Business Details
43 Years
experience
Explore Santa Barbara's Architectural Heritage
The Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara has been dedicated to promoting excellence in architecture, art, and design since 1983. Our organization provides educational programs that engage both youth and adults in exploring Santa Barbara's unique built environment. Through initiatives like architectural walking tours, art exhibitions, and scholarship opportunities, we foster community appreciation for design excellence. Our team of experienced architects, educators, and volunteers brings decades of collective expertise to every program. We maintain rigorous standards in all our offerings, from curated gallery exhibitions to hands-on design workshops.Our commitment to transparency and community engagement is demonstrated through free public programs and partnerships with local institutions. With over 40 years of service, we continue to build upon our legacy of architectural education and preservation. Our operations adhere to professional standards while maintaining flexibility to adapt to evolving community needs. We prioritize accessibility in all our programs, ensuring diverse participation across age groups and backgrounds. Our financial transparency and community-driven approach have established us as a trusted resource for architectural education in the region.
Services
Architectural Walking Tours
Kids Draw Architecture
Design Scholarships
Art Exhibitions
High School Competitions
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of architectural education experience
- Our programs combine art, history, and urban design exploration
- We provide free youth design initiatives and scholarships
- Our walking tours feature expert local guides
- We maintain historic art galleries in significant buildings
What people say
Informative guides
Great family activity
Educational experience
Beautiful exhibitions
Valuable scholarships
Services
Architectural Walking Tours
Our weekend walking tours explore Santa Barbara's architectural history through expert-led excursions. Participants discover historic buildings and urban design evolution while learning about post-earthquake reconstruction. Tours accommodate visitors and locals with varying accessibility needs.
Kids Draw Architecture
This award-winning initiative teaches children sketching skills while exploring architectural landmarks. Participants use professional tools and receive bilingual educational materials. The program inspires future designers through hands-on learning experiences.
Design Scholarships
We provide financial support for local students pursuing architecture and design education. Our scholarship program has awarded over $1.6 million to date. Recipients gain professional recognition through annual award ceremonies.
Art Exhibitions
Our historic gallery space hosts contemporary art exhibitions featuring local artists. Programs include solo and group shows with educational components like artist talks and workshops. Exhibitions explore connections between art and architectural spaces.
High School Competition
Annual architectural design competition introduces students to professional design processes. Participants develop solutions under time constraints with mentorship from practicing architects. Finalists present work to industry professionals.
People
Greg Rech
President
Licensed architect with 30+ years experience in Santa Barbara. Developed original Domingo Walking Tour. Partner at Architects West. Active in scholarship committee since 2000.
Susanne Tejada
Vice-President
Local architect and AFSB scholarship recipient. Master of Architecture from University of Pennsylvania. Active in State Street Advisory Committee and community art projects.
Cassandra Ensberg
Architect
Co-founder of Ensberg Jacobs Design. 25+ years experience in residential and commercial projects. Founded Kids Draw Architecture program. Serves on Historic Landmarks Commission.
Betsy Green
Historian
Author of nine Santa Barbara history books. Former World Book Encyclopedia editor. Great House Detective columnist. Tour guide since 2012 with expertise in local architectural history.
Paul Rupp
Architect
40-year architecture career with international experience. Senior designer with NCARB certification. Lectures on design topics and maintains active art studio creating custom light fixtures and furnishings.
Questions
What architectural styles can I see on the walking tours?
Tours showcase Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean, and Modernist styles, with emphasis on post-1925 earthquake reconstruction.
How can students participate in design programs?
High school students can join the annual design competition, while younger children can attend Kids Draw Architecture sketch sessions.
Are the art exhibitions free to attend?
Yes, our gallery exhibitions are free and open to the public during scheduled hours.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
Recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, design potential, and community involvement.
Can I schedule a private tour group?
Private tours for groups of 10+ can be arranged with two weeks' notice.
Do you offer educational materials for teachers?
We provide curriculum resources and guided program options for school groups.
