services we provide to new heights, become innovators, and commit ourselves to greater involvement with the AIA and with political and public life. The AIA is the major structured network which concerns itself with the health of our profession, and its success or failure will depend on the personal commitment and participation of each and every one of us.” Bouje Bernkopt, AIA | 1990