IDA A. CLAIR
AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CASp
CA DGS Division of the State Architect (DSA)
SAY IT LOUD - CALIFORNIA Exhibitor
California Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I'm inspired by architects who design net-zero facilities and school districts who build sustainably beyond the minimums required, as they demonstrate commitment to a more sustainable future for every child in California.
IDA A. CLAIR
Bio:
Ida A. Clair, AIA, LEED AP, CASp, is the first female California State Architect, appointed by Governor Newsom in April 2021. I graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California in 1987 and earned licensure in 1991. As State Architect, I lead four regional offices and a headquarters office in providing design and construction oversight of public K–12 schools, community colleges, and regulations for green building standards for public school facilities.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I was first introduced to architecture by traveling in Italy at the age of 7. I was mesmerized by the architecture of civic places and spiritual places, and how the architecture was the means to tell the rich history of a civilization and its people.
What do you do?
DSA ensures that public school facilities are safe and sustainable through project certification, regulation, education, and outreach, and encourage public school buildings to be living laboratories so they educate future climate action leaders.
What excites you in the work you do?
I'm excited by the collaborative spirit of DSA staff in our mission to ensure safe and sustainable schools and by district facility personnel who believe in that mission and want to build sustainable facilities in which to educate our children.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I'm inspired by architects who design net-zero facilities and school districts who build sustainably beyond the minimums required, as they demonstrate commitment to a more sustainable future for every child in California.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
My proudest professional achievement is harnessing the power of collaboration in the process to establish mandatory building standards to address embodied carbon and promote sustainable facility planning for California public school districts.
Featured Project Name:
Getting to Zero in California Public Schools
Featured Project Location:
California
Featured Project Completion Date:
Not Applicable
Role in Featured Project:
As State Architect, I launched the “Getting to Zero Over Time in California Public Schools” education and outreach program in June 2020. This program is ongoing and provides public school districts with educational resources to develop sustainable school facilities.
Featured Project Description:
In partnership with non-profits, the “Getting to Zero Over Time in California Public Schools” education and outreach program launched in June 2020 with a New Buildings Institute and DSA initiative to provide a roadmap to develop a district facilities sustainability plan. DSA's education program also includes the “All-Electric California School Kitchens of the Future” webinar with Frontier Energy through a grant with PG&E and the quarterly School Sustainability Showcase on the DSA website.
