Woodbury University

School of Architecture

Supporting Future Architects:

AIA San Fernando Valley Fund Scholarships

Welcome to the AIA San Fernando Valley Fund Scholarship Program page!

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to nurturing the next generation of architects and designers. Through our partnership with Woodbury University’s School of Architecture, we strive to provide financial support and mentorship opportunities to deserving students, empowering them to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the built environment.

Scholarship Program Overview

AIA San Fernando Valley has established a scholarship program at Woodbury School of Architecture. This program awards funds annually to undergraduate and graduate students based on their exceptional portfolios and academic achievements. Since its inception, our program has distributed over $120,000 in scholarships to approximately 150 talented individuals.

Our members are the heart and soul of our mission, and we are beyond grateful for their dedication to shaping the future of our profession! Through your generosity, time, and unwavering commitment, we have provided critical support to students pursuing degrees in architecture—helping them take the next step toward their dreams.

We are thrilled to announce this year’s scholarship recipients, made possible in part through the generous matching grant from AIA National. This support has allowed us to elevate even more students and their inspiring projects, which showcase creativity, innovation, and a deep commitment to design:

🏆 Andrew Wong – "Winding Ways Canine Sports Center"
🏆 Alejandra Majano-Perez – "Watts Fitness Center"
🏆 Grace Rivas – "Rewilding Home"
🏆 Karin Ishak – "Thresholds of Intensity"
🏆 Sheree Sparks – "Lisah Recreation Center"

A huge thank you to our incredible members who served as jurors, who lent their time and expertise to reviewing each submission with care and insight:


🌟 Hannah Oh
🌟 Mike Silva
🌟 Krisakon Savathasuk
🌟 Anna Anisov
🌟 Kayla Castro
🌟 Farnoosh Farmer
🌟 Babak Azimi
🌟 Larry Kaltman

And a special shoutout to our Education Pillar Lead and Immediate Past President, Jen Dunbar, whose dedication and leadership ensured the success of this initiative.

We also want to recognize the incredible work of Russell Myers, whose stewardship of the AIA San Fernando Valley Endowment Fund has helped elevate our scholarship program and provide even more opportunities for students. Thanks to his tireless efforts, we are honored to award the following graduating B.Arch students with these prestigious scholarships: 

🏅 B-Arch Highest GPA – Borna Torabinejad, AIA/SFV George G. Terpatsi, AIA Memorial Scholarship Award
🏅 B-Arch Student Choice – Benjamin Fala, AIA/SFV Rudolph De Chellis, FAIA Award
🏅 B-Arch Faculty Choice – Kaci Theros, AIA/SFV Joel Jaffee, AIA & Robin Jaffee Award

To every member who contributes, mentors, and believes in the next generation of architects—thank you. Your passion and generosity are transforming lives, shaping communities, and ensuring a vibrant future for our profession. Let’s keep building together!

Past Recipients

Meet some of the exceptional students who have benefited from our scholarship program

 AIA San Fernando Valley Endowed Scholarship Fund

  • Eloy Sanchez, recipient of the Rudolph De Chellis FAIA Scholarship Award

  • Ariel Hovsepian, recipient of the George G. Terpatsi AIA Memorial Scholarship Award

  • Ruby Pedrazetti, recipient of the Joel Jaffe, AIA and Robin Jaffe, AIA Scholarship Award

  • Jorge Ruiz, recipient of the Joel Jaffe, AIA and Robin Jaffe, AIA Award

AIA San Fernando Valley Chapter Scholarships

  • Karin Najarian, recipient of the AIA San Fernando Valley Scholarship Award

  • Gabriel Erazo, recipient of the AIA San Fernando Valley Scholarship Award

  • Austin Mitchell, recipient of the AIA San Fernando Valley Scholarship Award

    And many more inspiring individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and creativity in their pursuit of architectural excellence.

Testimonials

"We are fulfilled by having been able to provide the donation because it satisfies what we believe is our fundamental motivation: to give back to architectural education in gratitude for what it has given to us."

- Joel Jaffe, Past AIA San Fernando Valley Fund President

“We often spoke about change and engagement during studio, and we rose to the occasion without regard or fear of the challenge.  We understood change would not come if we waited, so we became the change makers.  That is why today I donate, knowing that we can continue to make change with what we give back.”

- Jesse Santiago, Woodbury Alumni & AIA San Fernando Valley Member

“Woodbury School of Architecture provides broad access to architectural education for a diverse student population. The generous support of the AIA San Fernando Valley has enabled many of our students to overcome the financial burden of higher education and fulfill their dream of becoming an architect. The impact of this giving is immeasurable and will certainly manifest in a more vibrant built environment for all of us.”

 - Heather Flood, Dean of Woodbury University’s School of Architecture

About Woodbury School of Architecture

Woodbury School of Architecture is the only School of Architecture located in the San Fernando Valley. Their undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture and interior design are cultivate entrepreneurial spirit, critical thinking skills, and a deep sense of social responsibility among our students.

Are you passionate about supporting the future of architecture? Consider donating to the AIA San Fernando Valley Fund Scholarship Program or exploring opportunities to get involved with our organization. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of aspiring architects and designers.