I Am AIA:

Cory Hitzemann

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Cory has spent his entire 20+ year career with Coughlin Porter Lundeen designing structures throughout the Puget Sound. He has extensive experience with education, office, residential, and civic facilities, with particular expertise with steel and mass timber. As a longtime supporter of the sustainable design movement, he also enjoys existing building renovations where a structure’s valuable embodied carbon can be preserved for decades to come.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF AIA TO YOU?

The broad range of programs offered by AIA Seattle has been very valuable for my growth as well as others within our firm. It has helped us keep up with changes in the industry and learn more about challenges architects are facing and how we can assist. Engaging with groups like AIA Seattle allows you to learn more about how the built environment and design affects the community at large, beyond the more focused role we play as engineers.

HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING?

I tell people I collaborate with architects to make sure their vision can be achieved and will be safe for future generations to enjoy. If I get any more technical than that most folks’ eyes start to glaze over. Although there are the occasional people who have read the doom and gloom articles about a large subduction zone earthquake off the coast wiping Seattle off the map…I try to ease their fears a bit.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE FROM YOUR WORK?

Some type of lasting impact would of course be nice, but I also know everything changes with time. I do hope to continue the legacy we have built over the first 25 years of Coughlin Porter Lundeen’s history with future leaders of the firm who will follow me and help guide them…but allow them to do it in their way and keep the firm relevant to the ever-changing design world.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEATTLE-AREA STRUCTURE?

One of my favorite newer additions to the skyline is The Mark. The new tower is notable on its own, but the preservation and integration of the historic sanctuary with the development makes it truly special.

WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE?

I have always appreciated the synergy between the structural design and architecture professions. I feel the design community has a critical role to fill in a vibrant and thriving city such as Seattle. I originally joined AIA early in my career to learn more about the architectural profession and look for ways to strengthen relationships with clients whom I was interacting with on projects day to day.

WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THE AIA SEATTLE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

As a longtime AIA Allied Partner, my career has benefitted from the program offerings and networking opportunities AIA provides. Joining the board would allow me the chance to give back and help AIA Seattle to continue to thrive and play an active role in the region. Engaging younger members and the community at large are things AIA Seattle should continue to focus on as the region continues to grow and evolve.

WHAT RELATIONSHIP HAVE YOU CREATED?