2023 Honor Award Winners

SEATTLE, November 6, 2023 – Last night, AIA Seattle hosted the 73rd annual Honor Awards for Washington Architecture to celebrate excellence in design. The distinguished jury included:

Katie Ackerly AIA, LEED AP, CPHC (David Baker Architects)
Steven Lewis FAIA, NOMAC, LEED AP (ZGF)
Katie Swenson (MASS Design Group)
with Joshua McNichols (KUOW) as moderator

From 113 submissions, the jury chose 21 award winners from three categories – Built, Conceptual, and Research & Innovation. Across the broad view of project types, the jury acknowledged the strong design culture represented in our region that collectively and beautifully expresses the feel and culture of this place. “Along with holding onto beauty, we must also consider solutions to the myriad of issues we currently face – these projects represent inspired problem solving that defined space for those human experiences and environmental sensitivity.”

In addition to the main juried awards, it was the sixth year of the Young Voices Selection (YVS), a program with the aim to engage and elevate the voices of young designers through direct participation and representation in the Honor Awards for Washington Architecture. The three YVS panelists Max Hunold (GO’C), Shoshanna Sidell (SkB Architects), Yubei ‘Stacy’ Song (NBBJ), selected 1 Built project as the Young Voices Selection winner.

Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to our esteemed jury, moderator, and Honor Awards Committee! All of this would not have been possible without you.

Visit the Online Gallery to learn more about the projects, as well as project team and collaborator information. Missed the live show? You can catch the replay here!

AWARD OF HONOR

Wing Luke Elementary School by NAC Architecture replaces a building on the same site to serve a growing multicultural community. The design was master planned for a future 12-classroom expansion that would increase the capacity to 650 students. Sizing the core facilities to support the larger size is a long-term approach for a neighborhood expecting significant growth throughout the life of the school. The jury appreciated the attention to detail and craftsmanship that lead to every space being meant for curiosity and engagement for the attendees of the school.

Winthrop Library by Johnston Architects and Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects takes inspiration from the features, scale, and beauty of the natural environment of Washington’s Methow Valley. The site, a nexus of community life in the valley, is near a trailhead, a preschool, a care facility for elders, and an interpretive center that tells the story of the indigenous Methow people. The jury appreciated the beauty in its simplicity and felt it was a restoration of civic spirit and a space that allowed the mind to expand.

The Rambler by GO’C is a modestly sized house located northwest of Seattle on the Kitsap Peninsula and built by the local community. The design and building of the house involved close collaboration with over thirty local makers in the community, exploring a level of craft and trust made possible from relationships forged over years of working together. The jury appreciated the elevation and revealing of the creative process and preservation of the landscape while also celebrating community providing for neighbors.

Seattle Children’s Building Care: Diagnostic and Treatment Facility by ZGF Architects is phase two of a one-million-square-foot expansion outlined in Seattle Children’s Major Institution Master Plan, bringing the hospital one step closer to maximizing development capacity on its Laurelhurst campus amid historic and anticipated growth. A key design driver was to create horizontal connections across campus, allowing high-acuity patients to be transported from treatment spaces to inpatient beds via the shortest distance possible. The jury appreciated the use of light, wayfinding and gracious gathering spaces that allowed for a sense of peace in a place that is for families going through a hard time.

Seattle Ferry Terminal by NBBJ replaces the decades-old Colman Dock. It is the first public building west of Alaskan Way on the waterfront, healing the scar left behind by the recent viaduct demolition. Celebrating the historic Washington State Ferries system and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Ferry Terminal reconnects the urban fabric following the viaduct demolition with a new transportation gateway that once again connects City to Sound. The jury appreciated the elevation of an infrastructure experience that gave well proportioned clarity to a project with multiple layers of complexity.

ENERGY IN DESIGN AWARD

Inspire Apartments by Public47 Architects is a 6-story building that generates 108% of the annual energy for its 42 residential units, and is the first multifamily building to participate in Seattle’s Living Building Pilot Program (LBPP). The project includes triple-glazed windows, a heat-recovery ventilation system, and an energy dashboard in the lobby to display energy production and use, giving tenants a visible feedback loop.

AWARD OF MERIT

Dockside by Cone Architecture
800 Fifth Avenue by Olson Kundig
North Campus Housing by KieranTimberlake
Health Sciences Education Building, University of Washington by The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP
Grand Avenue Park Bridge by LMN Architects
Modular Mass Timber Homes by atelierjones

HONORABLE MENTION

Seattle Convention Center Summit Building by LMN Architects
Basalt Canyon Shelter by Workshop AD
Courtyard Residence by mwworks
Quinalt Wellness Center by Rice Fergus Miller
Fishermen’s Terminal Innovation District by The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP (Conceptual)
Mary’s Place Family Center by Graphite Design Group (Research & Innovation)
Crow (Apsáalooke) Dance Arbor by 7 Directions Architects/Planners
Mural Restoration and Installation by Todd Lawson A+D
Orenda at Othello Square by Weber Thompson

YOUNG VOICES SELECTION

Modular Mass Timber Homes by atelierjones

To view all 113 submissions to the 2023 Honor Awards, visit the Online Gallery!

Posted in For the Profession, For the Public, Honor Awards

The AIA 2030 Commitment DDx refresher series this November!

What does the AIA 2030 Commitment Mean for Firm Culture?

November 14, 1pm ET

Speakers: David Arkin, AIA, Keith Hempel, FAIA, Ashley Mulhall, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, &Jesse Walton, AIA, LEED-AP CPHC

From small sized firms to large firms that span cities, states, and even countries, hear from a range of firms on how they approach meeting the reporting deadline and what they do after they submit their portfolios. Register

Posted in Committee on the Environment, Committees

Advocacy Update – October 2023

Photo: Doug Walker

LOCAL NEWS

Public Hearing on Proposed Transportation Impact Fees

Last week, the Seattle City Council voted to expedite an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan concerning transportation impact fees. The proposal has been sent to the full Council for a public hearing on November 7th at 2:00 pm.

Council Bill 120635 aims to amend the transportation element of the Comprehensive Plan, specifying how transportation impact fees would be implemented and which projects could receive funding. It’s important to note that any decision to officially adopt these fees will be made at a later date.

We encourage our members to participate in the public hearing and share their perspectives. You can testify during the council meeting on November 7th. This presents a valuable opportunity for AIA Seattle members to testify as individuals to provide insights and expertise regarding the potential impact of these changes on the architectural landscape in Seattle.

Learn more about AIA Seattle’s Transportation Policy statement
Visit the Seattle City Council Public Comment page for information on testifying

Seattle’s 2024 Budget Deliberations

Starting on September 27, 2023, the Seattle City Council began its annual budget deliberations, following the delivery of Mayor Bruce Harrell’s proposed 2024 Budget Adjustments. This process directly impacts the allocation of resources in our city and the overall quality of life for Seattle residents.

Here’s how you can get informed and make your voice heard:

Watch Budget Meetings: The City Council conducted all-day budget meetings last week to review the proposed adjustments. Recordings of these meetings are available to view anytime.
Public Comment Opportunities: As the Budget Committee continues its work, you have an opportunity share your comments verbally on Friday, October 27th. You can sign up to speak two hours before the session, whether in person or remotely.
Public Hearings: In addition, the Council is holding public hearings dedicated to hearing from the public about their budget priorities. Again, you can sign up to speak two hours before the session, either in person or remotely. The upcoming hearing is on Monday, November 13, 2023, at 5:00 PM.
Provide Written Feedback: The City encourages you to share your insights in writing anytime.
Resources for Understanding the Budget: The City has created tools to help you understand Seattle’s budget, and there’s an interactive guide for those new to the process.

Your involvement is vital in ensuring that the budget reflects the needs and aspirations of our community, including the architectural and design aspects that make our city vibrant and livable.

STATE NEWS

AIA Washington’s Push to Eliminate Restrictive “Rolling Clock” Policy

The recent decision by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) to retire the “rolling clock” policy, which imposed a five-year expiration on passed divisions of the Architect Registration Examination, is a significant move towards fostering inclusivity and diversity within our industry.

However, Washington state remains one of the last two states where this policy is written into statute, presenting a significant challenge for aspiring architects. In response, AIAWA will spearhead a bill during the upcoming legislative session to eliminate this restrictive policy, and we need your support!

If you have a compelling story about how the rolling clock policy has affected your journey to licensure, we want to hear from you! Reach out to Tammie Sueirro or Samantha Morrow to provide your perspective and learn more about opportunities to share your story with the Legislature. Your voice and stories can make a real difference in this effort.

Moreover, mark your calendars for Capitol Connections on January 23, 2024, where AIA Washington will be discussing the rolling clock bill. This event will be a great opportunity to connect with your legislators and share how this policy has impacted your professional journey.

This lobby day promises not only to be impactful but also an enjoyable experience for both members and legislators. Your participation is crucial in making our collective voice heard on this important matter that will help shape our industry’s future for the better.

Stay tuned for more information.

Advocacy in Action

AIAWA is excited to announce the return of our Advocacy in Action series, an informative two-part webinar program designed to empower you as architect advocates. This series is tailored to emerging professionals and students but is open to everyone who is passionate about advocating for issues that matter to them.

Part One: Advocacy 101

Date: November 9, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: Online

In the first installment on November 9, you will delve into the essentials of advocacy. Discover how AIAWA works to safeguard our profession and address critical issues. Learn how you, as an architect, can play a pivotal role in shaping the future and engaging on matters important to you. This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to become an effective advocate.

Part Two: 2024 Legislative Session Preview

Date: December 7, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: Online

Part two of the series will serve as preview of what to expect in the 2024 legislative session. Gain insights into the upcoming legislative agenda and how it impacts the architectural field. Stay ahead of the curve and be prepared to actively engage in the legislative process.

Whether you’re an emerging professional, a seasoned architect, or simply someone who cares deeply about the issues that shape our profession, this series is for you. Join us to strengthen your advocacy skills and make a meaningful impact.

We look forward to your participation in the Advocacy in Action series.

NATIONAL NEWS

AIA National Campaign for R&D Tax Credit Fix

AIA National has issued a call to action for its members to contribute their voices and stories to their campaign aimed at advocating for a fix to the R&D (174) tax credit. This campaign targets key members of Congress, including Senator Cantwell of Washington.

Recent changes to the tax R&D tax credit have raised concerns about its impact on architectural firms, prompting the need for urgent action.

AIA Seattle members are encouraged to share their personal experiences, stories, and insights related to the changes in the 174 credit. These testimonials will serve as valuable resources to the AIA National campaign to persuade Congress to act.

To contribute your story or insights, please email Stephanie Lamore.

Posted in Advocacy

Advocacy Update – September 2023

Photo: Jared Wenzelburger, The Chronicle

SBCC Advances Energy Code Amendments with Revised Effective Date

In a recent meeting, the State Building Code Council (SBCC) made significant strides in advancing energy code amendments that promise to shape the future of construction and energy efficiency in our state. Here are the key highlights from the SBCC’s latest decisions:

Energy Code Amendments Move Forward: The SBCC voted decisively to move forward with crucial energy code amendments. These amendments aim to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Effective Date Postponed: In response to the need for a robust public comment process and consideration of legislative sessions, the SBCC has decided to delay the effective date of the new energy codes. Originally scheduled for October 29, 2023, the codes will now take effect on March 15, 2024. This extension allows for a thorough and inclusive rulemaking process.

Proposed Revisions Foster Efficiency: The proposed revisions to both residential and commercial energy codes have undergone rigorous evaluation by technical committees. They strike a balance between maintaining code stringency and encouraging high-efficiency electric appliances, all while avoiding mandatory heat pump installation.

Gas Appliances and Total Energy Performance: For those who opt for gas appliances, the proposed revisions require that they achieve the same total energy performance as a building equipped with heat pumps. This incentivizes energy efficiency across various appliance choices.

Flexibility Through Credit-Based Scaling: The SBCC’s proposed code measures introduce a credit-based scale, providing builders and property owners with flexibility while ensuring adherence to climate-friendly standards. This approach aligns with the Council’s commitment to sustainable building practices.

A Response to Legal Considerations: These actions by the SBCC are a response to a recent decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals concerning preemption by the federal law known as EPCA (Energy Policy and Conservation Act). The decision underscores the importance of flexibility in energy code regulations, especially in relation to heat pump mandates.

Exciting Opportunities with AIA Washington Council

AIA Washington Council (AIA|WA) is offering two incredible opportunities for passionate individuals to make a meaningful impact on the profession. Read on to learn about these exciting roles and how you can be a part of shaping the future of architecture.

1. State/Territory Associates (STAR) Representative to the AIA National Associates Committee (NAC)

The AIA National Associates Committee (NAC) represents associates from various paths in the field of architecture and plays a crucial role in addressing both local and national issues. AIA|WA is seeking candidates for the position of STAR Representative to NAC. As a STAR Representative, you will serve as the voice of Washington State’s associate members and contribute to shaping new policies. This 2-year commitment offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers from across the country, advocate for the profession, and build lasting friendships.

Key Details:
Application Deadline: September 30, 2023
Eligibility: AIA Associate members in good standing within Washington State
Commitment: Regular meetings, conferences, and board responsibilities
Application Process: Submit a one-page letter, resume, and two letters of reference

2. Board Associates Program
Are you interested in gaining valuable non-profit management and board governance experience? AIA Washington Council’s Board Associates Program is designed for AIA members within the state of Washington. This program offers a 15 to 27-month term as a non-voting board member, providing a unique opportunity to enhance your leadership skills, collaborate with industry professionals, and contribute to the architecture community.

Key Details:
Eligibility: AIA or Associate AIA members working in the AEC industry with 1-10 years of experience
Commitment: Active participation in board meetings, policy committees, and collaborative projects
Benefits: Mentorship, networking opportunities, and career growth activities

Both of these opportunities offer a chance to make a significant impact on the architecture profession and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion. Whether you’re interested in representing your peers at a national level or gaining hands-on experience in board governance, AIA | WA has a place for you!
Don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities! If you are interested in applying for either of these roles, learn more here or contact Tammie Sueirro.

Join us in shaping the future of architecture in Washington State and beyond!

Release of Seattle’s Draft Comp Plan Expected Late Fall

Originally slated to be shared in June, the release of the Draft Comprehensive Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is now expected sometime in late fall.

The delay is driven by OPCD’s commitment to creating a Plan that accurately reflects the aspirations and concerns of the community. By allowing for more time, they aim to carefully integrate the feedback received, address evolving state regulations, and give full consideration to the significance of issues addressed in the Plan.

