Seattle Design Festival + AIA Seattle: A shared vision for a culture of design that fosters equitable, resilient, and thriving communities.
Every August, Seattle Design Festival activates our community as a platform for dialogue, experimentation, and collective imagination. AIA Seattle launched the Seattle Design Festival, under the original name Design in Public, 15 years ago. The Festival was developed as a strategic initiative of AIA Seattle to connect the power of design with the public, and to show how design shapes our lives, communities, and shared future.
SDF’s mission is to unleash the design thinker in everyone to illuminate Seattle’s challenges and ignite action. This year’s theme, FEEDBACK, invites our community to consider how we listen, respond, and evolve through design.
The Festival advances SDF and AIA Seattle’s shared vision of a culture of design that fosters equitable, resilient, and thriving communities. Seattle Design Festival offers a week of free, transit and ADA-accessible events, including pop-ups, built installations, and mainstage programs (also available online). Anyone can propose a program in response to the annual call for proposals, with waived submission fees and funding for students, nonprofits, and community groups to support diverse participation. This year, 17 Festival partners are receiving funding. Since 2019, nearly 60,000 attendees and more than 1,500 designers have participated in the Festival.
Seattle Design Festival is community created and funded, and possible thanks to the volunteers, partners, donors, funders and sponsors who support the world’s largest publicly created design festival which is free to attend. SDF contracts staff time from AIA Seattle on an as-needed basis. This flexible model allows the Festival to scale resources seasonally and receive as needed support for communications, fundraising, and community engagement.
SDF’s immediate challenge is to become financially sustainable, to ensure the Festival remains a free, inclusive, and impactful platform for public engagement aligned with SDF values of community-building, accessibility, and equity. Many cultural and arts organizations, including those similar to SDF, have folded in recent years, unable to remain in operation after pandemic pressures and in the current context, a shifting grants landscape. The Seattle Design Festival Board of Directors have committed to a strategic approach to solve for the long-term financial sustainability of SDF, focused on diversification of revenue sources and stewardship of local relationships.
You are included in our Festival community! Engage in the Festival in August by:
- Attending the two-day Block Party at Lake Union Park, or a Festival mixer
- Making a gift to support an inclusive Festival. Between now and the close of the Festival, the SDF Board of Directors is matching your gift dollar per dollar up to our goal of $5,000 from our community. Double your impact with a gift today!
Melissa grew up in a logging town of just 250 people in the Cascade Mountains. When she was young, her uncle taught her to use power tools, sparking a lifelong interest in the building industry. She went on to earn two BA degrees from Scripps College and a Master of Architecture degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Melissa is now a licensed Architect in Washington, an AIA member, a Certified Construction Specifier, and has passed the CSI’s CDT exam. She has worked in a variety of roles and companies from a small construction defects/owner’s representative firm to one of the largest design firms in the world.
Kirsten Lee Dahlquist, an Associate at Rice Fergus Miller, brings 17 years of architectural expertise to her role as a Design Architect. Founding the firm’s internal justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion committee, Kirsten champions inclusivity in design, guided by her firm’s B Corp Certification.
A native of upstate New York, Laura is an Architect working as a Project Manager with GLY Construction. She has a combined 11 years of experience in architecture/design and construction management. The transition from design to construction management happened organically from wanting to spend more time in the field interacting with subtrades observing onsite work. She’s most passionate about building meaningful relationships and advancing the knowledge of the greater group. Laura holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Philadelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson University) and has been living in the Seattle region for 10 years. Outside of work, she is active within the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and ACE Mentoring.
With a career dedicated to enhancing communal spaces, I am an architect specializing in library and community design. For the entirety of my career, I have been privileged to contribute to the architectural landscape of the PNW, infusing my projects with creativity, functionality, and a deep understanding of community/client needs.
Liz Pisciotta, AIA, is a licensed architect and partner at Neiman Taber Architects. Her interdisciplinary approach, which blends anthropology, art, urban and interior design with architecture, informs her diverse project portfolio, including retail, commercial, and institutional work, alongside NTA’s award-winning residential designs.
