The Beginnings, Early Activities, Years of Growth, A New Chapter

A New Chapter
     In July of 1987, the new San Fernando Valley Chapter received its official Charter. President Tom Layman, AIA recalls the day he and the presidents of the neighboring Los Angeles and Pasadena/ Foothill Chapters stood atop the mountain on Mulholland Drive to set the boundaries of the new chapter. The result, as confirmed by the AIA, was area encompassing all of northwest Los Angeles County to the north of Mulholland Drive and to the west of Barham Boulevard (including all of the City of Burbank).
     Then there ensued a period of intense activity to create the complete range of activities and services required for an independent organization.
     The foundation of a newsletter had been laid in 1985 by President-elect Lawrence A. Robbins, AIA with his memorably illustrated monthly program flyers. These were expanded by his successor, Thomas W. Layman, AIA, to include important code and City Hall news. Then in 1987, Mark L. Smith, AIA commenced a four-page monthly publication, enlarging it the following year to the Newsletter's current eight-page format.
     As president in 1988, Mark L. Smith, AIA opened the chapter's first office and hired the first staff. The tenant improvements were executed below cost by the development firm of Chapter member Jaime Gesundheit, AIA. With good fortune, the furniture I had secured as a donation from the Steelcase and Herman Miller companies was delivered hours before the open house for the members.


The Beginnings, Early Activities, Years of Growth, A New Chapter