We are grateful for so much at TBA: meaningful and durable work, resources for continued education, thoughtful colleagues, clients and collaborators… and more. 2022 has been an exceptional year, packed with learning and growth, connections and contributions. We have tried to do simple yet impactful things to address climate change, influence building policy, advocate for better education and provide tools to underserved communities. This year, we are proud to support a few visionary organizations dedicated to creating a safer, healthier and fair community and planet:

“Trees need People. People need Trees.” TreePeople unites communities to increase the tree canopy in our urban forest, restore and protect our local mountains, and to educate and inspire others to do the same. TBA teammates plant and care for urban trees and are proud to support TreePeople’s efforts to grow a greener, more resilient future.

Tim has volunteered with the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art (ICAA) for nearly two decades. Project Manager Jim Coyle and Job Captain Kyra Bauman have also volunteered in recent years. Kyra won the Rocky LaFleur Scholarship to the Winter Intensive in NYC in January 2022. This organization is dedicated to teaching the classical tradition at the local, national and regional levels – a cause deeply intertwined with our work at TBA. We support their affordable education programs and resources. 

Heal the Bay works to mobilize diverse communities to protect our coastline, restore our waterways and speak out for clean water policy across our watersheds. TBA staff volunteers with Heal The Bay for beach cleanups, including Coastal Cleanup Day in September 2022. We applaud their use of science, education, community action and advocacy to keep Greater Los Angeles’s water and watersheds safe, healthy and clean.

Youth homelessness is a local, national and global crisis. Hollywood-based My Friend’s Place (MFP) offers comprehensive services to assist and inspire homeless youth (over 1,000 each year) to build self-sufficient lives. TBA volunteers with MFP and supports their mission to provide life-changing care to those experiencing homelessness. Director of Operations David Stone joined the MFP Board of Directors this year.

Historic buildings, structures, landscapes and neighborhoods are part of the fabric that make Los Angeles unique – and often inform our designs today. Since 1978, Los Angeles Conservancy has recognized, preserved and revitalized the historic architectural and cultural resources throughout our city. Project Manager Jim Coyle volunteered for the 2022 Community Leadership Boot Camp and TBA supports their efforts to ensure LA’s historic places survive and thrive for future generations.

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County has helped to preserve over 31,850 acres of natural resource and agricultural land. These areas include Arroyo Hondo Preserve, Carpinteria Bluffs, Coronado Butterfly Preserve, ranches on the Gaviota Coast and many more. TBA supports their work to preserve and enhance these treasured open spaces so they can be enjoyed for years to come.

The U.S. Green Building Council Los Angeles (USGBC LA) is a nonprofit organization of passionate, practical and informed advocates supporting the development of prosperous, healthy and resilient communities. Tim has written for Green Home Builder and served in a panel discussion in August. We support the developers, builders, owners, facility managers, architects, engineers, planners, technologists, green financiers, students of sustainability and green building experts who work together to transform Southern California into a more sustainable region for all.

TBA supports The Bill H. James Foundation, a scholarship fund for aspiring African American engineers to study at accredited California institutions – and their mission to address the need for diversity in the engineering field. Bill James was a life-long resident of Los Angeles before becoming an adjunct faculty member within the engineering school at California State University, Los Angeles. He consulted with engineering schools nationwide and was a mentor to hundreds of engineering students over the years.

AIA Los Angeles Women in Architecture (WiA) Committee promotes Gender Equity in the profession. Founded in 2016, WiA Committee developed from a strong desire to empower and promote positive change for women in the field of architecture. Senior Project Manager Kelly Becker is a dedicated member and recently participated in a panel discussion at their annual Powerful Conference in October. TBA is proud to support their work to embrace diversity through inclusion, encourage professional growth, promote leadership, endorse community outreach and provide support to women in their career development in architecture.

TBA also supports the Association for Women in Architecture + Design, whose mission is to advance and support women who work in the built environment from all design disciplines. The organization provides educational programming, mentoring and illuminates career opportunities for and professionals. Job Captain Kyra Bauman serves as Membership Director.

We are proud to be part of a city with organizations working to better our community today, and for years to come. We encourage you to support these, or other organizations, in support of a bright future.