I Am AIA:

Faith Fullerton

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Faith Fullerton is a student at the University of Washington pursuing her degree in Architectural Design. She is the President of UW’s American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) chapter, leading a team of 20 officers and a membership body of 160+ architecture students within the College of Built Environments. In this role, Faith is a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship, equity in architectural education, and urban sustainability. She also serves as Co-Chair of the 2024 AIAS West Quad Conference, Bloom: Emerging Solutions for Urban Sustainability, held in Seattle during the first week of April.

WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE?

As an architecture student at the University of Washington, and current President of UW’s AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students) organization, I am thrilled to join the initiative for more student engagement within AIA Seattle. I view AIA Seattle as the architectural community’s greatest asset, particularly in terms of collaborative strategizing for our city. Those in the built environment professions face many challenges that require visionary solutions, and a forum of engaged, diverse, passionate industry leaders holds tremendous power. I am hopeful that amplifying student voices from the Seattle community will contribute to a more equitable, sustainable future in architecture.

WHAT PROJECT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?

I am proud to announce that UW AIAS is hosting the 2024 West Quad Conference, Bloom: Emerging Solutions for Urban Sustainability, in Seattle from April 4th-7th. This conference will welcome architecture students from around the western United States to our city, where they can experience Seattle’s commitment to sustainability, visionary attitude, and, of course, award-winning architectural accomplishments. The 2024 West Quad Conference will encompass keynote speeches, firm tours, building tours, workshops, panels, and a career fair related to the three programming cornerstones: Innovation and Efficiency, Environmental Responsiveness, and Sustainable Urban Growth. The UW AIAS Chapter is also known for hosting a peer mentorship program encapsulating 160+ student volunteers, skills workshops, building tours, and the annual CBE Beaux Arts Ball, which garnered 200+ attendees in 2023. We are a capable and enthusiastic community! If you would like to inquire about involvement or sponsorship in the 2024 West Quad Conference, please contact uwashington@aias.org.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE FROM YOUR WORK?

As a young person just beginning to enter the field, I hope that someday, my designs will contribute to a more sustainable, equitable world. Topics of particular interest, and concern, to me include addressing climate change, providing innovative solutions for affordable family housing, placemaking for diverse communities, and promoting biophilic design according to human psychological and physiological needs. One day, I would love to design educational spaces that inspire and nurture future generations, ultimately leaving a positive and lasting impact.

WHERE IS THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING OR CONSTRUCTION HEADED?

For architecture specifically, I believe that cross-disciplinary collaboration with other fields, such as psychology, engineering, and computer science, will lead us toward holistic and forward-thinking approaches to the challenges we face today. From my perspective, collaboration, advanced technology such as BIM or AI, and a grounded focus in both sustainability and human well-being, will continue to enhance our field. With ambition and optimism, I hope that designers take ownership of their cities and make bold decisions to emphasize resilience, urbanization, and quality of life.

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

What is done is love is well done!