As the release date approaches, members are encouraged to stay engaged in the Comp Plan Work Group and continue offering their perspectives to shape the future of their neighborhoods and environment.

Posted in Advocacy

2023 Call for AHC Board Members

White text on purple background: Architecture for Health Committee

·         Architect member – Washington (5-year term)
·         Replacement Architect member – Washington (Completion of vacant position. 3yrs remain in term)
·         Affiliate member – Oregon (2-year term)

Architect Board Member Jenny Cestnik and Affiliate Board Member Jerrod Kowalewski will be completing their terms this year. We thank them for their considerable contributions and years of generous service!

We also have a unique opportunity this year to fill a board position that was vacated before term completion. If you’ve every considered serving but the 5-year commitment seemed like too much, now’s the time to strike!

AHC Board Structure and Terms

The AHC Board consists of five Architects and two Affiliate Members from Washington and Oregon.

Architect Board Member Requirements

Replacement Architect Board Member Requirements

·     Practicing member of an architectural professional firm with an office in the State of Washington
·     Primary residence in the State of Washington
·     AIA Member
·     Licensure is not required, but strongly encouraged (committee requirement of three licensed professionals has been met by remaining board members)
·     Past board members welcome to apply
·     3-year term commitment beginning on January 1, 2024 with attendance at the December 2023 board retreat, date TBD
·     Please note, this position is filling a vacant position and therefore the selected member will directly move to position of Washington Co-Chair, where they will serve for two years in this role.

Affiliate Member Requirement

·     Practicing member in a healthcare design and construction field with an office in the State of Oregon
·     Primary residence in the State of Oregon (or major metropolitan region)
·     Open to engineers, contractors, interior designers, vendors, Owner’s representatives, or similar.
·     2-year term commitment beginning on January 1, 2024 with attendance at the December 2023 board retreat, date TBD

Architect members cycle through the following annual leadership positions during their tenure: Recorder, Outreach, Co-Chair (2 years), and Past Chair

Affiliate members do not cycle through the leadership positions but serve in an advisory role and are actively involved in planning and organizing AHC events throughout their tenure.

AHC Board Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the board include establishing educational topics, planning programs, arranging venues and speakers, moderating programs and outreach to professionals and academic communities in the Northwest region.

Programs are held three to four times a year in both Oregon and Washington. Board meetings are held virtually on a monthly basis.

Application

If you are interested in serving on the AHC Board, please send an email expressing your interest in a position and include a brief description of your background in healthcare design to the AHC Board at by noon on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Please specify which position you are applying for and if applying for the architect from WA role, please indicate your willingness to serve in the 5-year or 3-year term. The current board will review applications and make selections at their next scheduled meeting on October 12, 2023.

If you are selected, you must be available for our annual all day board retreat in early December.

Posted in AHC, Architecture for Health Committee

2023 Honor Awards | Submittals FAQs

Visit the 2023 Honor Awards page and download the 2023 Call for Submissions + Guidelines for details about requirements, submission categories, and submitter eligibility. If you still have questions, we hope this FAQ page will help! The final submission deadline is September 27, 2023.

ABOUT SUBMITTING

Do I have to start and finish my submission in one session?
No. Submitters can start, save, and return to draft submissions at any point until submissions close (5:00pm PT on September 27). To return to a draft submission, log in to your Submittable account (www.aiaseattle.submittable.com/submit) and select the “Saved Drafts” tab. We highly recommend completing your submission(s) well ahead of the final deadline.

Can I still submit after the September 13 “early bird” submission deadline?
Yes. Please note that prices go up 15% after 5:00 pm PT on September 13. 

Can I submit out-of-state and/or out-of-country projects? 
Yes, just make sure the projects were completed or initiated within the last 5 years (after November 2018), and the submitter eligibility requirements are met (for example, at least one architect on the design team of a BUILT submission must be licensed in the state of WA). See the 2023 Call for Submissions + Guidelines for eligibility requirements.

How will I know my submission has been received?
Upon completing payment and clicking “SUBMIT” you will receive a confirmation e-mail message from Submittable. If you do not, please e-mail zoeg@aiaseattle.org.

What if I already finalized my submission (completed payment and clicked ‘SUBMIT’) and need to make a change due to an entry or upload error?
Please submit an “Edit Request” on your submitter interface in Submittable before submissions close on September 27, or e-mail zoeg@aiaseattle.org immediately. We will be in touch to help resolve any errors before the deadline.

Can I re-submit a project I have submitted in the past? 
Yes, but only if the project has not yet been recognized and still meets eligibility criteria. In fact, we encourage submitters to re-submit as every year and every jury is different. We have seen projects get awarded on their second or third submission. You never know if this could be your year!

Where can I get inspired by award-winning project submissions?
Refer to past galleries and check out the 2022 award winners and 2021 award winners. Plus, members of the Honor Awards Committee recorded two What Makes a Good Submission? video resources to demonstrate how some of the past winners crafted their project story, which you can view here and here.

When will the jury be announced?
In early September. Stay tuned, and don’t wait to get started on your submission in the meantime!

When will the 2023 Online Gallery be available for public viewing?
By October 5. All projects will be listed anonymously until the winners are announced at the Live Event on November 6.

ABOUT THE COMMON APP

I’m submitting a project to the BUILT submission category. Do I have to complete the 2023 Common App for Design Excellence, even if I don’t intend to win the Energy in Design Award?

Yes. Regardless of intent to achieve 2030 Challenge targets or be awarded the Energy in Design Award, we ask ALL entrants in the BUILT category to submit energy data. Please make sure you’ve downloaded the 2023 Common App, as we make refinements each year.

I am new to completing the Common App. Can someone help me fill it out?

Yes! The following resources are available to support submitters with the Common App:

Attend Common App Office Hours on September 7 at 12:00PM (Zoom)
Integrated Design Lab is available to offer technical support for the Common App until September 26 at 5:00pm PT. E-mail Teresa Moroseos (teresafm@uw.edu) with the subject line “AIA Seattle Common App” with questions.

Do I need to complete every field in the Common App?
No. Refer to the legend in the Common App for minimum required fields. We ask that all applicable BUILT submitters do their best to complete the full form. Fill out as much info as you have!

Does the Common App generate a score for my project?
No. The Common App is primarily used for the jury to evaluate projects, particularly for the Energy in Design Award. To qualify for the Energy in Design Award, the submitted project must meet the 2030 Challenge criteria or better. AIA Seattle and the Integrated Design Lab also use the data to track metrics over time, and we hope to identify more opportunities to share findings broadly.

Do all AIA chapters use the Common App as part of their awards submission process?
No. However, at least two dozen chapters are using some form of the Common App and/or the Framework for Design Excellence in their awards program, and COTE National hopes to expand this reach. AIA Seattle has been a leader in using this tool as part of the Honor Awards for Washington Architecture since 2020 after sunsetting the Energy in Design Award Calculator (previously used to evaluate projects for the Energy in Design Award since 2016). The AIA Seattle chapter champions the role of architects as leaders in positive climate action as a core imperative.

ABOUT THE LIVE EVENT

Where can I purchase tickets to this year’s Live Event?
More information about the 2023 Honor Awards Live Event will be shared broadly and sent to submitters near submissions close. We have some exciting updates we can’t reveal quite yet! For now, save the date for the evening of Monday, November 6!

ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE

Questions about Submitting? Contact Programs Manager, Zoe Guckenheimer

Questions about attending the Live Event? Contact Senior Programs Coordinator, Andrea Aguilera

Questions about Sponsorship? Contact Executive Director, Melissa K. Neher

Posted in For the Profession, For the Public, Honor Awards

2023 Honor Awards

LIVE EVENT ON NOVEMBER 6 AT TOWN HALL SEATTLE

The Honor Awards for Washington Architecture is AIA Seattle’s annual marquee program, drawing hundreds of attendees to a lecture-style event of unique rigor and breadth. This nationally-recognized program provides an important opportunity for the design community to share and celebrate its achievements, both among practitioners and with the community at-large.

THE JURY PROCESS

Every year, jurors praise submissions that reveal the story behind the marketing images. What concepts and considerations drove the design? How did the design team creatively address the project parameters and client goals? Did the true design intent materialize in the project? What is the project’s benefit or impact? Ultimately, what makes this an award winning project? Submitters were encouraged to use the project narrative, captions, and inclusion of process work as opportunities to tell a design story.

In addition to the jury’s own criteria, the AIA Seattle community has identified four considerations for the submission review process: Inspiration, Problem-Solving, Environmental Sensitivity, Social Impact. The integration of the Common App into the submission process also raises awareness of the Framework for Design Excellence.

Jury Deliberations will occur during Jury Weekend in Seattle, November 3-6, 2023:

Friday, November 3 | The jury arrives, having reviewed all submitted projects ahead of time.
Saturday, November 4 | The jury deliberates and determines a shortlist of projects. From this shortlist, they will determine which eligible BUILT projects they would like to visit.
- The Honor Awards Committee will contact Site Visit Contacts on Saturday to coordinate Sunday visits. Site Visit Contacts must be authorized to organize a hosted site visit on Sunday, November 5.
- SITE VISITS ARE ANONYMOUS. The project design team shall not be present.
Sunday, November 5 | Site visits occur, followed by the jury finalizing their selection of this year’s award recipients for all award categories.
Monday, November 6 | The jury will discuss and present their official award selections for the first time on-stage at the Live Event at Town Hall Seattle.

Awards are the final determination of the jury.

MEET THE JURY

Katie Ackerly AIA, LEED AP, CPHC | David Baker Architects | Berkeley, CA

Katie Ackerly, AIA, is Principal and Sustainable Design Director at David Baker Architects, an award-winning architecture firm known for elevating the design of multi-family housing. Katie joined DBA in 2012, and over the years has brought focus and heft to the firm’s sustainable design goals, positioning DBA at the forefront of decarbonization and resilience initiatives in affordable housing design and construction. Katie draws on a background in building science and energy-efficiency policy, including graduate studies with the Center for the Built Environment. She brings DBA into critical conversations and approaches to sustainable multifamily housing, informing research reports and design guidelines and sharing her knowledge through writings and workshops. She has been active in the International Living Future Institute’s Affordable Housing pilot program and she currently leads DBA’s collaborations with RMI on several government-funded initiatives to catalyze equitable zero-carbon retrofits for existing affordable housing.

Steven Lewis, FAIA, NOMAC, LEED AP | ZGF Architects | Los Angeles, CA

Steven Lewis is an architect and a tireless advocate for social justice and diversity within the field of architecture. He is currently a principal with the firm ZGF Architects, where he leads the Los Angeles office’s urban design practice. Prior to joining ZGF, Steven was appointed to the position of Urban Design Director for the City’s Central Region, where he played a key role in shaping the vision of present and future development. Steven is the AIA 2016 Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award recipient, and was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in December of 2015. Steven was a Loeb Fellow at the Harvard Design School for the 2006-07 academic year. More than anything, Steven is a facilitator of partnerships and alliances between groups and individuals who seek to use architecture and design to effect positive change to our world.

Katie Swenson | MASS Design Group | Boston, MA

A nationally recognized design leader, researcher, writer, and educator, Katie Swenson is a Senior Principal at MASS Design Group, where she leads the Advocacy team. Katie’s work explores how critical design practice can, and should, promote economic and social equity, environmental sustainability, and healthy communities. She has over 20 years of experience in the theoretical and practical applications of design thinking and is a talented global public speaker and thought leader. A prolific writer, Katie authored Design with Love: At Home in America and In Bohemia: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Kindness. She co-authored Growing Urban Habitats: Seeking a Housing Development Model with William Morrish and Susanne Schindler. Katie was awarded the AIA Award for Excellence in Public Architecture in 2021. Prior to joining MASS, Katie was the vice president of Design & Sustainability at Enterprise Community Partners. An alumni of the Enterprise Rose Fellowship’s second class, she was tapped to lead and grow the program in 2007. Katie founded the Charlottesville Community Design Center in 2004. Katie teaches at the Parsons School of Design at The New School and lectures extensively on sustainable community development and
affordable housing.

Moderator: Joshua McNichols | KUOW | Seattle, WA

Joshua McNichols reports on growth and development for KUOW Public Radio in Seattle. Radio is Joshua’s second career. His first was in architecture: After earning a BA in Architecture from the UW, he worked in architecture firms around Seattle for about a decade. As a reporter, Joshua focuses on how we can live together in cities as climate change and economic inequality render more places inhospitable or unaffordable. He loves to interview architects and architecture students for his stories because their work often inspires faith that the future can be changed and improved. Building anything that lasts requires this faith. If you really want to get him talking, ask Joshua how a good radio story is like a building. He can give you a 20-minute answer, but like any good radio reporter, he can also boil it down to less than a minute.

YOUNG VOICES SELECTION

Initiated in 2018, the Young Voices Selection (YVS) program aims to elevate and engage the voices of young designers through direct participation and representation in AIA Seattle’s Honor Awards for Washington Architecture. Three young designers, nominated by firm leaders and selected by the Honor Awards Committee, will be given the opportunity to review, deliberate, and select ONE Built project submission. This chosen project, the “Young Voices Selection,” will be recognized at the live event in November and selected by this year’s Young Voices…

Max Hunold | GO’C
Shoshanna Sidell | SkB Architects
Stacy (Yubei) Song | NBBJ

QUESTIONS?

Questions about the Honor Awards? Contact Programs Manager, Zoe Guckenheimer

Questions about attending the Live Event? Contact Senior Programs Coordinator, Andrea Aguilera

Sponsorship Questions? Contact Executive Director, Melissa K. Neher

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE HONOR AWARDS COMMITTEE

Special thanks to the Honor Awards Committee who plans and executes AIA Seattle’s Honor Awards for Washington Architecture!

THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 HONOR AWARDS SPONSORS

Posted in For the Profession, For the Public, Honor Awards

AIA AHC Summer Happy Hour – Portland

Join the Seattle AIA Architecture for Health Community to celebrate summer by coming together for a fun-filled networking event!

Date: Wednesday August 30th 2023
Time: 4pm – 6pm
Location: Ecliptic Brewing – 825 North Cook Street Portland, OR 97227

Posted in Architecture for Health Committee

Advocacy Update – July 2023

Photo: MyNorthwest

AIA National Revised Federal Research & Development Tax Credit Update

AIA National has shared an important update regarding the revised federal research and development (R&D) tax credit, which came into effect on January 1, 2023. Due to the increasing number of inquiries from concerned parties, AIA wants to ensure that everyone is well-informed about the latest updates on this matter.

