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The AIA in California Fire Response and Recovery Series: "Nothing About Us, Without Us, Is for Us" - Altadena, from the Ground Up

  • 1.  The AIA in California Fire Response and Recovery Series: "Nothing About Us, Without Us, Is for Us" - Altadena, from the Ground Up

    Posted 04-02-2025 01:14 PM

    The AIA in CALIFORNIA is responding to the recent disasters with a unified plan for response, recovery and rebuilding in the communities that were devastated by the southern California wildfires. Bolstered by hundreds of members and allied professionals who have volunteered to assist, AIA has mobilized a coordinated response to provide meaningful, actionable, and sustainable contributions to this recovery effort. Our work encompasses: Advocacy, Education, and Communication.

    Since the first days of the disastrous fires, Southern Californians have advocated that rebuild efforts respect the historically Black neighborhood of Altadena. This conversation is an opportunity to hear perspectives and experience directly from two prominent Altadena architects. 

    Architects are passionate about supporting residents of Altadena – where, in 2023, home ownership among Black Residents was nearly double the national average – but how should they approach fire-recovery in historically Black neighborhoods? 
     
    "Don't come with the answer, lead with the question and then… listen," says Steven Lewis, FAIA, NOMAC. 
     
    Lewis has achieved national prominence by entwining three critical areas of practice: 

    • served Detroit residents as the Urban Design Director within the City's planning & development department.

    • his achievements include having served as National President of NOMA, received the prestigious Whitney M. Young, Jr. service award from the AIA 

    • he is a tireless advocate for justice and equity for people and communities of color 

    • he co-owned the architecture firm, RAW International and since leaving after 20 years, he has gone on to hold leadership positions at a number of successful firms. 

     

    This conversation sees Lewis return to his own neighborhood, Altadena, bringing with him the words spoken in solidarity with community members in Detroit: "Nothing without us, about us, is for us" and seeking counsel, expertise, and the thoughts of a fellow prominent Altadena architect Charles T. Bryant, AIA. 
     
    Bryant co-owns Masbuild Design Solutions, Inc., an award winning architecture, interiors and planning firm, established in 1996. His more than forty years of experience in the design and construction industry includes: 

    • Principal Architect for institutional, multi-family residential and commercial projects for the HUD, the Navy and the Air Force

    • internationally for the US State Department; and for school districts throughout the nation. 

    • Prior to co-founding Masbuild Design Solutions, he led the award-winning firm Charles T. Bryant & Associates.

    Mr. Bryant has long provided services to underserved and marginalized communities, including communities of color, senior citizens, veterans, and those facing housing insecurity. 
     
    RSVP here or use this URL: https://site.aiacalifornia.org/staging/event/fire-response-session-4-nothing-about-us-without-us-is-for-us-altadena-from-the-ground-up-2/ 

    "Nothing About Us, Without Us, Is for Us" - Altadena, from the Ground Up

    Wednesday April 23 12:00P - 1:00P 
    This session qualifies for 1 LU/HSW (currently pending approval) 
    R. Steven Lewis, FAIA, NOMAC in conversation with Charles T. Bryant, AIA, NOMA, a Past President of AIA Pasadena & Foothill. 
    RSVP Here



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    Sarah Vasquez
    AIA California
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