Zining is a medical planner and designer at NBBJ with a focus on healthcare design. She began her career at the Palace Museum in Beijing, where her interest in architecture was first sparked. Zining actively researches design solutions and innovations that improve health outcomes, user comfort, and operational efficiency in healthcare environments. Her work focuses on computational lighting design and analysis, as well as developing data-driven tools that support performance-based design. She holds a Master of Architecture and a Master of Science in Design Computing from the University of Washington and serves on the board of NOMA NW.
Lia defines what it means to be a “Life-long learner.” An Air Force veteran, she has sought self-improvement personally and professionally throughout her design career. She has honed her ability to collaborate with teams to coalesce big ideas into comprehensive construction documentation, guiding teams towards clarity and consensus with grace and ease.
I started my career with LMN, Mahlum, and SRG, focusing on K-12 and community college projects delivered through design-bid-build. After collaborating with Forma Construction, I joined their team to gain the builder’s perspective—first as a project engineer, then as a project manager. That path led naturally to preconstruction, where I found the right balance of strategy and collaboration. Now at Graham, I focus on building integrated teams and aligning design, construction, and owner stakeholders to break down communication barriers and deliver successful projects.
Born and raised in Leavenworth, WA. Todd graduated from Cascade High School in 1998 to then attend the University of Washington School of Architecture. Graduating in 2002 he went to immediately work with Johnston Architects for 8 years, leaving as a Principal in 2010 to prepare for a move back to Leavenworth. Todd and his family (2 children and wife) moved back in 2012 focusing on delivering site driven design to Central, Eastern and Western Washington. Now, an office of 9, Todd and his practice, Syndicate Smith, thrive aspiring to deliver life-changing design to clients statewide.
Ariel, a Northwest Native and mother of five, is a public sector executive with over 20 years of experience in architecture, construction, and operations. She holds a BARCH, MBA, and MEng. At DES, Ariel serves on the leadership team for EAS, overseeing 35 project managers and $1 billion in capital projects, ensuring strong financial oversight and client satisfaction. Previously, as an Executive Operations Manager in higher education, she helped manage a $70 million budget and prioritized operations for 1,000 staff and 10,000 students. As Chair of the Bainbridge Island Planning Commission, Ariel champions thoughtful planning, financial stewardship, and community resilience.
A well-known AEC industry leader, Janet’s reputation is synonymous with innovation and sustainability. With experience spanning architecture, engineering, construction and manufacturing, she has championed energy efficiency, mass timber, and industrialized construction. Currently VP of Sales for Modwall, her career ranges from leading $1B pipeline of multifamily housing at Katerra, to conceiving the AIA+2030 program while at AIA Seattle. She has served on Seattle’s Design Review Board, USGBC’s Greenbuild Program Working Group, and helped launch USGBC-LA. Janet blends business acumen, advocacy and joy to realize bold ideas grounded in human needs, environmental urgency, design excellence, and real-world feasibility.
Douglas Ito, FAIA | Douglas Ito, FAIA, has been honored with the 2024 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award for his dedication to social impact through architecture. As managing principal at Seattle’s SMR Architects, Ito has spent 26 years designing affordable housing, from shelters to multi-family units, ensuring safe and dignified spaces for low-income communities. Under his leadership, SMR has added over 2,400 affordable units in Washington, many meeting ESDS or LEED standards. Ito champions diversity in architecture, working to remove barriers for underrepresented groups. Beyond design, he advocates for social equity and homelessness solutions, serving on AIA Washington Council and key housing advisory boards. Notably, as Housing Development Consortium board president, he played a crucial role in Seattle’s 2016 and 2023 housing levies, securing nearly $1.3 billion for affordable housing. His work exemplifies architecture’s power to transform communities.
Karen L. Braitmayer, FAIA | Architect Karen L. Braitmayer, FAIA, is the founding principal of Studio Pacifica, an accessibility consulting firm based in Seattle, Washington. In addition to her firm’s consulting work with nationally known architects and corporate clients, her “good fight” has consistently focused on supporting equity and full inclusion for persons with disabilities. As a registered architect, Braitmayer was admitted to the prestigious College of Fellows by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2004. Her professional expertise and personal experience also led to her appointment by President Barack Obama to the United States Access Board, and she served in that position until July 2023. In 2019, she was chosen as the national winner of the AIA Whitney M. Young, Jr. award—a prestigious award given to an architect who “embodies social responsibility and actively addresses a relevant issue”. In the award’s 48-year history, she was the first recipient honored for their work in civil rights for persons with disabilities.