Background:
In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) brought about significant changes to the U.S. tax code. One of these changes involves an amendment to Section 174, which now requires taxpayers to capitalize and amortize R&D expenditures for tax years beginning after December 31, 2021. This change has a notable impact on firms involved in R&D activities.

Impact on R&D Tax Credit:
Additionally, the TCJA affects the eligibility for the R&D tax credit. The definition of “qualified research” has been modified to align with the new rules under Section 174. Taxpayers must now classify expenses as “specified research or experimental expenditures” under Section 174 in order to claim the Section 41 tax credit. This emphasizes the need for careful validation of Section 41 expenditures to comply with the revised requirements.

AIA’s Active Engagement:
AIA has been actively engaged on this issue since last year, working to address the challenges faced by firms. AIA continues to collaborate with business groups, collect stories from AIA members, and advocate for revisions to the new law in order to achieve statutory corrections (including retroactive measures).

Legislative Progress:
Encouragingly, a bipartisan bill known as the American Innovation and Jobs Act (S. 866) has been reintroduced in the Senate, with a House bill recently introduced (bill number pending). While these reintroductions are positive steps, further action is necessary. Member participation and advocacy can significantly influence the progress in resolving this issue

Call to Action:
AIA National urges members to take the following actions:

Write to Members of Congress: Utilize AIA National’s Action Alert to convey the impact of the changes on your firm and emphasize the importance of addressing the issue.
Share your stories: AIA is seeking stories from affected members and firms to highlight the urgency of the issue to Congress. Email Sarah Dodge for further follow-up.
Engage with House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee Members: If you have connections with policymakers on these committees, reach out to them. Their support plays a vital role in rectifying this issue.

Your engagement and advocacy are key to achieving a favorable outcome. With possible decisive action in fall 2023, the collective efforts of AIA members can make a significant difference.

Call for Feedback: Updates to Architects are Environmentally Responsible Policy

We are excited to announce that AIA National is undertaking an important initiative to update the Architects are Environmentally Responsible section of the AIA Public Policy statements and accept feedback from members.

Recognizing the urgency of climate action, AIA declared it a priority in 2019. However, the current Architects are Environmentally Responsible policy was last reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors in 2017, predating this priority declaration. To bridge this gap and ensure this policy aligns with recent AIA statements, a subgroup of the Committee on the Environment (COTE) was assigned the task of leading this effort.

Your input is crucial in shaping the direction of this policy. We invite you to review the proposed updates, which are available in two formats: a redlined version highlighting the changes and a clean version for easy reading.

To provide your feedback, you can send your written comments directly to Anne Law. All feedback must be submitted by the close of business on Thursday, July 27th.

In addition to written feedback, AIA National is hosting virtual Zoom feedback sessions to facilitate interactive discussions. These sessions will provide you with an opportunity to engage with fellow AIA members and share your thoughts on the proposed updates. Join us at the final Zoom feedback session: July 27 (Thurs) 5:00 – 6:30 pm EST/

Please reach out to Anne Law to sign up for any of these sessions.

Design Review Legislative Package Passed by Seattle City Council

Seattle City Council, led by Mayor Bruce Harrell, recently passed a crucial legislative package to address the pressing issue of affordable housing. The initiative aims to boost affordable housing production by streamlining permitting processes, which have been a major bottleneck in construction.

The package consists of two key bills: Council Bill 120591 and Council Bill 120581. Council Bill 120591, now in effect permanently, builds on successful temporary exemptions from design review implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. These exemptions sped up the opening of affordable housing projects, offering much-needed relief to the community. Under the new bill, rental and home-ownership projects with 40% of units affordable at up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) will be exempt from design review. It’s important to note that though design review is no longer mandatory for these projects, they still meet stringent building and land use codes, ensuring high standards for health and safety.

The second bill, Council Bill 120581, introduces temporary provisions to the permit review process, allowing housing projects to meet the City’s Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) requirement through on-site performance, earning an exemption from design review. This bill also permits projects to receive departures from design standards, streamlining the process and facilitating more efficient construction. By eliminating outdated language in the City’s Land Use code, the legislation provides a clearer definition of affordable housing, fostering an environment that encourages more affordable housing developments in Seattle.

The impact of these bills has been met with widespread praise from various organizations and individuals invested in affordable housing. By simplifying the permitting process and providing incentives, the City aims to increase the production of affordable housing and address the critical housing needs of its residents. While more work may still be needed, the approval of these bills represents a significant step forward in tackling Seattle’s affordable housing crisis.

Posted in Advocacy

AIA AHC Summer Happy Hour – Seattle

Join the Seattle AIA Architecture for Health Community to celebrate summer by coming together for a fun-filled networking event!

Date: August 29th, 2023
Time: 4pm – 6pm
Location: Andersen Construction – 5601 6th Ave S Suite 550 Seattle, WA 98108

Posted in Architecture for Health Committee

Advocacy Update – June 2023

Call for Feedback: Updates to Architects are Environmentally Responsible Policy

To provide your feedback, you can send your written comments directly to Anne Law. All feedback must be submitted by the close of business on Thursday, July 27th.

In addition to written feedback, AIA National is hosting virtual Zoom feedback sessions to facilitate interactive discussions. These sessions will provide you with an opportunity to engage with fellow AIA members and share your thoughts on the proposed updates. We encourage you to participate in one of these sessions to make your voice heard. Here are the details for the Zoom feedback sessions:

July 12 (Wed) 5:00 – 6:30 pm EST
July 18 (Tues) 2:00 – 3:30 pm EST
July 27 (Thurs) 5:00 – 6:30 pm EST

Please reach out to Anne Law to sign up for any of these sessions.

AIA National – Architects in Action Conference

At this 2-day virtual conference, participants hear and learn about state and local legislative trends, meet with colleagues from across the country, and share advocacy-related lessons. Learn more here.

OPCD Reschedules Release Date for Draft Plan and DEIS to Early September

The Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) has announced a revised release date for the highly anticipated draft Comprehensive Plan and DEIS. Originally slated to be shared in June, the release has now been rescheduled to early September.

OPCD has decided to allocate additional time to complete the draft plan, ensuring that it fully incorporates valuable community input, responds to new state requirements and prepares comprehensive materials for their upcoming fall engagement activities.

The decision to reschedule is driven by OPCD’s commitment to creating a Plan that accurately reflects the aspirations and concerns of the community. By allowing for more time, they aim to carefully integrate the feedback received, address evolving state regulations, and prepare for meaningful engagement in the coming months.

AIA Seattle Board of Directors Votes to Endorse Seattle Housing Levy

Based on the recommendation of the Public Policy Board, the AIA Seattle Board of Directors voted to endorse the Seattle Housing Levy. Since its establishment in 1986, the Seattle Housing Levy has played a vital role in addressing the city’s affordable housing challenges. Over the years, it has been a crucial funding mechanism responsible for the creation and preservation of more than 11,000 affordable rental homes and 1,000 opportunities for homeownership.

The Levy takes a strategic approach to combat rising rents, limited housing supply, and homelessness through targeted investments over a seven-year period. Its primary focus areas include the construction of affordable housing, support for homeownership, and preservation of existing units.

With the launch of the 2023 Levy, the goal is to create an additional 3,000 affordable homes, including supportive housing, while also empowering low-income individuals and families through homeownership opportunities. The success of the Levy is evident, as over 95% of households who have received assistance have remained stably housed.

As Seattle faces an ongoing affordable housing crisis and the threat of displacement, the Seattle Housing Levy stands as a proven and indispensable component of the city’s efforts to address these challenges.

We’d love to hear from you! To comment or for more information on these or any other topics, please contact:

Samantha Morrow
Senior Manager of Policy & Advocacy
AIA Seattle & AIA Washington Council
206-957-1926 | samantham@aiaseattle.org

Posted in Advocacy

Culture Change in Practice: A Leadership Cohort 2023

Culture Change in Practice: a Leader Cohort

This four-part, peer-based learning program was designed by a team of architects and allied professionals as a response to racist violence, inequitable firm culture, and a segregated built environment. With the support of our facilitator, Dr. Anu Taranath, this program will provide architecture and allied firms the tools and community to meet the explicit goals and metrics laid out in NOMA NW’s Call-to-Action.

The architectural profession is still predominantly white and predominantly male. Of the AIA Seattle’s over 2,600 members, just 30 are Black or African American, and 2 are Indigenous American, while only 32% are women or nonbinary according to AIA members’ self-reported data. Creating culture change within architecture and allied firms is a critical step to creating a more diverse and equitable profession and industry. And through this professional change, we hope to influence broader cultural change, due to the significant role architects play in crafting our physical environment.

This program is created in partnership with NOMA NW, and Planning in Color, and has been selected as a grant award winner for the 2023 Component Grants Program by AIA Trust.

>>> Want to learn more about the program and its impact? Join us at the Culture Change in Practice Mixer on Tuesday, August 15, 5:30-7:30pm PT at The Miller Hull Partnership. Learn more and RSVP here.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS – FIRM LEADERS

We invite a dedicated cohort of 40 firm leaders from the broader AEC industry. This peer-to-peer learning cohort, facilitated by Dr. Anu Taranath, will support firms’ ability to live up to the goals of the Call-to-Action pledge and equip leaders to catalyze change outward in their own firms.

(40) Firm Leaders: lead firms, lead practice groups, lead teams, are direct supervisors, make key decisions and have significant influence and power in shaping the culture and staffing of the firm or projects i.e Principals, Partners, Owners – with the intent of facilitating broader impact within their firms and industry

Space is limited!

FULL SERIES COST

Includes continuing education (12 LU) + light breakfast and refreshments for in person sessions

Per Person (Based on Firm Size)

PLEASE NOTE: Each registration confirms a spot for one individual based on the size of their firm. Up to two (2) individuals per firm may participate in the program. Individual workshop registration is not available.

~~$500~~ $575 (per person) // Firm Size: 1-7 Employees
~~$1000~~ $1,150 (per person) // Firm Size: 8-49 Employees
~~$1500~~ $1,725 (per person) // Firm Size: 50+ Employees
~~$1500~~ $1,725 (per person) // CAP Sponsors

Registration has closed

Early Bird Deadline: Register by Monday, August 28 to save 15%
Final Registration Deadline: Monday, September 11

Participants must attend all four courses (September 15, October 6, October 27, November 17, 2023) to receive continuing education credit or a certificate of completion. No partial credit will be awarded. All registration questions can be directed to Andrea Aguilera.

We’re excited to offer virtual and in-person workshops while keeping costs consistent with previous years, thanks to the support of AIA Trust and DLR Group!

Reduced Rate Options

While we are striving to prevent or minimize the labor that BIPOC firm leaders are often asked to carry out in equity-related conversations, we recognize that our world’s power dynamics may unintentionally arise in this space. With that in mind, we encourage BIPOC and other marginalized participants to submit a reduced rate request. In addition, we recognize this fee may present hardship to some firms who are nevertheless committed to investing in the work. AIA Seattle has reserved limited funds for reduced rate requests, available on a first come, first serve basis (priority given to AIA members). Please submit the Scholarship / Reduced Rate Request Form via email by Monday, August 28, 5:00pm PT.

MEET THE FACILITATOR

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 www.anutaranath.com to learn more.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Cohort participants commit to engaging in all four sessions, understanding that the content is designed sequentially for cohort-based learning. All sessions subject to change.

September 15, 9am-12pm PT | Workshop 1: Power and Privilege | In-Person @ DLR Group (51 University St #600)

We will get to know one another in this session, and learn about the equity journeys of the firms represented. What are some of the general barriers to equity work? How might we handle discomfort in productive ways? How does a deeper awareness of our positionality in relation to others help us develop a responsibility toward stewardship, especially as leaders in our firm? This first workshop will explore what exactly equity stewardship looks like, especially since some firm leaders’ life experiences might look quite different from those on whose behalf they are advocating.

October 6, 9am-12pm PT | Workshop 2: Conflict Transformations | Online

Conflict is often seen as a barrier and obstacle to progress. We will unpack how we approach conflict, reframe these moments as opportunities to grow and better ourselves with practical skills and tools. Importantly, psychological safety is often a precursor to enable us to have tough conversations and navigate conflict with more stability and strategy. The better we are able to manage our feelings and navigate conflict, the more psychological safely we can enjoy. This second workshop will help build more connections between equity work, anti-racism, emotional literacy and leadership strategies.

October 27, 9am-12pm PT | Workshop 3: The Value Case and Business Case for Equity Work | Online

This third workshop will offer practical reasons why equity work makes sense for a firm’s overall culture and business. We will help participants define and more intentionally cultivate a safe/safer space for BIPOC and all staff, and to better understand how and why BIPOC comfort, thriving and success is “good for business” and indeed, integral for firm-wide success.

November 17, 9am-12pm PT | Workshop 4: Initiatives and Impact | In-Person @ DLR Group (51 University St #600)

This final workshop will serve as an opportunity for cohort members to collaborate and speak together based on the work their firm is doing around equity initiatives. We will share strategies and create foundations for collaboration. We’ll discuss how we measure impact and long-range success, and track our hopes and progress together.

In-person sessions (1 + 4) include an optional networking hour from 12-1pm. Guiding questions, readings, and/or worksheets may be sent to participants prior to, and following, each session.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Examine how inequitable firm management and top-down practices are resulting in negative design outcomes that impact the health and well-being of communities.
Share best practices around mentorship and paths-to-leadership for BIPOC and other historically marginalized people who are not typically seen in leadership positions in architecture and allied professions.
Explore how to navigate one’s own positioning of power and privilege through equity stewardship and responsible practice.
Expand leadership capacities by understanding conflict skills, emotional literacy, and psychological safety to transform project team collaboration.
Understand how and why BIPOC comfort, thriving, and success is “good for business,” integral to firm-wide growth, and directly correlated to meaningful engagement with the communities we’re designing for.
Develop skills and language to weave JEDI and anti-racism into project work – to better equip architects to prioritize the diverse social, physical, and emotional needs of occupants.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2023 CULTURE CHANGE SPONSORS

Sponsored by Parker, Smith & Feek, Victor, the CNA Insurance Companies, and The AIA Trust, providers of the AIA Trust Professional Liability Insurance Program.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PLANNING TEAM

Whitney Lewis Assoc. AIA, Diversity Roundtable/JE:DI Council/AIA Board of Directors/GGLO | Susan Frieson AIA, Diversity Roundtable/JE:DI Council/NOMA NW/AIA Membership Advancement Committee/ Weber Thompson | Kristen Riley Assoc. AIA, LMN Architects | Meredith Everist AIA, AIA Past Board of Directors/Baylis Architects | Jennie C. Li, Planning in Color | Marijana Misic AIA, AIA Board of Directors/Mahlum | Leon Holloway, NOMA NW/DLR Group | Alyssa M. Mitchell, Assoc. AIA, Weber Thompson | Shweta Sinha, AIA, Schemata Workshop | Lisa Morgenroth, AIA

PAST FIRM PARTICIPANTS

+ Will you join this list?

