I Am AIA:

Grace Kim, FAIA

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Grace H. Kim, FAIA is an architect and co-founding principal of Schemata Workshop, a Seattle-based architectural practice with a keen focus on community, social equity and sustainability. Her firm works on projects that shape Seattle and guide regional growth. Her co-design process engages not only her client and consultants, but also the surrounding community stakeholders. Grace is also the founder of Capitol Hill Urban Cohousing, a collaborative residential community which includes her street level office and a rooftop urban farm.

WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE?

As a student, I was involved with AIAS and never considered not becoming a member of the AIA when I graduated. I was active in the AIA in Chicago with the Young Architects Committee (predecessor to the Young Architects Forum), where I had leadership opportunities and could initiate projects that were of interest to me personally and benefitted the professional development of other young architects. I never thought twice about transferring my membership when I moved to Seattle. It gave me a forum for meeting other architects in the community outside of my workplace.

WHAT PROJECT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?

Multicultural Village at Kent Des Moines Station – an equitable transit-oriented development that is comprised of 240-homes for families earning less than 60% of AMI, an inclusive Early Learning Center, a Family Resource Center, and offices for Open Doors for Multicultural Families (ODMF). The transit-oriented community will center on the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), with 20% of the homes designated for them and their families. All of the other programmatic elements will also serve and center their needs – which means those services will be inclusive to all residents as well as the general public. The building, landscape, and interior design is being informed by indigenous design thinking and will incorporate an arts program that will highlight the works of BIPOC artists as well as artists who have IDDs. This project was the brainchild of the Executive Director at ODMF – we worked alongside her for almost 2 years before it became a real project – doing advocacy, helping her illustrate her vision to lawmakers, funders, and project stakeholders. It is a delight to be working with ODMF and Mercy Housing NW on all aspects of the design work.

Another exciting project is a 17-acre master plan for Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County. Schemata Workshop is designing 150 permanently affordable homes for households of a variety of incomes. We have just completed the master planning phase which included a fair amount of community engagement and are transitioning to the design of the actual homes, of which some might be constructed using volumetric modules.

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

I never expected to be considered a thought leader by my peers or – whether it be cohousing, modular construction, participatory design, social equity, or office culture – I was just following my passion and what I thought was the right approach. Turns out that it isn’t what everyone else assumed to be the obvious approaches. I am proud of the leadership role that I have been able to provide within my city, my community, and my profession, as well as the cohousing movement and the affordable housing industry.

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

Towards more collaboration – more architecture firms working together, more integrated design practices with our consultant and construction teams, and the inclusion of non-traditional consultants on our design teams.

CAN DESIGN SAVE THE WORLD?

Our design work (whether urban design or building design) can help foster community and connection. And if you have connection, it is easier to see the humanity of all people. And realizing each person’s individual strengths and talents can help us tackle any challenge.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF AIA TO YOU?

As the organization that advocates on behalf of our profession, it is an organization that I fully support with my money and time. AIA is a community – it connects me to other members of my profession and allied disciplines. It pushes design excellence to go beyond the beauty contest and incorporate environmental sustainability, social equity, and resilient communities.

WHAT RELATIONSHIPS HAVE YOU CREATED?

I have been involved with AIA at the local and national level, developing friendships that have spanned decades and bridged across state lines. People that I have met on design juries, served with on AIA committees, and participated with in national workshops have informed my personal practice and design thinking.

HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING?

I am an architect that works on projects that support all aspects of community – that ranges from affordable housing, social services, community centers, and transit. Our focus is on community, racial equity and sustainability.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TODAY?

A presentation on universal design by the Kelsey Center and Mikiten Architecture from the Bay Area. We are using their design guidelines and certification system for the Multicultural Village. Their attitude towards inclusive design closely aligns with our equitable design ethos – if you can address the design needs of people with physical and cognitive disabilities, then you make it easier for all people to engage with and use our buildings.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE FROM YOUR WORK?

A sense of community and connection – and the idea that we are all interconnected on this planet. Our individual actions have ripple effects – both good and bad — so how can we create more good in the world?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEATTLE-AREA STRUCTURE?

Pacific Science Center – the elegant arches and neo-gothic pre-cast structure designed by Minoru Yamasaki.

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

“We’re Social Beings – We’re Not Meant To Live Alone.”