SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the spirit of celebrating architecture, the value of design, history and architects, The American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC) is promoting a number of events and activities across the state throughout 2007 which distinguish past, present and future accomplishments of architects. The AIACC and 11 of its chapters recently received grants (the most of any individual state) from The American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) “Blueprint for America,” a program that focuses on empowering citizens to share in creating a vision for design priorities in communities across the country. The AIACC, with more than 10,000 professional architects and allied professionals in California, is continuing the community-based focus with its chapters taking the local lead. For example, a “Blueprint” grant for The AIACC’s San Francisco’s chapter will allow local architects to educate and engage the community about design, architecture, preservation and sustainability issues by crafting specific walking tours for visitors to discover the city’s most compelling structures, assisted by video and audio Podcasts. The AIACC’s Monterey Bay chapter is involved in creating a guide of historic buildings in the region. While preservation is a key component of the Blueprint grants, other chapters will embark on design efforts. The AIACC’s San Diego chapter grant allows the local component to participate in the city’s enhancement and revitalization project for the downtown C Street corridor, contributing design expertise for the city. In addition to these activities, The AIACC will be producing sesquicentennial events in conjunction with other partners, including government officials and California’s Division of the State Architect. For more information on The AIACC’s region-specific events and programs throughout 2007, please visit www.aiacc.org/150.