Registration or Credit Questions?
Contact Andrea Aguilera, Senior Programs Coordinator at AIA Seattle

Program Questions?
Contact Zoe Guckenheimer, Programs Manager at AIA Seattle

Sponsorship Questions?
Contact Melissa K. Neher, Executive Director at AIA Seattle

Posted in Allied Professionals, Architects, Associates, For the Profession, For the Public, Member Firms, Racial Justice Working Group, Uncategorized

Board of Directors Nominations 2023

Please vote for the 2023 slate of Board of Directors and Officers. by July 14.

AIA Seattle’s Board Nominating Committee is pleased to present this slate of accomplished members to fill open seats on our Board of Directors or current board members moving to officer positions or different positions beginning September 1, 2023. All AIA and Associate AIA members are eligible to vote. Votes are yes or no for each nominee, and write-in votes are allowed. Voting by at least 10% of the membership is required to validate an election, so please use the vote button below to make sure your voice is heard.

Vote now!

Matt Hutchins AIA, CPHD – (President-Elect) 2023 – 2024

Matt is a founding Principal of CAST Architecture with a focus on creative infill housing as the nexus of low-carbon living, urban vitality, and social policy. Matt serves as a Director of Public Policy on the AIA Seattle Board of Directors and as the Strategic Councilor for AIA Washington Council. He has co-chaired AIA Seattle’s Housing Task Force and organized many public programs on urban design, housing, and accessory dwelling units. He was named AIA Seattle’s Volunteer of the Year in2020. Matt is a Seattle Planning Commissioner and Co-Chair of the Housing and Neighborhoods Committee. In 2017, he co-founded MOAR (More Options for Accessory Residences), a grassroots organization that helped pass Seattle’s landmark ADU reform. Seattle Magazine named Matt one of the 35 Most Influential People in 2019.

Mitch Smith AIA – (Director, Development) 2023 – 2026

An influential, organizational strategist, Mitch Smith knows how to push boundaries and help people achieve new heights of success. As one of the first 20 employees to join MG2, Mitch quickly rose from Project Manager to CEO and Chairman of the Board by expanding the firm’s approach to the practice of architecture. Mitch helps people build meaningful connections between their capabilities and an organization’s goals. This ability, along with his unfaltering candor, cultivates a winning culture founded on the right people, strategies, and client commitment. When he isn’t shaping the voice of MG2, you can find Mitch on his motorcycle, exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and traveling with his family.

Laura Ovsak RA, AIA, NCARB, LEED Green Assoc – (Director, Pro-Practice) 2023 – 2026

Laura is an Architect and a Project Manager at GLY Construction with 11 years of combined experience in Design and Construction Management. Her multilingual and cultural backgrounds have helped ground her beliefs in connecting people and the importance of staying true to your values. An East Coast transplant, Laura aims to bridge the gap between what it means to be a maker of space and a builder.

Kara Weaver, ASLA, PLA, LEED AP BD+C – (Affiliate Director, Pro-Practice) 2023 – 2026

Kara has over ten years of experience designing and documenting public projects ranging from conceptual and interpretive master plans to precise detailing and tight grading over structure. She shines on projects that pose complex challenges, requires intensive coordination between disciplines, and provide opportunities for innovative and elegant problem-solving. Her design approach is grounded in her academic studies in anthropology, archeology, and textiles; a background that focuses her exploration of the layers of meaning inherent in every place and their expression in the design of the physical world.

Dylan Glosecki AIA, LEED AP B+C – (Director, Public Policy) 2023 – 2026

Dylan is an architect and urban designer focused on molding the built environment into inspirational, pedestrian-centered spaces in sync with nature’s systems. He has 17 years of experience designing urban multifamily housing of all scales, from 50-story high-rises to 3-story apartments, along with transit and urban design work in Seattle and Vancouver, BC. Dylan practices urban design and architecture at VIAPerkins Eastman and co-chairs the AIA Seattle Urban Design Forum, where he studies urban policy as a means to drive sustainable regional growth patterns. Dylan served as vice chair of the Swedish Cherry Hill Hospital Master Plan Citizens Advisory Committee and has participated on various AIA Seattle committees over the past 8 years, including the Housing Taskforce, Public Policy Board, and the Comp Plan Workgroup.

His recent passion project has been mapping Seattle’s neighborhood centers that exist outside of the city’s Urban Villages and Centers as a means of establishing a baseline understanding of Seattle’s obscure network of smaller-scale neighborhoods for use in advocacy efforts during the current Seattle Comprehensive Plan update. He has a BA in Architecture from Clemson and an M.Arch degree from the University of Washington and is LEED AP BD+C certified.

Posted in For the Profession

Advocacy Update – May 2023

Seattle City Council Passes Tree Ordinance

Latest Housing Taskforce advocacy efforts: We are thrilled to announce that the Seattle City Council has passed the long-awaited tree ordinance, marking a significant milestone in our mission to strike a balance between housing needs and the preservation of our beloved trees.

The passage of this ordinance, with a 6-1 vote in favor, is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our members and supporters. Throughout the process, we have been actively engaged in shaping this legislation to ensure it addresses both the urgent need for housing and the crucial importance of protecting our tree canopy.

While we acknowledge that the tree ordinance is not without its imperfections, it represents a substantial step forward in safeguarding our city’s green spaces. Our goal has always been to find a balanced approach that allows for sustainable development while preserving our natural environment.

This comprehensive ordinance will regulate and protect tens of thousands more trees, while also introducing new requirements for replacing those that are cut down. By doing so, we are creating a framework that encourages responsible development practices and ensures the long-term health of our neighborhoods.

We are immensely proud of our members’ engagement throughout this process. Your participation in public comment sessions and your valuable insights have played a pivotal role in achieving this milestone. Together, we are making a tangible difference in shaping a sustainable and livable future for our city.

AIA Seattle Comp Plan Work Group

The Comprehensive Plan update for Seattle is a critical milestone in shaping the city’s future growth and addressing key questions around equitable opportunity, neighborhood design, and sustainability. The AIA Seattle Comp Plan Work Group has been actively collaborating to contribute their skills and experiences to inform the development of the Comprehensive Plan. As part of this important work, UDF will be hosting a charette to support the Comp Plan Work Group in activating member engagement.

When: July 13th 4:00-6:15 PM
Where: Center for Architecture and Design, 1010 Western Ave
More information to follow.

HDC Housing Levy Rally

Join HDC for a rally in support of the Seattle Housing Levy, followed by the final public hearing held by the Seattle City Council Select Committee on the 2023 Housing Levy. May 31st – Seattle City Hall:
3:30pm – Rally for the Seattle Housing Levy
4:00pm – Press conference
4:30pm – Public hearing

State Level

In the final Capital Budget agreement, the proposed funding of $250,000 to establish a workgroup to study the transition to a six-year code cycle was vetoed by Governor Inslee. This decision aligns with our state-level advocacy against extending the code cycle and represents a significant win. This veto preserved the existing three-year code cycle, ensuring the continued application of cutting-edge technologies for safety, health, and efficiency in new construction.

Extending the time between code updates would have had far-reaching consequences, impacting our ability to apply the latest and best practices in construction. It could have also jeopardized the Legislature’s mandate to reduce energy use by 70% by 2031, a critical goal for our state’s sustainability efforts. By maintaining the three-year code cycle, we ensure that necessary updates can be implemented efficiently, promoting energy efficiency and meeting our environmental targets.

Building Code Delays

The State Building Code Council (SBCC) in Washington has voted to delay the effective date of the 2021 building codes by 120 days. The new effective date will be October 29, 2023, instead of July 1, 2023. This delay provides stakeholders with additional time to prepare for the implementation of the updated codes. Additionally, the SBCC has directed its staff to form Technical Advisory Groups to consider proposals for modifying sections of the commercial and residential energy codes. These modifications aim to address legal uncertainties following the recent court decision in California Restaurant Association v. City of Berkeley. The SBCC staff will compile these proposals for the Council’s future consideration. Stay tuned for further updates as the process unfolds.

We’d love to hear from you! To comment or for more information on these or any other topics, please contact:

Samantha Morrow
Senior Manager of Policy & Advocacy
AIA Seattle & AIA Washington Council
206-957-1926 | samantham@aiaseattle.org

Posted in Advocacy

Call for Individual Award Nominations

Now is the time to reflect on individuals that have inspired you in your practice, that have made a tremendous impact on our communities, and have uplifted the values of a just and equitable world. We encourage you to nominate a peer or yourself for any of the awards below:

AIA SEATTLE INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

AIA Seattle has a long tradition of recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements in support of the profession of architecture and the AIA.

To be included in the 2023 awards cycle, please submit your nominations no later than Friday, July 21, 2023. Nominations received after this date will not be included. The AIA Seattle Fellows and Honors Committee begins their review of awards nominations in July and will follow-up with next steps for selected candidates in August.

Individual Awardees will be honored at AIA Seattle’s annual Parti celebration in January 2024. Stay tuned in the coming months for a save-the-date!

NATIONAL HONORS

AIA National hosts its own array of honors and awards for members. More information on which awards are currently open for submission can be found here – and award criteria, schedules, deadlines, and how to nominate can be found here.

Posted in Fellows and Honors

Advocacy Update – April 2023

STATE NEWS

2023 Legislative Session

We have reached the final weeks of the 105-day state legislative session. Tuesday, April 4, was the opposite house fiscal committee cut-off, where all bills that passed the House needed to be out of their Senate fiscal committee, and all bills that passed the Senate needed to be out of their House fiscal committee to remain alive. The legislation that advanced currently sits in the Rules Committee of the respective chamber, where members will select which bills to pull to the floor for a vote. All bills must fully pass out of their opposite chamber by April 12th to have the opportunity to move forward this year. As a reminder, all bills deemed “necessary to implement the budget” are not subject to these cut-offs. They remain in play through the last day of the session, April 23. Many of our priority bills made it through and are still in play, including middle housing, climate updates to the GMA, and clean energy siting.

March Revenue Forecast

On March 20, the state’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council released its most recent revenue forecast, which the final state budgets will be based on. The forecast showed that over the next two years, the state is likely to bring in less revenue than predicted in November. In fact, the forecast of funds is $483 million less than expected for the 2023-25 biennium and $541 million less for the 2025-27 biennium. This is attributed to a decline in residential construction, slower growth in personal income, and high inflation. The March forecast is used as a guide for budget writers as they finish crafting their respective budget proposals for the upcoming biennium. We expect this forecast to have an impact on state spending.

Budgets

Operating:

The Senate Ways and Means Committee Operating Budget proposal introduced by Chair Christine Rolfes passed on a bipartisan 40-9 vote. The $69.2 billion, two-year budget increases funding for vital state services, including targeted support for behavioral health, public schools, housing, and homelessness, and a historic investment to address the climate crisis. The two-year operating budget adds roughly $5 billion in new spending and does not rely on any new general taxes or fees. It leaves more than $3 billion in total reserves to guard against an economic slowdown.

The House budget introduced by House Appropriations Committee Chair Timm Ormsby appropriates $69.5 billion for the 2023-25 biennium. Also referred to as “Resilient Washington”, the proposal is viewed by House Democrats as both responsible and sustainable. It maintains critical investments made over the last few years and increases support for K-12 education, workforce development, and poverty reduction. It also prioritizes maintaining funding and programs expanded during the pandemic to protect the most vulnerable Washingtonians.

Notably, the budget makes significant investments in climate and natural resource priorities through Climate Commitment Act spending:

• $316 million in Climate Commitment Act investments

• $45 million for forest health and wildfire protection

• $25 million for biodiversity protection

Capital:

The House Democrats proposed capital budget would fund a record-breaking $8.3 billion in construction projects throughout the state, including $704 million dedicated to affordable housing and home upgrades as well as $318 million for clean energy and climate projects.

The Senate Democrats’ $7.9 billion proposed capital budget, which passed out of the Senate with unanimous support, makes historic investments in affordable housing, behavioral health, environmental protection, school construction, and public safety. Notable investments include $400 million for the Housing Trust Fund, part of a total of $625 million for housing investments, and $100 million for school construction in small rural and tribal districts.

Transportation:

House Transportation Committee Chair Jake Fey released his proposal for the second supplemental transportation budget for the 2021-23 biennium, which would spend $10.3 billion, and the new transportation budget for the 2023-25 fiscal biennium, which would spend $13.6 billion. This budget puts significant funding toward eliminating major highway project delays, reducing carbon emissions as part of the Climate Commitment Act, improving traffic safety, and investing in our state ferry system.

Senate Transportation Committee Chair Marko Liias released his proposal for the second supplemental transportation budget for the 2021-23 biennium, which would spend $10.6 billion, and the new transportation budget for the 2023-25 fiscal biennium, which would spend $12.9 billion. Much like the proposal in the House, the Senate proposal focuses on traffic safety, workforce expansion in the state patrol and ferry system, electrification, transit, and other green investments and keeps work on schedule for transportation projects big and small throughout Washington.

For questions about any of these bills or other legislation under consideration, contact Samantha Morrow.

Posted in Advocacy, Public Policy Board

Advocacy Update – February 2023

STATE NEWS

State Legislative Session Update
Washington’s State Legislature is back in person and moving through the long 105 day session at an effective pace. This year there have been well over 1,500 bills introduced so far. While the legislation in Olympia covers a wide variety of issues, the bills this year seem to be heavily focused on a few key priorities: addressing the housing shortage, creating the biennial budget, criminal justice reform, nurse staffing, and climate change.

Housing
Housing supply and affordability remains a top priority. As we approach the end of week 8, a number of bills pertaining to the creation of housing in the form of ADUs and use of existing buildings have been the first to be voted off the Floor. These bills have seen broad bipartisan support, signaling a legislative body united in addressing the housing crisis in our state.

Session Milestones
The legislative calendar has passed its first two cut-off deadlines: bills that failed to pass out of their policy committees by Feb. 17 are dead for the year, as are bills that did not pass out of their fiscal committees by Feb. 24. At this time all bills must be in one of three places:

In the house of origin Rules Committee, which determines which bills make it to the house of origin floor for a vote;
On the schedule for a floor vote in the house of origin; or
In the second house, having passed out of the house of origin.

