"In 1975 Don Reeves, architect and member of AIA San Diego, challenged his staff, “Rather than send out some nice architectural drawing for our holiday greeting to business friends and family, let’s do a working drawing of Santa’s workshop! Take the next 45 minutes or so, and have at it!” His staff enjoyed the challenge and four days later a sticker board was put up in the office, with a brainstormed functional workshop.
The office updates the christmas card annually, adjusting to the trends and tweaking architectural details, throughout the year suggesting ideas. A complete set of drawings has been maintained by the office from 1977 to 2010. “You’ll recall that this was before reprographics really existed so, each year, we had to redraw the whole thing in order to add the newest features.”
The drawing is truly a group effort. The office keeps a copy hanging in a visible place, and, throughout the year, as people think of something, they scribble a suggestion onto the blueprint. “It’s great fun! It keeps us smiling – and it keeps the Christmas spirit going all year long!”
Every year, about this time, people start to call the office to make sure that they’re on the distribution list to get the newest drawing. In his generous manner and in the true spirit of the season, Don is happy to share the joy and laughter that “A Workshop for Mr. & Mrs. S. Claus” brings with the members of AIA San Diego.
