I Am AIA:

Fiki Falola AIA

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Fiki Falola is a Seattle-based designer and artist with a passion for creating sustainable, adaptable, and community-focused spaces. Growing up in Nigeria, Canada, and the US, she developed an interest in diverse living spaces and cultural practices. This upbringing has driven her to explore what it means to have access to memorable, inclusive, and climate-conscious design for both high-end and budget/pro bono projects. After completing her graduate studies in Ottawa, she joined Olson Kundig. Fiki is excited to engage in conversations about shaping inclusive, sustainable, and elegant spaces through policy, conversation, and practice.

HOW DOES BEING A MEMBER OF AIA SEATTLE ENHANCE YOUR ABILITY TO CONNECT WITH AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE BROADER ARCHITECTURAL COMMUNITY AND BEYOND?

Being part of the AIA has been a great experience for me. It’s not just about professional development; it’s also a way to connect with the architectural community beyond the workplace. Attending AIA events has allowed me to see what my peers are up to, draw inspiration from them, and share my own thoughts and work experience. It can be tough to find the time, but going to just one event a month can really spark new ideas and lead to valuable career connections.

TELL US HOW YOU HAVE CONNECTED TO COMMUNITY THROUGH AIA SEATTLE?

An enthusiastic colleague on the board of directors, who is also involved with SPARC, first encouraged me to attend a Women in Design Coffee Hour. Since then, I’ve participated in several events and architectural tours, initially to gain more site experience. The events, talks, and tours have been enriching and enjoyable, with the Methow Valley Tour standing out as a highlight. During this tour, I learned about the design and construction of six homes in the incredible landscape of north central Washington. Participating in the 2024 Honor Awards jury process through the Young Voices Selection was also inspiring, offering a chance to delve deeper into the high level of design and innovation being led by Washington-based designers. Recently, I’m excited about my involvement with MemGage and learning how we can support our various committees so new and existing members can fully benefit from all the value the committees bring.

WHAT WORK ARE YOU AND MEMGAGE EXCITED ABOUT FOR 2025?

We’re excited to support the unique and diverse AIA committees by providing tools for success and professional development. Our aim is to increase engagement, help committees fulfill their mission, and build meaningful connections among both new and existing members. Additionally, we’d like to foster and encourage more collaboration with other committees. Many people are still unaware of the full range of resources our organization offers—I’m still learning too!