Ann Marie Borys, FAIA | Ann Marie Borys, Ph.D., FAIA, is an architect and scholar specializing in material culture and the relationship between construction, intention, and meaning in architecture. She has practiced in Boston, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati and has been teaching since 1991, joining the University of Washington faculty in 2010. She has served on the boards of the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation and Environmental Works, a nonprofit providing design services to under-served Seattle communities. Through teaching, scholarship, academic administration, and service, Ann Marie orients students towards ethical practice by integrating history, theory, design, and professional values within a pedagogy of social engagement, action research, and critical inquiry.
J. Todd Scott, FAIA | As a Preservation Architect/Planner for King County, Todd works on planning and policy development, historic property surveys, inventory and database management, reviews of federal, state, and local projects affecting historic buildings and landscapes, and our current use taxation program. He touts preservation and honoring history as powerful economic development tools that can save historic downtowns across America while supporting new small businesses, entrepreneurs, and artists. By leveraging historic resources and community engagement, Todd has empowered diverse communities to revitalize their architectural and cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations.
Jim Hanford, FAIA | Leading the sustainable design process for the country’s most influential projects, Jim actualizes Miller Hull’s ethos, standardizing high-performance within its practice, and awakening the architectural community to a new standard of building. Jim leads Miller Hull’s building performance and sustainability efforts, constantly exploring how we can coexist with the earth without harming it. With a background in engineering, he dissects buildings into systems, optimizing daylighting, ventilation, and mechanical efficiency. His expertise allows him to bridge the gap between designers and engineers, ensuring seamless collaboration. By leveraging disciplines to do what they do best, he creates high-performance solutions where aesthetics and function align. For Jim, true sustainability is about smart, efficient design.
John Shoesmith, FAIA | John elevates the standard in design for aging and memory care environments. His award-winning design, advocacy, and influence in regulatory change improves lives and inspires others in the profession. John’s passion for design for aging began with his grandmother’s struggle with dementia, inspiring him to create environments that enhance care and quality of life. Since 1992, he has specialized in senior living design, balancing function, aesthetics, and the unique needs of residents, staff, and visitors. His work spans active adult communities, assisted living, and nursing homes, with a focus on high-quality memory care. An advocate for evidence-based design, John is EDAC certified and contributes to the Facility Guidelines Institute, championing better regulations to improve senior living environments nationwide.
Kathrina Simonen, FAIA | Kate has crystallized the embodied carbon movement with cutting-edge research, incubation of new approaches and cross-sector collaboration, equipping architects with the data, policies and social infrastructure to successfully harness carbon-smart material solutions. Kate is a Professor of Architecture at UW, founder of the Carbon Leadership Forum, and leader of the Life Cycle Lab. Kate is a licensed architect and structural engineer, an AIA Fellow, a UK’s Institution of Structural Engineers Honorary Fellow, and a ENR Top 25 Newsmaker 2020. Through research, advocacy, and leadership, she advances life cycle assessment methods and drives industry-wide action to cut greenhouse gas emissions from materials while promoting sustainable, high-performance design.
Robert Misel, FAIA | Rob’s approach to firm and project leadership creates an environment of inclusivity, transparency and accountability. His commitment prioritizes equity with sustainable design excellence, fostering diversity and engagement within projects, communities, and the profession. With 30+ years in architecture, Rob has embraced the multidimensional nature of the profession. “There are so many fulfilling paths that don’t necessarily align with what most people imagine architecture to be.” His portfolio includes large-scale projects like the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry and the C Concourse Expansion at SEA, where he expertly balances quality control and communication. Rob builds trust and camaraderie, making him an invaluable leader in both project execution and firm management.
Brendan Connolly, FAIA | Brendan Connolly, FAIA, LEED AP, is dedicated to creating innovative, high-performing built environments for educational and corporate clients. His passion for design extends from early conceptual development through construction, ensuring work that is both beautifully conceived and technically rigorous. Brendan integrates cost-effective sustainability strategies with strong project management. Specializing in net-zero energy and Living Buildings, he champions integrated thinking and collaboration to achieve client goals. Brendan serves on Mithun’s Board of Directors and contributes to the University of Washington’s College of Built Environments as a lecturer and Professional Advisory Council member.
