Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Guide to Santa Barbara's Architectural Heritage
The Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara has been dedicated to fostering appreciation for architecture, art, and design since 1983. Our mission centers on educating the public through diverse programs that highlight excellence in the built environment, engaging both local communities and professionals. We offer architectural walking tours that explore Santa Barbara's unique heritage, educational initiatives like Kids Draw Architecture that inspire future designers, and scholarship programs supporting students pursuing careers in architecture and related fields. Our exhibitions and lectures provide platforms for dialogue about urban design, while our community outreach efforts emphasize the transformative power of thoughtful architecture.With decades of experience, our team of architects, educators, and volunteers combines specialized expertise in historical preservation with a commitment to making design accessible to all ages. As a trusted nonprofit, we maintain transparency in operations, collaborate with industry professionals, and prioritize client satisfaction through engaging, educational experiences that celebrate Santa Barbara's architectural legacy.
Services
Architectural Walking Tours
Kids Draw Architecture
High School Design Competition
Art Exhibitions
Scholarship Programs
Educational Lectures
Community Engagement
Historic Preservation
Public Lectures
Virtual Exhibitions
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of experience in architectural education and community engagement
- Our programs combine expert-led tours with hands-on design workshops for all ages
- We provide scholarship opportunities supporting future architecture professionals
- Our walking tours explore Santa Barbara's unique Spanish Revival architecture firsthand
- We maintain partnerships with local architects and design professionals
What people say
Great way to see Santa Barbara
Informative and knowledgeable guides
Enjoyed the architectural history
Excellent educational experience
Well-organized events
Services
Architectural Walking Tours
Explore Santa Barbara's architectural heritage through expert-led walking tours. Our weekend tours cover historic landmarks and post-earthquake reconstructions, offering insights into Spanish Revival styles and urban design evolution. Participants learn about local history while experiencing iconic buildings like the Courthouse and Arlington Theater through engaging narratives from knowledgeable docents.
Kids Draw Architecture
Encourage young artists through our free sketching sessions at historic sites. This award-winning program teaches architectural appreciation while developing drawing skills. Children aged 5-18 work with professional architects and artists to create illustrations featured in annual calendars and gallery exhibitions, fostering creativity and understanding of built environments.
High School Design Competition
Support emerging talent through our annual architectural design competition. High school students participate in hands-on design challenges mirroring professional practices. The program includes mentorship opportunities, juried presentations, and recognition events that connect students with architecture professionals while developing practical design skills.
Art Exhibitions
Experience contemporary art through curated exhibitions in our historic gallery space. Featuring local artists and designers, our exhibitions explore intersections between architecture and visual arts. The program includes solo and group shows, artist talks, and special events that highlight creative works inspired by architectural themes.
Scholarship Programs
Support future design professionals through our scholarship initiatives. We've awarded over $1.6 million to local graduates pursuing architecture and design fields. Our scholarship program includes annual recognition events and ongoing support for students transitioning to professional careers in the architectural industry.
People
Greg Rech
President
Licensed architect and AFSB president with 20+ years of volunteer experience. Partner at Architects West, Greg has led scholarship initiatives and walking tour development while maintaining a professional practice in Santa Barbara since 1983.
Susanne Tejada
Vice-President
Local architect and AFSB scholarship recipient with 20+ years in Santa Barbara practice. Active in community design initiatives and street painting festivals, Susanne combines professional expertise with educational advocacy as a board member and committee participant.
Brian Hofer
Architect & Tour Coordinator
25-year Santa Barbara architect and former AFSB president. As walking tours program coordinator, Brian combines professional practice with educational outreach, maintaining leadership roles in architectural preservation and community engagement initiatives since the early 2000s.
Cassandra Ensberg
Architect & Program Founder
Licensed architect and founder of Kids Draw Architecture program. With a career spanning residential and commercial design, Cassandra established this award-winning initiative that has engaged thousands of youth in architectural education through hands-on sketching experiences since 1990.
Betsy Green
Historian & Author
Local history expert and author of nine Santa Barbara history books. As tour guide since 2012, Betsy contributes historical context to architectural narratives, combining research expertise with public education through engaging presentations about the region's built environment heritage.
Questions
How do I reserve a spot on architectural walking tours?
Reserve online through our website for Saturday and Sunday tours at 10 a.m. Donations are $20 per person with free admission for children under 12.
What youth education programs do you offer?
We provide Kids Draw Architecture sketch sessions, High School Design Competition participation, and scholarship opportunities for students interested in architectural fields.
Can local artists participate in exhibitions?
Yes, our gallery accepts submissions for solo and group exhibitions. Artists can email their portfolio to the gallery committee for consideration through our annual selection process.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
Our scholarship committee evaluates applicants based on academic achievement, design potential, and community involvement. Awards recognize over 30 years of student excellence in architecture-related fields.
Do you offer private group tours?
Yes, we arrange private and accessible tours with advance notice. Contact us at least two weeks ahead to schedule customized architectural experiences for groups of 10+.
How can I support AFSB programs?
Support through donations, event sponsorships, or volunteering as a docent. Your contributions fund educational initiatives, exhibitions, and community outreach programs.
