The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating a public-focused dialogue on architecture, design, and the built environment in the San Francisco Bay Area. Established in 2005, the Center enhances public appreciation for architecture and design through exhibitions, lectures, tours, film series, and other programs. Founded by the American Institute of Architects, San Francisco chapter to advance public interest in the design arts, the Center for Architecture + Design celebrates the larger diverse design community and is a collaborative environment where design organizations and affiliates share not only space, but ideas. Learn more about the building of the new Center and its dream team led by Aidlin Darling Design and more than 75+ in-kind Donors.
Double your impact
this Giving Tuesday
This year the Center is participating in Giving Tuesday to help fund and support our expanded range of programs such as tours, exhibitions, lectures, youth education, and more. We invite you to contribute and help us double the impact, working towards our goal of advancing equity and diversity in event offerings, improving speaker representation, and fostering greater engagement with underrepresented communities.
Celebrating Community
Since 2015, the Center for Architecture + Design’s Community Alliance Awards has honored 100+ individuals, firms, and organizations whose overall work, leadership, and dedication has shaped the character and vibrancy of our communities and the future of our built environment. In collaboration with the American Institute of Architects/San Francisco.
See you in 2024!
Thank you for celebrating the annual 20th Annual Architecture + the City Festival! This year we added new programs while offering some of our greatest hits of behind-the-scenes programs, tours, lectures, film presentations, and more that provided an opportunity for all communities to experience architecture and design in a myriad of ways throughout the city.
Since 2003, we have worked to enrich these core events and have collaborated with countless design and community partners, firms, and organizations to further creative ideas and advance the conversation surrounding our local built environment, to celebrate accomplishments, and together work towards building a more sustainable future. See you in 2024!
Programs
The Center hosts programs covering a variety of topics about all things architecture and design that aim to provide the general public and industry professionals with engaging dialogue and to provide a space for inspiration. Signature programs such as the annual Architecture + the City Festival, and Fresh Brew Series, as well as symposia, lectures, film screenings, tours, and more that provide a variety of opportunities for everyone to be part of the conversation!
Support
The Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and donations are fully tax-deductible. Your donation supports our mission to improve the quality of life in the Bay Area, in partnership with nonprofits and the built community.
Completed in September 2023 after a multi-year renovation — take an inside look into the Center for Architecture + Design.
Located at 140 Sutter Street in downtown San Francisco, the Center enables the expansion of events, lectures, film screenings, tours, and gallery exhibitions and serves as a cultural hub for architecture and design, where professionals and the public can connect, learn, and collaborate. Video credit: CRE8R