Lunch & Learn: Solar + Batteries with Brighten Solar Co.
2026-03-17 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | AIA Santa Barbara, 229 E Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
1 LU
Lunch Provided! No charge for members
About
As solar and battery storage become standard in high-performance residential design, architects are increasingly called upon to integrate these systems from the earliest stages of a project. This presentation covers how early solar coordination preserves architectural intent, improves performance, and avoids costly retrofits — including roof design strategies, battery placement, whole-home backup architecture, and California Title 24 requirements.
Learning Objectives

Understand how early solar and storage integration influences roof design, electrical planning, and architectural detailing.
Learn what’s new in home battery technology and whole-home backup architecture, including how equipment placement and clearance requirements affect exterior design.
Gain a working understanding of California Title 24 solar requirements for new residential construction and their design implications.

AIASB March General Meeting
2026-03-18 17:30 - 20:00 | CEC Environmental Hub, 1219 State St. Suite A, Santa Barbara, United States
1 LU Pending
Dinner and Drinks Provided

About
Join us for an exciting and relaxed evening at our upcoming general meeting. Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the chapter, this is a great opportunity to meet and connect with fellow architecture and design professionals.
This meeting will focus on a panel discussing “Santa Barbara’s Future: Leadership Perspectives on Progress and Opportunity” with Santa Barbara City Administrators.
Panelists
Kelly McAdoo
City Administrator
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
Anthony Valdez
Deputy City Administrator
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA

Emerging Professionals Open House at Bildsten Architecture and Planning
2026-03-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Bildsten Architecture and Planning, 30 W Figueroa Street, Santa Barbara, 93101, United States
1 LU Pending
Refreshments and food provided
Join AIASB Emerging Professionals for a tour of Bildsten Architecture’s Studio Downtown!
Step inside the studio of Bildsten Architecture and Planning for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their work, process, and passion for shaping sustainable communities along California’s Central Coast. This is a unique opportunity to see how a collaborative, mission-driven firm navigates local regulations, sustainability goals, and client needs—while creating architecture that enriches the broader community.
About Bildsten Architecture and Planning
From initial concept through construction, the firm designs complete environments that enrich the communities they serve. Their collaborative process emphasizes constant improvement, deep experience within complex local regulatory systems, and an unwavering commitment to listening carefully to clients’ goals, needs, and budgets. Throughout every phase, the team remains engaged and passionate about delivering meaningful design solutions.
With a strong belief in building sustainable communities, Bildsten Architecture and Planning advocates for vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that integrate housing, workplaces, schools, shops, and recreation. Their commitment extends beyond projects—actively participating in professional and community organizations to support thoughtful growth and lasting positive impact.
Reserve your spot!

Lunch & Learn: Illuminating Design
2026-04-15 12:00 - 13:00 | AIA Santa Barbara, 229 E Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
Presented by Ellie Doherty from dmf lighting
1 LU
Lunch Provided! No charge for members

Crafting atmosphere through lighting with dmf Luxury.

About
Thought and care is put into the design of a home, and lighting’s role should be to help realize that vision and cultivate an experience. In this course, we will understand how lighting affects materiality, finishes, and design details in a luxury residence. We will review the basic elements of lighting design and how they are used. Focus is placed on how lighting can be tailored to clients’ lifestyles and on learning about the different tools used to achieve design intent through lighting solutions. This course will review the different types of fixtures, their use, and what determines a fixture’s quality.
Learning Objectives

Identify the fundamental elements of residential lighting design and explain how appropriate lighting selection and placement support occupant health, visual comfort, and overall well-being in luxury homes.
Evaluate how lighting interacts with materiality, finishes, and architectural details to enhance safety, usability, and long-term performance of residential interiors.
Analyze different residential lighting fixture types and quality indicators to determine suitable solutions that balance design intent with safety, durability, and client lifestyle needs.
Apply lighting design strategies and tools to develop residential lighting solutions that support safe circulation, task performance, and adaptable living environments while maintaining design integrity.
