Aries Martin has 17 years of architectural experience in San Francisco working directly on projects that address vulnerable and minority populations. For 10 years Aries worked with a non-profit that promoted community-oriented architectural advocacy. Giving those who often cannot afford architectural services an equal opportunity through community-based design and involvement.
After a decade Aries joined the Public Works Bureau of Architecture (BOA) and was given the opportunity to spearhead Projects for the Homeless as a Job Captain. Continuing to work on user-based humanitarian design and learning how to better serve the homeless through various architectural solutions and approaches.
Courses
Navigating Homelessness: SF Public Works Innovates Shelter Design
SF Public Works plays a pivotal role in supporting San Francisco’s homeless population. This session will explore the city’s homelessness challenges and how the department’s architects are designing innovative shelters to meet them. In addition, the speakers will discuss how SF Public Works collaborates with other city agencies to serve people experiencing homelessness by overcoming the challenges posed by limited funding, regulatory requirements, bureaucracy, and NIMBY opposition. This will include a discussion of shelter typologies including Navigation Centers (rapidly-deployed tensile structures and modular units), Vehicular Triage Centers (individually occupied vehicles), Tiny Cabins, Safe Sleeping Sites, Transient Hotels, and newly constructed or renovated permanent buildings serving as Family Homeless Shelters or Congregate Dormitories. Hosted by the Public Architects Knowledge Community (PAKC).
Course expires 05/14/2026
Reimagining Behavioral Health and Homeless Services in San Francisco
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | 2:00-3:00pm ET
Cities across the U.S. face critical challenges in behavioral health, substance abuse, and homelessness. San Francisco is leading the way with over 20 groundbreaking projects – either in design, under construction, or recently completed – that provide new solutions, including crisis stabilization units, child and family therapy facilities, and modular buildings.
This course features experts from the San Francisco Department of Public Works, highlighting innovative new solutions for supporting the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants and the broader community. By shining a spotlight on behavioral health projects, this course will demonstrate how designers can improve service navigation, enhance connectivity, and create more effective support networks to address urgent health and housing needs.
Did you know? AIA members can sign up for a $149 subscription and earn unlimited LUs. Subscribe here>