Practice
The release of the revenue forecast is expected in March. Once made public, the House and Senate will release their respective Capital, Operating, and Transportation budget proposals for the 2023-25 biennium. This year, the House is expected to release their budget first, with the Senate following soon after. Once both chambers release their proposed budgets, robust negotiations will begin and continue for many weeks. As it stands, the biggest uncertainty as it relates to the state budget is the new capital gains tax currently being collected by the state. This tax is expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars to pay for things such as early learning and childcare. Currently, the capital gains tax is being challenged in the state Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court strikes down the tax, it will result in a substantial hole in the budget.

Read the entire Advocacy Update here.

For questions about any of these bills or other legislation under consideration, contact Samantha Morrow.

Posted in Advocacy, Public Policy Board

2023 Fellowship Announcement

Bill LaPatra FAIA, LEED AP, is a design partner at Mithun with 40 years of experience leading higher education, civic, commercial, and corporate workplace projects. His diverse body of work includes the mixed-use Weyerhaeuser Headquarters in Seattle’s Pioneer Square; the Princeton University Meadows Graduate Student Housing, which is among the largest Passive House projects in the country; and the award-winning and LEED Platinum-certified UC Irvine Mesa Court Towers living-learning community.

In particular, Bill is known for advancing the design of student life facilities nationally through holistic support for students’ academic and social development, deep green building performance, and championship of design excellence within alternative delivery models (including design-build and P3 partnerships). He is a regular conference presenter, joining with housing professionals, contractors, engineers, and developers to share lessons learned and exemplary models for design-forward collaboration within alternative delivery.

Join us in congratulating Bill!

Posted in Fellows and Honors

Register Now for Our Upcoming Code Reload Seminars

Join us for four upcoming sessions to learn from Code experts.

Session 1 | Code Reload | 2021 Building Code Updates
March 22-23, 2023 // ONLINE // 12:00PM – 2:00PM PT on both days // Class Credit: 4 LU/HSW

Session 2 | Code Reload | Elevator Best Practices
May 17, 2023 // ONLINE // 12:00PM – 2:00PM PT// Class Credit: 2 LU/HSW

Session 3 | Code Reload | Beyond Single Family
September 19-20, 2023 // ONLINE // 12:00PM – 2:00PM PT on both days //Class Credit: 4 LU/HSW

Session 4 | Code Reload | Code 101 & Workshop
November 13, 2023 // IN PERSON //Puget Sound Energy (355 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004) // 9:00AM – 1:00PM PT //Class Credit: 4 LU/HSW

*Stay tuned for additional information about these exciting programs! Details are provided approximately 6-8 weeks before the program date(s). All session dates and times subject to change.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2023 CODE SERIES SPONSORS

Andersen Construction Company of Washington | Code Unlimited | Holmes | Puget Sound Energy

CODE COMMITTEE

Special thanks to the Code Committee for planning this series of sessions!

COMMITTEE CHAIRS:

Skye Bredberg, AIA

Leonard Ruff, AIA

Program, Registration or Credit Questions?
Contact Andrea Aguilera, Senior Programs Coordinator at AIA Seattle

Sponsorship Questions?
Contact Melissa K. Neher, Executive Director at AIA Seattle

Posted in Uncategorized

2023 Call for Nominations AIA Seattle Board + College of Fellows

Board Nominations

Would you or someone you know make a great AIA Seattle Board Member? To learn more about board service, see the Board Role Description. To apply, please fill out this form by February 8!

Student or Emerging Professional Role

AIA Seattle’s nominating committee is also inviting applications for an emerging professional or student as a non-voting participant on the AIA Seattle board. This is a paid position to bring diverse perspectives into the Board leadership space. For more information, see the Emerging Professional Role Description. A statement of interest and resume should be sent to Melissa K. Neher by February 8!

Nominations for College of Fellows

Fellowship is one of the highest national honors the AIA can bestow upon a member. Register for our online program The Path to Fellowship to learn more about the College of Fellows eligibility and submittal process. To nominate yourself, or a peer for Fellowship, please fill out this form by March 17!

Questions? Please reach out to Anthony Collins, Senior Coordinator of Member Engagement for support.

Posted in Fellows and Honors, Home Page

2023 Programming

As we look ahead to 2023, we are embracing three themes developed by our Board of Directors which inform our annual plan: Community, Connection, and Care. These themes are threaded throughout the year ahead of us in programming, committees, advocacy, and engagement opportunities. The AIA Seattle team is excited to be bringing you a jammed-packed year of programs and events. We look forward to your learning and celebrating with you!

2023 PROGRAMMING

Safety Assessment Program Evaluator Training | February 14-15
Building Code Series | March, May, September, November
Architecture for Health Committee Spring Conference | April
Climate Summit | May 8-9
Housing Design Forum | June 15
Seattle Design Festival | August 19-24
Firm Leadership Training: Justice & Equity Cohort Series | Sept-Dec
Architecture for Health Committee Fall Conference | October
Honor Awards | November 6
Parti: A Celebration of Our Member Community | shifting to January 2024
And, of course, the many committee-created events throughout the year!

Stay tuned for additional information about these exciting programs! Details are announced approximately 6-8 weeks before the program date(s).

LOOKING FOR MORE?

We encourage members to take advantage of quality online learning programs through AIA Seattle’s partnership with aecKnowledge, AIAU, and other AIA Components’ programming. Check out last year’s Online Continuing Education Opportunities, browse some of our past Online Education Programs, or visit AIA National’s Course Catalog.

Posted in Committees, For the Profession

2022 Year in Review

Dear AIA Seattle Community,

As we close the calendar on 2022, we have so much to celebrate. In the past year, our community has adapted to a shifting work environment and embraced many of the silver linings and lessons of the past few years. Our community came together in 2022 in person and online with increased engagement and excitement.

We saw robust participation in online learning through Climate Summit and Code Series, as members and partners embraced the ability to tune in by zoom. In-person at the Honor Awards, nearly twice as many of us came together from the past year to celebrate projects which exemplify the future of the profession, and the celebration continued with individual achievement through Parti where we recognized 9 outstanding individuals and our community of newly licensed architects. Our members brought forward solutions to problems in our ten-county area by advocating for the vibrant, livable, and accessible communities we value.

As we look ahead to 2023, we are embracing three themes developed by our Board of Directors which inform our annual plan: Community, Connection, and Care. In our extended community of designers, architects, planners, and allied professionals, we have come to a consensus that we value each other’s human experience, and that we must aspire to further the profession while at the same time taking care of each other and our community. These themes are threaded throughout the year ahead of us in programming, committees, advocacy, and engagement opportunities.

We are welcoming new members, including on AIA Seattle’s staff. The mighty team in place in 2022 has demonstrated flexibility and resilience, and above all else, teamwork. We are all excited to welcome new team members whom you’ll be meeting in the months ahead.

Thank you for being a part of the AIA Seattle Community! Happy New Year, and I look forward to welcoming in 2023 focused on Community, Connection, and Care!

Melissa Neher Executive Director Headshot

Melissa K. Neher

Executive Director, AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival

A Look Back – 2022 Events and Programs

Our member committees created hundreds of hours of Continuing Education and other programming, serving our 2800+ members. Highlights include:

Return of the YAF+WID Happy Hour Series
Urban Design Forum’s Community Impacts of Urban Greenspace
Adaptation & Resilience’s Conversations Toward Resilience – Public Realm
SPARC’s Small Practice Design Lab Series
Mass Timber’s Heartwood Building Tour
Diversity Roundtable’s Creative Convergence: Solstice 2022
CAE’s Design Excellence in K-12 Through Progressive Design Build
SIAF’s How We Got Here & How We Thrive: Stories of Expatriate Architects
COTE’s World Environmental Day Sustainability Slam
and Northwest Washington’s WA State Building Code Means of Egress

Our staff worked with task force volunteers and members to produce 7 Major Education Programs:

Code Series: Road to Code
Post-Disaster Safety Assessment Training Program
Climate Summit Practicing Equity and Advocacy in Rapid Decarbonization
Culture Change in Practice: A Leadership Cohort
Housing Forum: Precedents & Possibilities Transforming Residential Practice
The Small Firm Series
And supported the delivery of a return to in-person AHC’s annual Spring and Fall Conferences

AIA Seattle’s Honor Awards recognized 1 5 exemplary projects from all typologies and scales, from educational facilities to residential projects.

We celebrated 9 exceptional individuals + 1 organization at this year’s PARTI.

Our Public Policy Board has continued its incredibly dedicated efforts in advocacy and public policy, utilizing our members’ expertise to address the critical issues around housing, Design Review, and Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan.

Exhibit at the Center and online – Diversity Roundtable developed this traveling display as an opportunity for underrepresented architects to showcase their work, specifically highlighting the experience and impact community involvement has on the architect of color, the design of the building, and the community in which the building resides.

In partnership with the Seattle Design Festival (SDF), we convened important conversations about how design can bring community back together, creating and strengthening the connections that can lead us to a more equitable future. The 2022 SDF saw a return of 10,800+ attendees! Check out the full Year in Review.

Thanks to all who played a role in the above! Stay tuned for 2023’s lineup of educational programming and events!

Looking Forward to 2023

We are excited to announce two updates on staff in 2023! Anthony Collins, our current Membership & Development Coordinator has been promoted to a new role – and will be stepping into the position of Sr. Coordinator of Membership Engagement in the new year. Anthony will be the primary liaison for Member Committees and is excited for his new role engaging with members more directly.

We are also looking forward to welcoming Samantha Morrow to our team in January in the Senior Manager of Policy and Advocacy role for both AIA Seattle + AIA Washington Council. Samantha is a public policy professional with substantial experience in policy development and policy coordination for elected officials – and a welcomed addition to the team. Stay tuned for more about Samantha and a return to Advocacy updates in 2023 as she settles into the role.

Join us in congratulating Anthony – and Welcoming Samantha in 2023!

Best wishes for your holiday season and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2023!

Note on Holiday Hours: AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival will be closed December 24, 2022, through January 2, 2023, for Winter Break.

Posted in For the Profession, Home Page

2022 Online Continuing Education Opportunities

There’s still time to squeeze in those final CEUs with these online learning opportunities from 2022! We encourage members to take advantage of quality on-demand online learning programs through AIA Seattle’s partnership with aecKnowledge, AIAU, and other AIA Components’ programming.

AECKNOWLEDGE

AIA Seattle’s 2022 (Virtual) Climate Summit, Practicing Equity & Advocacy in Rapid Decarbonization, is available online through aecKnowledge for up to 7.5 LU/HSW! This 4-part program examines how to remove barriers in expediting decarbonization while supporting equitable, resilient, and healthy communities. Dive in and discover expansive opportunities to make actionable differences in policy and practice.

Earn up to 7.5 LU/HSW and SAVE OVER 20% when you purchase the 4-part series. Both full program and single-session options are available.

AIA Seattle’s 2022 Housing Design Forum, Precedents & Possibilities Transforming Residential Practice, is also available online through aecKnowledge for up to 7.25 LU/HSW! This 4-part program highlights some of the most innovative and inspiring work in the Pacific Northwest spanning the past, present, and future of residential practice. Addressing constraints and opportunities at a range of residential scales, sessions explore designing for people and place; innovative modes of practice and collaboration; sustainable and equitable decision-making; and new materials and technologies.

Earn up to 7.25 LU/HSW and SAVE OVER 20% when you purchase the 6-part series. Both full program and single-session options are available.

Each continuing education course is licensed for viewing to a single individual. For Discounted Group Rates, please email Michael@aecKnowledge.com or call 415.383.7011.

AIAU

In addition, AIAU offers 150+ online courses for every specialty, with knowledge partners ensuring timely and relevant LUs at your fingertips. AIAU’s 300+ instructors are from leading firms, and they’ll immerse you in on-demand topics that will boost your skills and portfolio.

Get started today >>>

LOOKING FOR MORE?

Check out some of our past Online Education Programs, visit AIA National’s Course Catalog, or browse programming from other AIA Chapters.

Posted in Uncategorized

AIA SEATTLE ANNOUNCES 2022 HONOREES

Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by the Fellows & Honors committee each spring. AIA Seattle is delighted to recognize these recipients for their exceptional contributions to the profession and our community.

Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Honorees! We will celebrate their achievements at the 2022 AIA Seattle Parti on Monday, December 12 at The Forum at Town Hall.

2022 HONOREES

2022 AIA COLLEGE OF FELLOWS

Kjell Anderson FAIA, LEED Fellow

AIA Fellows are recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. The prestige of FAIA after your name is unparalleled and the judging is rigorous. Only 3 percent of the AIA members have this distinction.

AIA SEATTLE GOLD MEDAL

Richard E. Mohler FAIA

The AIA Seattle Gold Medal, the highest award that AIA Seattle can bestow on one of its members, recognizes distinguished lifetime achievement in architecture, including design and professional practice and service to the profession, the community, education and the arts.

AIA SEATTLE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Casey Riske AIA

AIA Seattle annually recognizes an individual or group for achievement of significant community service and for exemplifying the application of architectural skills, values, and dedication to the advancement of community goals.

AIA SEATTLE YOUNG ARCHITECT AWARD

The AIA Seattle Young Architect Award This award is given to individuals licensed fewer than 10 years who have shown exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession in an early stage of their architectural career. A young architect may be recognized for contributions to design excellence, sustainable design, community engagement, the practice of architecture, technological innovation or education.

Crystal Day AIA	Mona Zellers AIA

HONORARY AIA SEATTLE MEMBERSHIP

AIA Seattle annually recognizes individuals who are not otherwise eligible for AIA membership who have contributed notably to AIA Seattle’s mission and goals.

Allison Mills	Amarpreet Sethi	Cory Hitzemann	Stacy Smedley

ALLIED ORGANIZATION AWARD

Africatown Community Land Trust

AIA Seattle annually recognizes an organization which has notably contributed to AIA Seattle’s mission and goals.

Posted in Fellows and Honors

2022 Honor Award Winners

SEATTLE, November 8, 2022 – Last night, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Seattle hosted the 72nd annual Honor Awards for Washington Architecture to celebrate excellence in design.

The distinguished jury included Billie Faircloth FAIA, LEED AP BD+C (KieranTimberlake), Ghazal Khezri (LOHA), and Kimberly Garza ASLA, PLA LEED AP (Atlas Lab), with Ken Tadashi Oshima (UW College of Built Environments) as moderator.

