I Am AIA:

Dylan Glosecki AIA

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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, along with transit and urban design work in Seattle and Vancouver, BC. Dylan practices urban design and architecture at VIA | Perkins Eastman and co-chairs the Urban Design Forum, where he studies urban policy as a means to drive sustainable regional growth patterns. Dylan has also actively participated in the Housing Taskforce, Public Policy Board, and the Comp Plan Workgroup.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF AIA TO YOU?

The connection with fellow architects and non-architects who share a passion for enhancing Seattle as a connected, accessible, and diverse city. The chance connection and cross-pollination of ideas that has shaped my understanding of urbanism.

HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING?

I create and enhance an urban environment that facilitates establishment of homes and connection to everyday needs, joys, and services as a means of enabling lifestyles that minimize our environmental impact and preserve our natural environment.

IF YOU COULD SUM UP YOUR OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN A BUMPER STICKER, WHAT WOULD IT SAY?

Be humble. Be aware. Think big.

HAS YOUR CAREER TAKEN YOU ANYWHERE YOU DIDN’T EXPECT?

Fascination with the creation and design of buildings led me into the broad world of sustainability and then toward city building and urban design and a realization that enhancing or maintaining what already exists can be the best design solution.

CAN DESIGN SAVE THE WORLD?

Putting ideas to action can save the world. Design is the spark, the beginning, but not a means in and of itself. A “designer” must be humble enough to evolve into a collaborator in order to maximize impact.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE FROM YOUR WORK?

To make people react. To facilitate community enhancement. To knit together disconnected urban fabric. To create the spark that ignites urban life. A lesser environmental impact and, to the degree possible, a positive environmental impact.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEATTLE-AREA STRUCTURE?

The network of 90+ small-scale neighborhood centers scattered around our city’s layers of neighborhoods.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TODAY?

Our ever-changing city.