Bill Singer | With over 38 years of architectural experience, including 29 years at Environmental Works, he has led the Affordable Housing Studio, focusing on sustainable, affordable housing and community-oriented spaces. His notable projects include Patricia K, April’s Grove, Country Doctor Community Health Clinic, Bakhita Gardens, the Puyallup Longhouse (2012 LEED for Homes project of the year), and Traugott Terrace, the first LEED-certified affordable housing project in the U.S. He has expertise in sustainable design and permanent supportive housing. His commitment to honoring the dignity of all people, through his thoughtful design work leads to high quality design that reflects the mission and values of Environmental Works’ nonprofit clients.
Roger Tucker | Roger joined Environmental Works in 1997 as Director of Architecture, leading sustainable design projects for underserved and low-income communities across the Northwest. Roger retired in 2023 following a career in Architecture spanning more than 45 years’ experience in the design of affordable housing and community facilities, emphasizing environmental sustainability, social equity, and engaging users in building design. Roger’s community engagement and architecture work are grounded in his beliefs that housing is a basic human right, and that building housing builds community. He received the Housing Development Consortium’s 2021 Carla Okigwe Leadership Award. Major projects included Ethiopian Village, Neighborhood House Rainier Vista, Strength of Place Village, and Senior City.
Sally Knodell | With decades of experience in socially responsible architecture, Sally specializes in designing community facilities and sustainable spaces that serve under-resourced communities. Passionate about equitable development, she integrates participatory design processes to ensure that projects reflect the needs and aspirations of their users. Through her leadership at Environmental Works, she has contributed to numerous transformative projects, including dozens of childcare centers, community facilities, and social service delivery facilities such as family resource centers, including the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center and Food Bank.
Rio Namiki, AIA | Rio is an architect with over a decade of experience across civic, housing, commercial, hospitality, educational, and non-profit sectors. She specializes in adaptive reuse and community-centered design, focusing on sustainability and equity in every project. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AEC industry is demonstrated through leadership roles at AIA. Rio serves as the Washington State Young Architect Representative at AIA National, a Board of Associates member at AIA Washington, and co-chairs the JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Steering Committee and Diversity Roundtable at AIA Seattle. She advocates for equitable access to AIA conferences, organizes multi-chapter EDI discussions, and promotes inclusive design through monthly project highlights. Beyond AIA, Rio has strengthened practice management within her firms by advocating for mentorship for BIPOC employees, implementing equity initiatives, and establishing a Human Resources department. She supports emerging designers as a guest critic at the University of Washington and as a mentor at Sawhorse Revolution.
Originally from Washington D.C., Nathan is no stranger to advocacy work. He received a BS in Environmental Science and Politics and Policy from the University of Maryland. Nathan’s background ranges from fundraising to campaign management, he has worked on numerous campaigns across the country from gubernatorial, state legislative, presidential, and non-profit campaigns.
Alissa Rupp, FAIA | Member Advancement Committee, AIA Seattle Board President, 2018-2019
Heather Skeehan, AIA | Member Advancement Committee, AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival Board President, 2022-2023
Brian Phillips FAIA | 
Dr. Anu Taranath, Dr. Anu Consulting: dialogues for justice | Dr. Anu Taranath is a speaker, author, educator, and racial equity consultant who partners with a range of people to deepen conversations on history, harm and healing. A University of Washington Seattle professor for the past 20+ years, Dr. Anu knows that the most compelling conversations on race, identity, power, and belonging take place when people feel valued and heard. She has received the Seattle Weekly’s “Best of Seattle” recognition, the University’s Distinguished Teaching Award, and multiple US Fulbright Fellowships to work abroad. As a consultant she has partnered with over 300 clients from National Geographic Society to the Raging Grannies. Her book “Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World” was named a Washington State Book Award Finalist, Newsweek’s Future of Travel Winner in Storytelling, and included in Oprah Magazine’s “Best 26 Travel Books of All Times.” Visit