A Night of Festive Cheer, Community, and Holiday Magic
Our annual AIA San Mateo County Holiday Party once again proved to be the highlight of our year, bringing together architects, designers, builders, and industry friends for an evening that perfectly captured the spirit of the season. From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere buzzed with warmth, laughter, and genuine connection—a true celebration of the community we’ve built together.
Gratitude to Our Sponsor
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Hayward Lumber for their generous sponsorship of this year’s celebration. Their continued support of our chapter and commitment to the architectural community made this special evening possible. It’s partnerships like these that strengthen our industry and enable us to gather, connect, and celebrate together.
Contest Winners and Holiday Spirit
The evening reached new heights of merriment with our highly anticipated costume contests! Members embraced the festive challenge with creativity and humor across three fantastic categories:
- Crazy Hat Contest – Showcasing imaginative headwear that turned heads all night
- Most Festive Outfit – Celebrating those who brought maximum holiday cheer through their wardrobe
- Best Ugly Sweater – The classic competition that never disappoints, featuring gloriously tacky holiday knitwear
Each winner received fun prizes and well-deserved applause from their fellow revelers. The spirit of friendly competition added an extra layer of joy to the celebration, with participants clearly delighting in the opportunity to showcase their holiday creativity.
Food, Drinks, and Meaningful Connections
The evening featured an impressive spread of delicious food and festive beverages that kept guests satisfied throughout the night. Our potluck-style dinner showcased the diverse tastes and culinary talents of our members, with savory sides and decadent desserts that disappeared quickly amid animated conversations and shared stories.
But beyond the food and festivities, what truly made the evening special was the genuine connection happening in every corner of the gathering. New members found themselves warmly welcomed into the fold, forging friendships and professional relationships that will extend well beyond the holiday season. Meanwhile, longtime members caught up with familiar faces, sharing memories of celebrations past and reflecting on another successful year of collaboration and growth.
A Community That Thrives Together
The joy and camaraderie that filled the room exemplified what makes our chapter special. In an industry that values both innovation and tradition, our holiday party represents the perfect blend—honoring the annual ritual of coming together while creating new memories and strengthening the bonds that make our professional community thrive.
As we toasted to the year behind us and the exciting possibilities ahead, it was clear that events like these are more than just celebrations—they’re the foundation of the relationships, support networks, and collaborative spirit that define AIA San Mateo County.
Thank You
To everyone who attended, brought delicious dishes to share, participated in our contests, and contributed to the wonderful atmosphere—thank you! Your presence and enthusiasm made this year’s holiday party truly memorable.
And once again, our sincere appreciation to Hayward Lumber for making this celebration possible through their generous sponsorship.
Here’s to the connections we’ve made, the projects we’ve completed, and the exciting year ahead. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year!
Didn’t make it this year? Mark your calendar now for next year’s celebration—you won’t want to miss it!