From 100 submissions, the jury chose 15 award winners from three categories – Built, Conceptual, and Research & Innovation. This was the fifth year of the Research & Innovation category, recognizing strides in research and innovation coming out of our region, elevating our communities’ awareness of advancement in architectural practice. This was the seventh year of the Energy in Design Award to commend projects that have made quantifiably significant strides in energy reduction while also maintaining the highest qualitative design caliber.

Across the spectrum of project types, the jury acknowledged the strong design culture represented in our region and were so impressed with the “high level of design excellence in projects that delight, inspire and enrich their communities all while having a positive impact on the environment.”

In addition to the main juried awards, it was the fifth year of the Young Voices Selection (YVS), a program with the aim to engage and elevate the voices of young designers through direct participation and representation in AIA Seattle’s Honor Awards for Washington Architecture. The three YVS panelists, Alyssa Mitchell Assoc. AIA, NOMA (Weber Thompson), Mariel Dougoud (Perkins&Will), and Nikki Sugihara Assoc. AIA (Wittman Estes), selected 1 Built project as the Young Voices Selection award winner.

Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to our esteemed jury, moderator, and Honor Awards Committee!

Visit the Online Gallery to learn more about the projects, as well as project team and collaborator information. Missed the live show? You can catch the replay here!

AWARD OF HONOR

Mini Mart City Park (MMCP) by GO’C is a new arts-oriented community center in Georgetown. The project, which sits directly across from Boeing Field, has transformed a former gas station site into a Seattle hub for art events and community gatherings. The jury commended the team for creating an architecture that amplifies community and ecological agency.

Phinney Mini by Best Practice Architecture is a remodel and micro-addition to an existing 1907 16-and-a-half-foot-wide two-story farmhouse. This project shows how a building can be adapted to new times, prioritizing quality over quantity – more by doing less – something that the jury greatly appreciated.

The Bush School New Upper School by Mithun is a building inserts itself into a tight urban campus site adjacent to the school’s original facility, historic Gracemont Hall. This symbiotic connection creates a unique narrative between generations of learning spaces built a century apart that are woven into a common educational alignment. Most importantly for the jury, it defines a new visible edge of the campus to inspire broader change in the community.

ENERGY IN DESIGN AWARD

The Bush School New Upper School by Mithun was also the recipient of the Energy in Design Award. It is a modest-scale building that features a wide array of indoor and connected outdoor learning and social spaces that amplify the Bush School curriculum while honoring site ecology and campus context. The jury also greatly appreciated the use of extensive passive strategies to reduce the load on renewable energy sources.

AWARD OF MERIT

A Workplace That Resonates by NBBJ (Research & Innovation)

Ballard Food Bank by Graham Baba Architects

Columbia City Abbey Apartments by allied8

The Hive by Integrus Architecture

Heartwood Mass Timber/Steel Hybrid Workforce Housing by atelierjones (Research & Innovation)

ReHOME: Resilience + Regeneration by Coates Design (Research & Innovation)

The Roost by Neiman Taber Architects

Student Success District, University of Arizona by The Miller Hull Partnership

HONORABLE MENTION

Alma Clark Glass Hall by Mahlum Architects

Byrd Barr Place by SHKS Architects

Juanita Beach Park Bathhouse by EHDD Architecture

YOUNG VOICES SELECTION

Living Watershed by Weber Thompson

To view all 100 submissions to the 2022 Honor Awards, visit the:

Posted in For the Profession, For the Public, Honor Awards

2023 Northwest Washington Section Scholarship

Red image, with white text along the bottom and a black "AIA" circle in the bottom left. Text reads: Northwest Washington A Section of AIA Seattle

The goal of the AIA Northwest Washington Section Scholarship Fund is to foster the profession of architecture through financial assistance for the education of local residents who are pursuing a Professional or Master’s degree in Architecture. Scholarships will be awarded annually. In addition, the awards will be acknowledged on the AIA’s website, including an overview of the recipient’s interests and goals in the field of architecture.

Eligibility

The application process is open to all residents (inclusive of students with immediate family) of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan Counties who are enrolled in an accredited School of Architecture, regardless of location, and entering their Junior year or above. Schools of architecture must be accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Awards + Funding

At least two scholarships of $5,000 will be awarded once per year. The funds are comprised of direct donations from our AIA Northwest Washington Section architectural firms and individuals, along with interest earned from the Fund’s endowment.

DONATE TODAY!

Selection

The AIA Northwest Washington Section Committee will review applications, interview the applicants, and grant Awards at the Committee’s discretion. The funds awarded may be used by the recipient at their discretion. Former recipients of AIA Northwest Section scholarships may apply for additional scholarships in consecutive years.

Application

To apply, complete the below form by November 30, 2023. Applicants will be notified for the award by December 24, 2023.

2023 AIA NWW SCHOLARSHIP FORM COMING SOON!

For questions or more information, contact Pearl Schaar, AIA NWW Section Steering Committee, or Melissa Neher, AIA Seattle Executive Director.

Posted in AIA Northwest Washington

2022 Honor Awards

LIVE EVENT ON NOVEMBER 7 AT TOWN HALL SEATTLE

THE JURY PROCESS

Every year, jurors praise submissions that reveal the story behind the marketing images. What concepts and considerations drove the design? How did the design team creatively address the project parameters? Did the true design intent materialize in the project? What is the project’s benefit or impact? Ultimately, what makes this an award winning project? Submitters were encouraged to use the project narrative, captions, and inclusion of process work as opportunities to tell a design story.

Initial Jury Deliberations will take place virtually this year before the jury joins us in Seattle November 5-7.

Starting October 6, each juror individually receives and reviews all projects submitted before group deliberations.
On Friday, October 14, the jury will meet online, agree on criteria, and together determine a shortlist of projects in consideration for award. From this shortlist, the jury will determine which BUILT projects they would like to visit in Seattle.
- An Honor Awards Committee member will coordinate site visits leading up to jury arrival. Site Visit Contacts must be authorized to organize a hosted site visit on Sunday, November 6. SITE VISITS ARE ANONYMOUS. The project design team shall not be present.
On Sunday, November 6, following site visits, the jury will participate in final deliberations and select this year’s award recipients for all categories.
On Monday, November 7, the jury will discuss and present their official award selections on-stage at the Live Event at Town Hall Seattle.

Awards are the final determination of the jury.

MEET THE JURY

Billie Faircloth FAIA, LEED AP BD+C | KieranTimberlake | Philadelphia, PA

Billie Faircloth guides firm-wide, project-based research to achieve ambitious outcomes for people and the environment while constructing award-winning, high performing buildings. As the firm’s Research Director, she oversees a transdisciplinary group of professionals who collaborate with architects to investigate opportunities for sustainability and innovation. In addition to working directly on architectural projects, Billie leads the development of a diverse portfolio of proactive, award-winning research with an emphasis on novel software and hardware applications for architects. These tools advance the practitioner’s understanding of the built environment, such as Tally®, a life cycle assessment app that calculates embodied carbon and other environmental impacts of building materials. Billie is presently a member of the AIA COTE Advisory Group. She is the 2017 recipient of Architectural Record’s Women in Architecture Innovator Award and the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles and the book Plastics Now: On Architecture’s Relationship to a Continuously Emerging Material.

Ghazal Khezri | LOHA | Los Angeles, CA

Since joining LOHA in 2015, Ghazal has played a substantial role as a Director and project Lead for a number of projects, most notably 3434 Wesley, Esri Campus Center and Sandi Simon Center for Dance. Prior to joining LOHA, she worked on number of international projects as a designer with award-winning architecture firms. Her contributions span a variety of project types including affordable housing and residential projects to museums, and educational. She sees architecture as a way to strengthen communities and give character to neighborhoods, as well as a vehicle for expressing an organization’s culture while establishing new cultures. Ghazal holds Architectural Design and Architectural Engineering bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and has served as a guest Juror at Angewandte, University of Innsbruck, Tehran University and University of Southern California. She is a licensed architect in California.

Kimberly Garza ASLA, PLA, LEED AP | Atlas Lab | Sacramento, CA

Kimberly Garza is Founder and Principal of ATLAS Lab Inc, a woman- and minority-owned, mission-driven landscape architecture, community development, and public art studio based in Sacramento, California. She is a landscape architect, artist, and educator with 15 years of experience working with private and public developments across the country. Her work has been internationally recognized, published, and exhibited, including juried selection for the Market Street Prototyping Festival, International Garden Festival in Quebec, Canada and winning proposal for the Sacramento Capitol Mall design competition. She was named 40 Under 40 Urban Innovator by NextCity.org. and 40 Under 40 Honoree by the Sacramento Business Journal. Kimberly frequently serves on national design and academic juries, and lectures on placemaking and socially conscious design. She holds degrees in landscape architecture from Harvard University and UC Berkeley.

Moderator: Ken Tadashi Oshima | University of Washington | Seattle, WA

Ken Tadashi Oshima is Professor at the University of Washington, Seattle, where he teaches trans-national architectural history, theory and design. He has also been a visiting professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and UCLA. He is a Fellow of the Society of Architectural Historians for lifetime achievement and served as President of the Society of Architectural Historians from 2016-18. Dr. Oshima’s publications include Kiyonori Kikutake: Between Land and Sea, International Architecture in Interwar Japan: Constructing Kokusai Kenchiku and Arata Isozaki. He curated “GLOBAL ENDS: towards the beginning” (Gallery MA, 2011), “SANAA: Beyond Borders”” (Henry Art Gallery 2007-8) and was a co-curator of “Frank Lloyd Wright at 150: Unpacking the Archive” (Museum of Modern Art, NY, 2017). He was an editor and contributor to Architecture + Urbanism for more than ten years, co-authoring the two-volume special issue, Visions of the Real: Modern Houses in the 20th Century (2000).

YOUNG VOICES SELECTION

Alyssa Mitchell Assoc. AIA, NOMA | Weber Thompson
Mariel Dougoud | Perkins&Will
Nikki Sugihara Assoc. AIA | Wittman Estes

QUESTIONS?

Questions about Submitting? Contact AIA Seattle Programs Manger, Zoe Guckenheimer.

Questions about attending the Live Event? Contact AIA Seattle Programs Coordinator, Andrea Aguilera.

Sponsorship Questions? Contact AIA Seattle Executive Director, Melissa K. Neher.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 HONOR AWARDS SPONSORS

Posted in For the Profession, For the Public, Honor Awards

Continued Connection

A message for our valued AIA Seattle Community,

Summer has finally found us in Seattle, and all around us are signs of increasing community engagement. In our highly hybrid and virtual times, our committees and staff team at AIA Seattle are continuing to explore ways to leverage flexible formats, while eagerly embracing the in-person engagement opportunities we’ve hosted in the past few months. We appreciate the resilience and community care demonstrated by our members who have joined in-person events with respect and support for ever-shifting Covid protocols.

AIA Seattle has delivered Continuing Education and Committee Programs in multiple formats, including:

Climate Summit: Practicing Equity and Advocacy in Rapid Decarbonization was delivered virtually and is now available online for continuing education credits.
Housing Forum: Precedents & Possibilities Transforming Residential Practice, was our first return to an in-person forum and was recorded for online education credits as well (coming later this summer).
Solstice Celebration: Creative Convergence, a collaborative program hosted by AIA Seattle Diversity Roundtable, Seattle Architecture Foundation, and Seattle Design Festival in celebration of the Diversity by Design Exhibit highlighting designers, designers of all genders, LGBTQI + designers, designers with disabilities, immigrant designers and more.

AIA Seattle advocacy activities with a focus on climate and housing persist, with significant engagement with the City of Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan Update.

Engaged members are providing input to the current urban village growth strategy, with a focus on speeding up and reducing barriers to housing production, fostering 15-minute neighborhoods, prioritizing and protecting BIPOC communities, promoting sustainability, and addressing city design.

Looking forward – AIA Seattle is excited to support CONNECTION, the theme of Seattle Design Festival 2022, with an expanded Festival August 20-26 to unleash the design thinker in everyone. The 2022 Festival kicks off with the Lake Union Park Block Party with 40+ Installations & Pop-Up Experiences and also includes Community Spotlights, Virtual Mainstage programming, and a Closing Party.

As we welcome back summer to the Pacific Northwest, we look forward to welcoming you, our valued members and community partners, to future programming and events.

Thank you for your engagement!

Warm Regards,

Melissa K. Neher

Executive Director, AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival

Posted in Uncategorized

2022-23 Board of Directors

Vote today for our 2022-23 slate of new/moving board members

AIA Seattle’s Board Nominating Committee is pleased to present this slate of accomplished members to fill open seats on our Board of Directors or current board members moving to officer positions or different positions beginning September 1, 2022. All AIA and Associate AIA members are eligible to vote. Votes are yes or no for each nominee, and write-in votes are allowed. Voting by at least 10% of the membership is required to validate an election.

Voting will close on July 19, 2022

Michele Hill, AIA – (President Elect Candidate) 2022 – 2023
Member since: 2006 | Pronouns: She/Her

Michele is an architect and Urban Planner at BuildingWork with 12 years of experience in commercial, institutional, ecclesiastical, and residential architecture. She is currently AIA Seattle Board Secretary. Michele also serves on the Member Advancement Steering Committees, and the JEDI Task Force.

Statement of Interest:

AIA Seattle has placed itself at the forefront of AIA and the architecture field as a leader in responding to climate change and, more recently, in addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our profession. The visionary work that has elevated our chapter as a national leader is due to the collaborative efforts of our members, AIA Seattle staff, and the Board of Directors. I look forward to continuing this legacy of leadership as we remain focused on addressing today’s wicked problems. I am particularly excited about the concrete steps we are taking toward becoming a truly inclusive profession, enriched and empowered by the diverse voices we contain and we serve.

Carrie Anderson, AIA, LEED AP, CPHC® – (Secretary Candidate) 2022 – 2023
Member since: 2013 | Pronouns: She/Her

Carrie is an architect at Nest Design/Build and is currently serving on the AIA Seattle Board as a Director of Professional Practice. She has been engaged in custom residential architecture in the Puget Sound Region since 2004, with projects ranging from small remodels and additions to multi-million-dollar new construction.

Statement of Interest:

Through my active participation in AIA Seattle’s Diversity Roundtable committee for the past 6 years, I learned to appreciate the importance of amplifying diverse perspectives within our profession. With my personal investment in this goal, as well as experience as co-chair of the Diversity Roundtable committee, I believe I can be an asset to the AIA Seattle Board of Directors, specifically to Membership Steering Committee. I strongly believe in members shaping the future of our AIA chapter and am excited for the opportunity to serve and channel our members’ input towards that future.

