Stephan Castellanos, FAIA

As we approach the sesquicentennial celebration of the founding of the American Institute of Architects, it is time to reflect on the achievements and successes of our esteemed organization. It is also time to reaffirm the founding principles and objectives that have defined the practice of architecture in the U.S. It is time to celebrate a profession that has given rise to a built environment that supports great institutions, business, and American cities that have taken a place among the great cities of the world.

It is time as well to look forward. The physical infrastructure of our country and our towns and cities is in need of renewal. Architects can and will lead this renewal with a vision as great as the vision that spurred the founding of the Institute. Certainly there are difficult challenges ahead; these challenges will be successfully addressed with the same vigor, ingenuity, and innovation that have been demonstrated by architects in America for the last 150 years.

The AIA and its members must continue to advocate on behalf of a built environment that is responsible and sustainable. We must advocate for communities. We must be unified in our voice, bringing together the diverse parts of the profession and the Institute to create a powerful advocacy. And the AIA must invest in leadership; leadership for the profession, for the Institute, and for the public. In recognizing that we are all citizens first, we must remember that there has never been a time where the voice of the architect has been more needed.

As California State Architect, I have learned that there is a powerful nexus between the built environment and public policy. Architects can play a more active role in boardrooms, in the halls of government, and with our industry partners as we work together to build a better America.

AIA Sierra Valley
• Director, 1986–87
• Treasurer, 1987–88
• First VP/President Elect, 1989
• President, 1991

AIA California Council
• ARC PAC Board of Trustees, 1997–98
• Board of Directors, 1992–94, 1997–2000
• Vice-Chair, California Hospital Building Safety Board, 1997–2000
• Vice-President, Communication/Public Affairs, 1995–96
• Chair, Political Outreach Task Force, 1994
• Governmental Relations Legislative Committee, 1993–98
• Chair, Diversity Task Force, 1994

AIA National Component
• Board of Directors, 1998–2000
• Board Representative, National AIA Diversity Conference, 1998
• Chair, Committee on Licensing, 1998–2000
• Chair, Interior Design Task Force, 1999
• Intern Development Program (IDP) Coordinating Committee 1998–2000
• Secretary, 2000–2002.

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