I Am AIA:

Marijana Misic

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WHAT IS THE VALUE OF AIA TO YOU?

AIA Seattle staff has always been helpful, supportive, and encouraging. Their commitment to welcoming any question, curiosity, or request, and ensuring a follow-up with information has been unprecedented, which has elevated my experience as an AIA Seattle member. I enjoy the variety of continuing education opportunities the chapter has been offering.

WHAT RELATIONSHIPS HAVE YOU CREATED?

Joining AIA, and specifically becoming an active member in one of its committees has been a cornerstone of my career. This became evident through the strong relationships I had the opportunity to forge with my peers- both in architecture and other allied professions. In addition, I was also fortunate to cross paths with many architects with established careers in our city who were excited to mentor me, help me broaden my professional network, as well as cheer me on as my career started progressing.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TODAY?

What inspired me today was seeing old, and meeting new friends, great conversation, lots of laughs, and a 99% edible garden in the middle of the city.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEATTLE-AREA STRUCTURE?

Space Needle- as cheesy as it may sound 🙂 Seeing it makes me feel at home, whether I’m coming back to Seattle from afar, during my morning coffee or daily walks. It embodies both historic and futuristic elements, making it timeless.

A native of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Marijana (pronounced Mariyana) Misic has moved to Seattle in 2001 in her pursuit of BA in Architecture at the University of Washington. Her current career focus at Mahlum is on higher education projects, specifically student housing. Majority of her career has previously revolved around mixed-use urban developments. With the understanding of the importance a built environment has on one’s well-being, Marijana strives to bring thoughtful design closer to the everyday user. She believes that smart growth and strong communities create better and more livable cities.

Marijana has been a licensed architect in the State of Washington since 2013. In 2017 she has received the AIA Seattle Young Architect Award. She has been active member of AIA Diversity Roundtable since 2015, and its co-chair from 2018-2020. With few of her esteemed committee members, she is currently championing DRT’s collaboration with Sawhorse Revolution through mentoring youth about architecture, and stewarding youth envisioned designs towards built projects.

When not “architecting around” Marijana enjoys coffee, reading, biking, and skiing.

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

Through my active participation in AIA Seattle’s Diversity Roundtable committee for the past 6 years, I learned to appreciate the importance of amplifying diverse perspectives within our profession. With my personal investment in this goal, as well as experience as co-chair of Diversity Roundtable committee, I believe I can be an asset to the AIA Seattle Board of Directors, specifically to Membership Steering Committee. I strongly believe in members shaping the future of our AIA chapter, and am excited for the opportunity to serve and channel our members input towards that future.