Finding Inspiration in San Diego

July 2026

Fellow AIA Inland California Members,

As architects, we're always looking ahead—to the next project, the next challenge, the next opportunity to make our communities better. But every so often, it's important to step away from our daily routines and reconnect with the larger profession. That's exactly what this year's AIA Conference on Architecture & Design in San Diego offered.

Walking into the conference, I was immediately reminded that architecture is as much about people as it is about buildings. Thousands of architects from across the country gathered to share ideas, celebrate achievements, debate the future of our profession, and learn from one another. Whether it was a keynote presentation, a conversation on the expo floor, or an impromptu discussion over coffee, there was an unmistakable sense of optimism about where architecture is headed.

Several themes surfaced throughout the week. Artificial intelligence continues to dominate conversations, but not in the way many expected. Rather than replacing architects, the discussion has shifted toward how AI can help us work more efficiently, freeing us to spend more time doing what we do best—solving problems creatively, collaborating with our clients, and designing places that enrich people's lives.

Sustainability also remains front and center, but the conversation has matured. It's no longer just about energy performance. Architects are increasingly thinking about resilience, adaptive reuse, material selection, and designing buildings that can evolve with the communities they serve. Those discussions resonated with me because they're the same conversations we're having here in Inland California.

One of my favorite parts of any national conference is simply exploring the host city. San Diego is a place where history and innovation comfortably coexist. From the timeless beauty of Balboa Park and its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture to the vibrant waterfront and contemporary skyline, the city tells a story of continual reinvention while honoring its past. As I walked through the Gaslamp Quarter and along the Embarcadero, I was reminded that great cities don't happen by accident—they're shaped over generations by thoughtful planning, investment, and a commitment to good design.

Holding the conference on San Diego's waterfront was fitting. The Convention Center itself serves as a reminder of how architecture can connect people to a place. The relationship between the city, the bay, and its public spaces reflects the kind of urban design we all strive to create—spaces that are functional, welcoming, and memorable.

While it's inspiring to see award-winning projects from around the world, I came home thinking about our own chapter. The challenges we face—housing, education, healthcare, resilient communities, and responsible growth—are every bit as important as those discussed on the national stage. Our members are designing schools where children will learn, hospitals where families will find hope, civic buildings that strengthen our communities, and workplaces that support local economies. The work happening throughout Inland California matters, and it deserves to be celebrated.

As Chapter President, I left San Diego with renewed appreciation for the strength of our profession and the value of staying connected. Conferences like this remind us that while each of us practices in our own corner of California, we're part of something much larger. We share a responsibility to advocate for good design, mentor emerging professionals, and continue elevating the public's understanding of architecture.

I encourage you to stay involved with our chapter over the coming months. Attend an event, volunteer for a committee, mentor a student, or simply introduce yourself to someone new at our next gathering. The ideas that shape the future of architecture don't begin at national conferences—they begin with conversations among colleagues who care deeply about their communities.

Thank you for everything you do to advance our profession. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming chapter events as we continue building a stronger AIA Inland California together.

David Higginson, AIA
President
AIA Inland California Chapter