2004

Throughout 2004, Public Architecture significantly expanded its board of directors, attracting comprised a diverse group of leaders from the fields of architecture, education, journalism, landscape architecture, law, and publishing. This development was spearheaded by John Cary, who joined Public Architecture as its executive director in March 2004.

The first major initiative of 2004, Public Architecture’s Open Space Workshop brought together more than 40 city officials and other stakeholders to discuss the future of the South of Market area, a transitioning former light-industrial neighborhood. The event was hosted by the California College of the Arts and sponsored by a grant from the LEF Foundation.

During fall semester of 2004, Public Architecture helped develop the framework of and served as design critics for an undergraduate design studio focused on day laborers. The studio took place the City College of San Francisco and was led by architect Andrea Chandler.

2005

Launched at a special reception during the Association for Community Design (ACD) Annual Conference in March 2005, the 1% Solution program and website represented the first cohesive effort to make pro bono work a staple of the architectural profession. Supported by a 2005 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the program garnered over 20,000 pledged hours (valued at more than $2 million) during its inaugural year.

After being approached by a local filmmaker and city official, Public Architecture took the lead of a project called “ScrapHouse,” which entailed designing and constructing a 1,200 square foot house in front of San Francisco City Hall, completely from salvaged materials. Designed and built in only six weeks, ScrapHouse was the centerpiece of U.N. World Environment Day 2005.

During spring semester of 2005, Public Architecture hosted an advanced undergraduate, comprehensive studio at California College of the Arts. The studio focused on the issues surrounding the development of Accessory Dwelling Units in various suburban typologies. It was led by John Peterson and Tim Culvahouse.

During the summer of 2005, Public Architecture welcomed four students from Smith College (2), UC Berkeley, and Vanderbilt University to assist with various design projects and 1% Solution program. The students were paid a stipend by their respective schools, secured with the assistance of Public Architecture.

In late-2005, Public Architecture was approached by the Executive Office of Ron Sims in King County, Wash., seeking our involvement with the design and construction of a building to house the Technology Access Foundation (TAF). Public Architecture recommended and secured the involvement of The Miller|Hull Partnership, based on their reputation of green and sustainable design as well as their participation in our 1% Solution program.

2006

The sixth annual Structures for Inclusion conference was held in San Francisco, March 24-26, 2006, organized by Public Architecture in association with nonprofits Design Corps and Urban Ecology. The event attracted over 300 attendees and was hosted by the Academy of Art University. It was co-chaired by John Cary, JoEllen Wang, and Jess Wendover.

Following-up on its ADU prototype program in 2003, the City of Santa Cruz commissioned Public Architecture to explore options for garage conversion ADUs. Working with Berkeley-based RACESTUDIO, Public Architecture and Peterson Architects generated 14 designs, based on various garage configurations.

Growing out of Public Architecture’s open space strategy, the first in a series of sidewalk plazas was completed in 2005. Another sidewalk plaza, adjacent to the Brainwash Café on Folsom Street, has been designed by CMG Site and approved for construction. Funds are presently being sought to cover demolition costs.

Sponsored by a grant from the Graham Foundation, The Lowly and the Difficult studio publication summarized the various projects completed in the CCA studio and included various essays on the suburban context. The publication was distributed to all 438 municipalities in California, who are being forced to confront zoning for ADUs as a result of a state assembly bill that requires them.


2007

As announced in May 2007, during the national AIA Convention in San Antonio, "The American Institute of Architects is privileged to confer the 2007 Institute Honor for Collaborative Achievement on Public Architecture.  As a call to arms for all architects, they have elevated the awareness of pro bono work from personal option to professional imperative.  Their every effort is distinguished by unflagging attention to providing the highest levels of design excellence in service to the public interest."