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

This year, our jurors reviewed portfolios from two outstanding studios:

Housing the Next LA
This studio examines the historical, contemporary, and multicultural evolution of housing, exploring the form and meaning of the dwelling. Projects engage in critical discussions of interior vs. exterior space, public vs. private space, community vs. the individual, and traditional vs. non-traditional families. The studio focuses on both single-family dwellings and multi-unit housing typologies, with a sustainable materials and systems component supported by lectures and research assignments.

Stitch, Please: From Loom to Room
This studio investigates the dynamic interplay between production, labor, craft, and community engagement within the framework of a comprehensive building proposal. Drawing inspiration from textile factories, workshops, and collective making spaces, students explore how these environments can support collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity within the unique context of Los Angeles. The primary focus is on developing a textile factory that not only supports fabrication and industry but also fosters a sense of community through shared experiences of making and exchange. Projects balance public and private interests, weaving spaces for workers, visitors, and the broader community into a layered fabric of activity. Through rigorous methodologies—including drawing, modeling, diagramming, and iterative design—students transform ideas into functional, inspiring spaces that integrate production with community engagement.

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.

Yeraz Bandary - “The Hanging & The Stacked”

Mania Minasvand - “Revived Threads”

Anahit Margaryan - “Entwine”

Juliana Valenzuela-Torres - “Walls Without Borders ‘From Division to Connection’”

Julia Makaafi - “Pushing Pixels”

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:

Stitch Please: From Room to Loom

• Vladimir Elmanovich

• Anna Anisov

• Steven Kyle

Housing the Next LA

• Roger Bray

• Margarita Jerabek

• Natalie Hagobian

• Jesse Santiago

And a special shoutout to our Education Pillar Lead, Hannah Cho, 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 – Artemisa Gjergo, AIA/SFV George T. Terpatsi, AIA Memorial Scholarship Award
B-Arch Student Choice – Ani Rodriguez, AIA/SFV Rudolph De Chellis, FAIA Award
B-Arch Faculty Choice – Steven Jara, AIA/SFV Joel Jaffe, AIA & Robin Jaffe 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!