Heather Pogue, AIA – (Treasurer Candidate) 2022 – 2025
Member since: 2008 | Pronouns: She/Her

Heather is a sole practitioner whose firm specializes in the design of custom single-family residences and boutique commercial retail and restaurant projects. Heather has shared that her background running her own practice has taught her the importance of sound budgetary practices, and she looks forward to bringing her perspective to the Executive Committee and Finance Committee.

Statement of Interest:

There are two intentional reasons why I joined AIA. As a member, to be engaged through thoughtful programming and as an architect, to find abundant resources. I was in Austin at the time of my early career and AIA had pulled me in with its zeal to serve the community. They ran the hippest homes tour every year, screened the indie architecture films when they came to town, and engaged the public as much as the architects. Most importantly, they actively listened to what the architects were seeking and used agility to find the answers, and adjusted programming to meet those needs. This kept their position of relevancy to the members they were serving. I found that time to be rewarding and thrilling because I was always looking to AIA Austin for ways to be inspired and ways to have a more successful career.

I became interested in serving on the board in Seattle to provide the same to others what I found early in my Austin career as an emerging architect. I see AIA Seattle as a place to knit that kind of community, mingling architects with the public to spread the audience we reach, and serving the members’ needs with agility and relevancy. I would like to make use of my position on the board to give back to others what I received during those early days of my career, to find ways to provide sources for community, connection, and encouragement to those we serve.

Nicole DeNamur, Hon. AIA (Development) 2022 – 2024
Member since: 2019 | Pronouns: She/Her

Nicole is a sustainability leader who brings her perspective as a lawyer to multiple spaces. Building from her decade of experience in construction and insurance law, she is an affiliate instructor at the University of Washington, and provides additional community learning through her writings and engagements.

Statement of Interest:

I am interested in serving on the AIA Seattle Board of Directors because it presents the opportunity to support an industry and an organization that is positioned to drive real change. I have truly enjoyed co-chairing the Professional Practice Steering Committee, and look forward to applying the skills I learned, and the relationships I built in that role, to a leadership position with the Board.

The design community, and related industries, play a significant and important role in shaping our communities. I believe that diverse perspectives, and collaboration across industries, are some of the keys to solving big challenges like climate change. I want to lend my personal and professional perspective to this role, and the Board’s work. I also know how much representation matters and I would bring my whole self to Board service. As an organization, I believe AIA Seattle should be working on driving deeper and broader equity through the built environment. And while I recognize and appreciate that as an organization the AIA has already prioritized this work, I know that there is a long way to go and a lot of work to be done – I look forward to diving even deeper into this work.

I want to be an active voice in this critical dialogue, even if these conversations are uncomfortable or awkward at times. Equally important, I look forward to actively listening and learning from my peers.

Mark Smedley, AIA (Finance) 2022 – 2025
Member since: 1986 | Pronouns: He/Him

Mark is an Architect at Bassetti Architects, with over 38 years of experience in architecture and urban planning. His work ranges from cultural and institutional projects to a special interest in Senior Living communities and Public Housing neighborhoods. Mark has served on the Finance Committee as a nonboard member for the past year, supporting efforts to increase transparency and improve financial processes.

Statement of Interest:

I am interested in serving on the AIA Seattle Board of Directors as a way to represent the membership from individual practitioners to small, medium, and larger firm members. Having worked in Seattle since 1986 I have seen how this vibrant design community has evolved and responded to emerging issues in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Working with the Finance Committee over the last year, I helped Lisa Richmond and her team in making the transition for the new Executive Director as seamless as possible. From those interactions, I see the possibilities for continuing to address the many needs within our community and will work diligently to meet them.

Becca Book, AIA (Public Policy Candidate) 2022 – 2025
Member since: 2017 | Pronouns: She/Her

Becca believes in using the power of good design to solve ecological and social problems. As an urban designer at Mithun, she applies her design expertise and research and analytical skills to projects promoting coastal resiliency and equitable access to the city.

Statement of Interest:

AIA Seattle has provided me with a venue to explore how local policies shape the built environment, and to advocate for changes that will promote more equitable and sustainable designs. As a member of the board, I would work to help other members understand how policy decisions impact our profession and the daily lives of everyone who lives, works, or plays in our region.

Our contributions to the design of our community will have long-lasting impacts on the health of residents, the climate, and who is able to access the wealth of opportunities our region has to offer. We have a responsibility not only to design architecture that strengthens our communities, but also to help policymakers and the public visualize how changes in their community could help facilitate a more sustainable future that is accessible to people from all walks of life. I look forward to lending my voice to AIA’s advocacy efforts, and to inviting input from diverse perspectives across industries and identities to better inform how we can work towards realizing our shared values.

Sarah Burk, AIA (Professional Practice) 2022 – 2025
Member since: 2018 | Pronouns: She/Her

Sarah is an architect at Johnston Architects. She grew up in rural communities in Oklahoma and Montana, which shaped her appreciation for design that speaks to residents at every scale and in every place. After spending summers interning in Seattle, Sarah earned her BA in Environmental Design and Master of Architecture at Montana State University in Bozeman and decided to make the Emerald City her new home base.

Statement of Interest:

I’m interested in serving because I believe that advocacy for the profession of architecture and for the architect is what one of the most important roles I can have as an architect. We have a huge responsibility for the future of our built-environment and the impact that has on generations to come. What we decide matters. We are a powerful voice when united – one that has a say on climate change, social equity, sustainability, preservation, infrastructure, and policy. All of these topics are just as prevalent in Seattle as they are nation-wide. I look forward to diving in and learning what we can do in creating effective change in architecture.

Mark Chubb, Assoc. AIA (Affiliate Development Candidate) 2022 – 2025
Member since: 2020 | Pronouns: He/Him

Mark is the Director of Technical Services with Code Unlimited, LLC. He is an experienced emergency management and public safety executive with diverse professional, technical and academic experience in public, private and non-profit organizations.

Statement of Interest:

AIA Seattle is the most active and visible advocate for inclusive design in our region. The chapter’s members are thought leaders in the profession nationally and internationally. In my tenure as an AIA committee member and co-chair, the dedication of chapter members to social justice, environmental justice, sustainability, and resilience have made a powerful impression on me. Beyond the groundbreaking work they do for clients every day, Seattle AIA’s members and committees are actively engaged in efforts to address the affordable housing crisis, create more inclusive spaces for people of every age and ability, and use design to inform just culture and addresses persistent inequities. As an allied professional, I am inspired by these efforts and eager to empower others in the design and construction industry to embrace these efforts alongside AIA Seattle members.

Melissa Falcetti, AIA (Membership + 10 County) 2022 – 2023 Appointment
Member since: 2014 | Pronouns: She/Her

Melissa is a licensed architect, passed the CSI’s Construction Documents Technologist exam, and is a Certified Construction Specifier. She has served as the education chair of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute since 2012 and has been an active member of AIA Seattle advisory groups.

Statement of Interest:

As cheesy as it sounds, volunteering for industry organizations has truly enriched not just my career but also my life. We’re in a small and collaborative industry so the more of us that succeed, the better off we all are. I want to help AIA Seattle reach as many of our colleagues as possible to help them flourish and reach heights they didn’t realize were possible. Especially during/after the pandemic, it’s so easy to isolate ourselves from one another, but I’ve found that the true value of this industry is in its personal relationships. One of the most efficient ways to develop those relationships is through an organization – by volunteering and helping one another. I’m excited that AIA Seattle is working to reach out to those in our Chapter who don’t live within King County and bringing them opportunities so we can all thrive regardless of location or access.

Rushyan Yen, AIA (AIA WA/Public Policy Candidate) 2022 – 2025
Member since: 2017 | Pronouns: She/Her

Rushyan is a sustainability consultant with 9+ years of experience advising clients, conducting research, and driving impact toward equitable, regenerative, and resilient organizations and infrastructure. Deep experience in energy efficiency and decarbonization with particular emphasis on the built environment.

Statement of Interest:

As an architect, my efforts to make the world a better place have often resulted in a design concept or built form. I have come to see however that it is through deep collaboration and meaningful interactions with the design community and local stakeholders that fundamental change is possible. I believe that AIA Seattle is the glue that brings people together and allows this important collaboration to take place.

After two inspiring and empowering years as a Board Associate on the AIA WA Council, I’m excited to bring my experience to the AIA Seattle Board of Directors and serve as a liaison between the two organizations as well as to the greater design community. Through this collaboration, I know we will be able to address and respond to the challenges that face our community and profession, together.

Posted in For the Profession, Home Page

2022 YAF/WID Happy Hour Series

The AIA Seattle Happy Hour Series is a monthly gathering presented by the Young Architects Forum and Women in Design committees to encourage connections within the Seattle design community. This year’s series will explore the exciting innovations and advancements that will change the future of Architecture in Seattle.

JOIN US EVERY SECOND THURSDAY THROUGH NOVEMBER!

Mark your calendar & click to print the 2022 AIA Seattle Happy Hour Series Poster to pin up at your firm!

2022 SCHEDULE

June 9: DLR Group

July 14th: The Miller Hull Partnership

**August 11: Dykeman, Inc.

September 8: MKA

October 13: Gensler

November: Cushing Terrell

**NOTE: Dykeman is located in Everett.

All happy hours are presented in-person by AIA Seattle’s Women in Design and Young Architects Forum. At this time, all happy hours require proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test in the last 72-hours, to be presented at entry. Proof of vaccination may be in the form of a physical card or image of one, or MyIR record. When not actively eating or drinking, guests are required to remain masked. Acting in accordance with these precautions allows AIA Seattle to continue offering safe, in-person gatherings to as wide of an audience as possible.

All venues feature zero-step entry and an accessible restroom onsite. Please indicate on your registration for each respective happy hour whether you would like to be contacted regarding specific accommodations to fully participate in each program.

Contact Connor Descheemaker, Member Engagement Manager, with any questions or concerns.

Posted in For the Public

2022 Small Firm Series

In this 3-part Small Firm Series, Rena M. Klein and her colleagues at CVG will share fundamental knowledge, strategies, tools, and resources for successful small firm adaptation and transformation. Tailored to the needs and interests of small firm practitioners, these interactive half-day sessions will include compelling presentations, case study features, workshop activities, and ample time for peer-to-peer discussion. Both full series registration and single-session registration are available.

Join us in-person on July 6, and online September 7 and December 7 for AIA Seattle’s highly-interactive 2022 Small Firm Series. Register for the full series to maximize and build upon your learning (12 AIA LU), or register for a single session for a more tailored focus (4 AIA LU each). Space is limited to 60 total registrants per session.

SESSION DATES + A LA CARTE REGISTRATION

Session 1 | Stabilize Your Small Firm with Strategic Business Planning
July 6, 2022 // IN-PERSON at MG2 ( 1101 2nd Ave #100, Seattle, WA 98101) // 9:00am-1:00pm PT // Class Credit: 4 LU

Rena M. Klein, FAIA | Partner, CVG
Lucas Gray, Assoc. AIA | Senior Management Consultant, CVG

Registration has closed.

Session 2 | Effective Strategies for Advancing Emerging Leaders and Transitioning Ownership
September 7, 2022 // ONLINE // 9:00am-1:00pm PT // Class Credit: 4 LU

Rena M. Klein, FAIA | Partner, CVG
Sun Joo Kim | Senior Management Consultant, CVG

Registration has closed.

Session 3 | Operations and Design: New Approaches to Old Ways of Working
December 7, 2022 // ONLINE // 9:00am-1:00pm PT // Class Credit: 4 LU

Sun Joo Kim | Senior Management Consultant, CVG
Erin Murphy AIA | Senior Management Consultant, CVG

Registration has closed.

All sessions and speakers subject to change.

FULL SERIES COST

Includes continuing education credit (12 AIA LU) + breakfast and light refreshments for Session 1 in-person. All sessions and speakers subject to change.

$~~214~~ $246 AIA Member
$~~214~~ $246 Government + Partners
$~~122~~ $140 Associate Member
$~~354~~ $407 Non-Member
$30 $34 Student

Registration has closed.

Early Bird Deadline: Tuesday, June 21, 2022. After this time, the price increases 15%. Final Registration Deadline: Tuesday, July 5, 5:00pm PT.

Reduced rate options are available! Please submit the Continuing Education Scholarship / Reduced Rate Request form via email by Tuesday, June 21, 5:00PM PT.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS + LEARNING OBJECTIVES

July 6, 2022 | Stabilize Your Small Firm with Strategic Business Planning (In-Person)

Managing a growing design firm offers a variety of unique challenges and opportunities. An unpredictable business environment and a quickening pace of change requires firm owners to adapt, but how can firm owners proactively prepare for growth in uncertain times? We will demystify the business planning process. Each attendee will develop their own business plan outline in this interactive workshop – so you can leave inspired, organized, and one step ahead of the competition!

Explore strategies for business planning within an environment of unpredictability, including case studies & best practices.
Understand basic business plan components including the interconnection between
purpose, finance, marketing, & operations.
Learn how to use critical tools and processes for successful firm business planning.
Develop the outline for your own firm’s business plan.

September 7, 2022 | Effective Strategies for Advancing Emerging Leaders and Transitioning Ownership (Online)

How do firms succeed in transitioning ownership and leadership? When should firm leaders begin thinking about ownership transition, and what options are available to firm founders approaching retirement? How can successors truly leverage the knowledge and connections of the founder? Planning for leadership transition brings up many questions and few answers; however if a firm leader intends to transfer ownership to the next generation, emerging leaders need mentorship, tools, and skills to succeed. This session will outline structured stages of professional development for emerging leaders as a key component to effective ownership transition.

Discover the importance of setting goals and understanding preferred outcomes in planning for
ownership transition.
Understand options for ownership transition pathways depending on timeframe to retirement
and openness to sharing leadership.
Explore best practices for identifying the right person to be a successor and how to create a
framework for a partnership agreement.
Learn how to prepare emerging leadership for a future ownership role through structured stages
of professional development.

December 7, 2022 | Operations and Design: New Approaches to Old Ways of Working (Online)

Business planning and professional development mean little without proper implementation. How will you structure your team for the greatest results? What bottlenecks are slowing down your design execution? How can adopting new ways of working transform your firm? This session will explore alternative ways of thinking about your day-to-day operations using case studies from other small design firms. Equitable business practice will be discussed as a paradigm-shifting leadership model with a wide lens of understanding.

Visualize your firm’s structure and potential for growth using organizational design tools.
Hear case studies about other small firms experimenting with alternative organizational design
and shaking up their operational norms.
Learn about different technological resources available that are helping small firms streamline
operations.
Explore different approaches to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into small firm
leadership and team management.

