In 1981 Harriet Gill first realized that San Diego needed a place to discuss architecture in all its ramifications, a place with an informal atmosphere that would bring lay and professional people together.

After many months of intensive work, Friends of San Diego Architecture finally came into being in March 1985. The years between first thought in 1981 and realization in 1985 Harriet spent wallowing in guilt that she was not pursuing her idea. Since the beginning, Friends of San Diego Architecture has been meeting at the NewSchool of Architecture and Design, first in Chula Vista and now in downtown San Diego. The monthly meetings aim to include everyone in the discussion that follow the architect or designer's slide lecture.

Harriet Gill, our founder/director/moderator, was a clinical social worker with interests in all visual and performing arts. She is a life-time classical pianist and spent eight years in little theater. For several years Ms. Gill was an essayist and senior issues call-in show moderator broadcasting on KPBS radio.

Harriet's college studies in literature, sociology and psychology still follow her around. She has devised a working philosophy that she calls "Authentic Dress"--to help anyone who may be overwhelmed by the ongoing chaos in clothing design for women and men. She is also grateful for the training and insights she received during her time with Toastmasters. Throughout her life, Harriet has wanted to bring people together around a cause. The cause now is architectural awareness. To quote Michael Murphy who presented a program on Irish architecture in 1991: " In any society, the mass of people are closed to the event of architecture." Friends of San Diego Architecture hopes that it has helped to open the consciousness of many to that wonderful event that happens in our natural environment: the ancient art of building shelter.