Brad McDonald, senior managing partner of Reveal Studio Architects in La Crescenta, was installed as president of the San Fernando Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects – AIA – on Saturday, Jan. 21 at The Castaway Restaurant at their annual design awards banquet. The Chapter is celebrating its 25th year and McDonald took the opportunity to consider how architects with their thought processes and designs add value and participate in healing the nation’s economy. This year, 15 residential and commercial projects received design awards (www.aiasfv.org).

The Chapter invited five inventive developers to demonstrate their ideas. Maureen Clemmons discussed compelling theories that the Egyptians built the pyramids with kites and sails rather than with manual labor.

Permazyme presented its product that when sprayed on dirt, can harden it to support trucks and planes, and is green enough for the department of fish and game to use.

Angelus Block presented a newly designed concrete block that gives a fresh dimensional face to a tried and true product.

Mike Sheldrake from Sheldrake Surfboards presented his translucent surfboards that are made from corrugated cardboard and fiberglass.

Advanced Pure Water Systems presented its atmospheric water system that draws water from the air so that pipes are not required.