SPECIAL THANKS TO CVG AND OUR SMALL FIRM SERIES SPONSORS:

AP Design Professionals | Hargis Engineers, Inc. | Precision Property Measurements

Registration or Credit Questions?
Contact Andrea Aguilera, Programs Coordinator at AIA Seattle

Program Questions?
Contact Zoe Guckenheimer, Programs Manager at AIA Seattle

Sponsorship Questions?
Contact Melissa K. Neher, Executive Director at AIA Seattle

Posted in For the Profession, For the Public, Uncategorized

Advocacy Update – March 2022

STATE NEWS

State Legislative Session Update
The state legislature adjourned for the year on March 10. Thank to you all of you who supported AIA’s efforts in Olympia. Here is a list of AIA’s highlights from the session (you can read an overview of non-AIA issues here); look for more details from AIA|WA next week.

Climate
Key building electrification bills fell afoul of opposition from the gas utilities, homebuilders, and some unions, including HB 1770 to develop a voluntary residential energy reach code that local governments could opt to use instead of baseline state code and two bills that would have required utilities to begin the transition to electric power and allow public utilities to offer customer incentives for electrification. Bills that passed included SB 5722 to extend some state building performance requirements to smaller commercial and multi-family buildings and HB 1280 to require an analysis of the use of all-electrification systems as part of the pre-design work for large state buildings. The biggest loss was HB 1099, which would have added a climate element to the state’s Growth Management Act requirements. This legislation needed to pass this year to impact the 2024 comp plan updates. It passed both houses and passed the Senate a second time but failed to receive a vote on the House floor to approve the conference committee version of the bill in the final minutes of the session.

AIA|WA opposed legislation that would have required a combination of green roof technology and solar on all commercial and multi-family buildings over 50,000 sq ft because it did not offer flexibility or choice; we expect to see a version of this bill back next year.

Housing
The legislature continues to be good at passing bills related to SEPA and local government taxing mechanisms for affordable housing, but its record is poor at providing state mandates on local zoning to increase housing capacity. AIA-supported legislation that passed included SB 5818 to limit SEPA and GMA appeals on affordable housing projects and HB 1643 to provide for a real estate excise tax (REET) exemption for selling property to nonprofits and public housing authorities to use for affordable housing. Legislation that did not pass included HB 1660 to prohibit restrictions related to ADUs and, most notably, HB 1782 on missing middle housing, which started out by requiring fourplexes to sixplexes in areas traditionally dedicated to single-family detached housing (depending on city size and proximity to frequent transit). HB 1882 to create a housing benefit district pilot program to plan and fund land acquisition for affordable housing near major transit stops also failed to pass.

Practice
AIA opposed HB 2049 to eliminate local plan review for most plans stamped by an architect or engineer; the bill did not pass but the concept drew a number of Republican and Democratic co-sponsors in the belief that it would speed up housing production. AIA will be meeting with these legislators over the summer to talk about the importance of plan review and to offer alternative ideas on how the state could support expediting the permitting process (if you have ideas on this, please let us know!). HB 1592 would have allowed provisional licenses for military spouses moving to Washington with a license from another state. AIA|WA was neutral on the legislation because it would have allowed licensing authorities, including the Board for Architects, to determine whether another state’s qualifications are equal to Washington’s – but the bill failed to pass.

For questions about any of these bills or other legislation under consideration, contact Kirsten.

LOCAL NEWS

Comprehensive Plan
Seattle has released a name for its Comp Plan effort due in 2024 – One Seattle Plan – and it now has a website. Required by the state to plan for how the city will accommodate growth over the next two decades, the Comp Plan will address crucial questions around how we distribute opportunity, what our neighborhoods should look like, and what changes we need to make to create a more sustainable and resilient city. You can provide feedback directly to the city via its Comp Plan Survey. You can be part of AIA’s effort by joining our Comp Plan Work Group, which meets every 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday of the month from 12-1pm. Or, you can sign up to receive updates about our efforts so that you can plug in wherever you like. Contact Kirsten for more info.

Seattle Tree Ordinance
Seattle is considering new rules on tree protections which are significantly more restrictive than existing requirements. The ordinance would expand the types and sizes of trees that are regulated, require more notice of tree removal, establish payment in lieu of for tree replacement, and more. More info about the proposals is available here. Most of the provisions are currently being appealed after the city issued a finding of non-significance under SEPA, but there is current legislation (CB 120207) related to tree service providers and public notice requirements around tree removal before the City Council’s Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee. A public hearing will be held on that bill on March 23 at 2pm. You may comment by calling in to the hearing or by emailing committee members directly. A vote on the bill will be scheduled for a future meeting.

AIA is seeking member feedback on all the provisions in the draft tree ordinance, as well as on how these rules should be prioritized when balancing other city priorities. We’ll use your feedback to help inform our work on these issues. Please consider submitting your comments via our Tree Ordinance Survey or contact Kirsten with feedback.

Seattle Building Performance Standards
Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) is conducting stakeholder and community engagement on creating draft legislation for new building performance standards for commercial and multifamily buildings 20,000 sq ft and larger to reduce carbon emissions and transition towards cleaner buildings. The legislation will set carbon emissions targets that would become gradually stronger over time, reaching net-zero carbon emissions buildings by 2050. OSE will present on the potential regulations and take your comments on April 5, noon-1:30pm via Zoom. Register here.

Design Review
As mandated by the City Council in this year’s budget, OPCD and SDCI are working to put together a plan to evaluate the city’s Design Review program by conducting a Race and Equity Toolkit (RET) analysis of Design Review; reviewing Design Review outcomes and departures; analyzing whether the program increases housing costs; reviewing best practices from other cities; and putting together a stakeholder group to recommend program revisions. AIA is interested in hearing about your experiences with Design Review in Seattle and other cities; we’ll use your answers to help inform AIA Seattle’s position and ongoing work on the program. Please take our Design Review Survey or contact Kirsten with feedback.

OPPORTUNITIES

Seattle Planning Commission Seeks New Member
The Seattle Planning Commission is seeking a new commissioner. The Commission advises the mayor, City Council, and city departments on citywide planning goals, policies, and plans and provides them with independent advice on land use, zoning, transportation, housing, and related issues. The Commission also stewards the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Applicants must be current residents of Seattle and be able to attend a minimum of three Commission meetings per month (currently held online), with occasional community meetings. Send a letter of interest and resume by April 1 via email to Vanessa Murdock, the Commission’s executive director.

Washington Board for Architects Position Open
The Washington State Board for Architects will have a Board Member position available starting in June 2022. The seven-member, governor-appointed board is made up of one member of the public and six registered architects who reside in Washington and have at least eight years of experience in responsible charge of architectural work. The Board’s primary function is to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare through regulating the practice of architecture. Board member responsibilities include:

Attending board meetings (approx. four a year)
Participating in board committees for specific projects
Acting as a case manager or as part of the judicial panel in disciplinary cases
Representing the board to the profession and the public
Attending national council meetings as needed
Reviewing applications as needed

More information about this position is available here. Applications can be found via the governor’s website, here (nomination to join the board is a gubernatorial appointment), and should be submitted by April 15.

Public Comment Period Open for West Seattle and Ballard Light Rail Extension
Members of the public can comment on the Draft EIS analysis for extending light rail to West Seattle and Ballard, including providing feedback on routes and station alternatives. The survey is open until April 28. Virtual public meetings are also scheduled throughout March. More info here.

We would love to hear from you! To comment or for more information on these or any other topics, please contact:

Kirsten Smith
Manager of Policy + Advocacy
AIA Seattle & AIA Washington Council
206-708-3199 | kirstens@aiaseattle.temp312.kinsta.cloud

Posted in Advocacy

Seattle Tree Ordinance

In February, the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) and the Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) released a draft SEPA ordinance on tree protections. The ordinance would expand the types and sizes of trees that are regulated, require more notice of tree removal, establish payment in lieu of for tree replacement, and more. AIA is seeking member feedback on these provisions, most of which are currently under SEPA appeal.

The below information comes from Councilmember Dan Strauss’ office and this overview document from SDCI and OSE. The document provides additional background information as well as more detail on each of the recommended actions.

SEPA Draft Director’s Report: Tree Protections Update

SDCI and OSE have prepared draft updates to the Land Use and Tree Protection Codes that would implement the strategies from Resolution 31902 (2019) to increase tree protection consistent with the goals and policies of the 2015–2035 Comprehensive Plan and the 2020 Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP). This draft legislation would respond to the direction in the resolution from City Council and allow for the expansion of the tree protections by accomplishing the following:

Expand the types and sizes of trees that are regulated, including a new definition of significant trees;
Regulate significant trees 12 inches in diameter and larger;
Simplify provisions, including allowing development standards to be modified to aid in tree preservation as an administrative process without requiring Design Review, while maintaining Design Review as an option in multifamily and commercial zones;
Establish a payment option for tree replacement (payment in lieu);
Support tracking of tree preservation, removal, and replacement; and
Increase penalties for violations of tree regulations.

The draft ordinance and updated business practices fall into these major categories:

Requires tree service providers to register with the City
Prohibits tree service providers who significantly violate tree protections from working in Seattle
Requires public notice for tree removals

These changes are provided for in Council Bill 120207, currently before the Council’s Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee. The language is not part of the SEPA draft.

Limits property owners tree removals to trees under 12” in diameter and establishes property owner self-reporting
Defines significant trees as 6” diameter or greater
Requires replacement of significant trees 12” diameter or greater removed through development
Increases illegal tree removal penalties by 50%

Establishes species-by-species size thresholds for Exceptional Trees (starting at 6” diameter), which cannot be removed in many circumstances
Expands overall Exceptional Tree threshold to 24” in diameter from 30” and add tree groves and heritage trees

Significant trees and tree replacement requirements
The draft ordinance would require any significant tree 12 inches or greater in diameter removed as part of development to be either replaced on-site or mitigated by payment in-lieu of replacement, unless hazardous. This would allow for a property owner to remove up to three smaller diameter trees per year that are under 12 inches in diameter outside of development, which aids and supports a private property owner’s decision such as to have a garden and/or increase solar access.

Tree replacement requirements would continue to be based on the size of the tree removed as well as the proposed payment option. The replacement requirements are:

Each exceptional and significant tree that is removed in association with development in all zones shall be replaced by one or more new trees, the size and species of which shall be determined by the Director.
The tree replacement required shall be designed to result, upon maturity, in a canopy cover that is at least equal to the canopy cover prior to tree removal.
Preference is for onsite replacement. When onsite replacement cannot be achieved, or is not appropriate as determined by the Director, preference for offsite replacement is on public property.

Ecological Function
The draft ordinance would give SDCI arborist staff discretion to evaluate the ecological function of significant trees over 12 inches in diameter and all exceptional trees and potential exceptional trees and determine the likelihood that the trees will live to maturity due to factors including health and physical condition, development site constraints, and environmental conditions external to the development site. Ecological function would be further used to determine whether trees in these two categories would be required to be protected or, if removed, replaced according to the provisions of the tree code.

Charge $436 for removal of significant trees larger than 12” in diameter
Charge $17.87/square inch of trunk for removal of exceptional trees
Payments calibrated to allow City replanting to replace lost tree canopy

SEPA Appeal

The city received a SEPA appeal from the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish County and several real estate entities challenging items 2-4 above. The appeal challenges the city’s determination of non-significance and seeks to force the city to prepare a full EIS. The Hearing Examiner will take up this appeal, and the City Council cannot consider these three proposals until that appeal is resolved.

Posted in Advocacy

LOCAL NEWS

Passage of the 2023 Seattle Housing Levy

STATE NEWS

Call for Public Participation: State Building Code Council Hearings on Proposed Energy Code Changes

Register for Capitol Connections

AWARD OF HONOR

ENERGY IN DESIGN AWARD

AWARD OF MERIT

HONORABLE MENTION

YOUNG VOICES SELECTION

What does the AIA 2030 Commitment Mean for Firm Culture?

November 14, 1pm ET

LOCAL NEWS

Public Hearing on Proposed Transportation Impact Fees

Seattle’s 2024 Budget Deliberations

STATE NEWS

AIA Washington’s Push to Eliminate Restrictive “Rolling Clock” Policy

Advocacy in Action

NATIONAL NEWS

AIA National Campaign for R&D Tax Credit Fix

SBCC Advances Energy Code Amendments with Revised Effective Date

Exciting Opportunities with AIA Washington Council

Release of Seattle’s Draft Comp Plan Expected Late Fall

ABOUT SUBMITTING

ABOUT THE COMMON APP

ABOUT THE LIVE EVENT

ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE

LIVE EVENT ON NOVEMBER 6 AT TOWN HALL SEATTLE

THE JURY PROCESS

MEET THE JURY

YOUNG VOICES SELECTION

QUESTIONS?

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE HONOR AWARDS COMMITTEE

THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 HONOR AWARDS SPONSORS

AIA National Revised Federal Research & Development Tax Credit Update

Call for Feedback: Updates to Architects are Environmentally Responsible Policy

Design Review Legislative Package Passed by Seattle City Council

Call for Feedback: Updates to Architects are Environmentally Responsible Policy

AIA National – Architects in Action Conference

OPCD Reschedules Release Date for Draft Plan and DEIS to Early September

AIA Seattle Board of Directors Votes to Endorse Seattle Housing Levy

TARGET PARTICIPANTS – FIRM LEADERS

FULL SERIES COST

Per Person (Based on Firm Size)

Reduced Rate Options

MEET THE FACILITATOR

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2023 CULTURE CHANGE SPONSORS

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PLANNING TEAM

PAST FIRM PARTICIPANTS

Vote now!

Seattle City Council Passes Tree Ordinance

AIA Seattle Comp Plan Work Group

HDC Housing Levy Rally

State Level

Building Code Delays

STATE NEWS

STATE NEWS

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2023 CODE SERIES SPONSORS

Andersen Construction Company of Washington | Code Unlimited | Holmes | Puget Sound Energy

CODE COMMITTEE

2023 PROGRAMMING

LOOKING FOR MORE?

Dear AIA Seattle Community,

AECKNOWLEDGE

AIAU

LOOKING FOR MORE?

2022 AIA COLLEGE OF FELLOWS

Kjell Anderson FAIA, LEED Fellow

AIA SEATTLE GOLD MEDAL

Richard E. Mohler FAIA

AIA SEATTLE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Casey Riske AIA

AIA SEATTLE YOUNG ARCHITECT AWARD

Crystal Day AIA

Mona Zellers AIA

HONORARY AIA SEATTLE MEMBERSHIP

Allison Mills

Amarpreet Sethi