I Am AIA:

Matt Hutchins AIA

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Matt is a founding Principal of CAST Architecture with a focus on creative infill housing as the nexus of low-carbon living, urban vitality, and social policy. Matt serves as a Director of Public Policy on the AIA Seattle Board of Directors and as the Strategic Councilor for AIA Washington Council. He has co-chaired AIA Seattle’s Housing Task Force and organized many public programs on urban design, housing, and accessory dwelling units. He was named AIA Seattle’s Volunteer of the Year in2020 and is a Seattle Planning Commissioner and Co-Chair of the Housing and Neighborhoods Committee.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF AIA TO YOU?

Architecture is never easy, and having the support of a peer group of professionals makes the journey more fulfilling. A few years ago, I started having a more active role in AIA Seattle and have been rewarded with many new friendships and have learned much. It has given me more of a voice and the confidence to use it.

HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING?

I introduce myself as both an architect and an advocate, because I’ve been very lucky to been able to practice what I preach.

CAN DESIGN SAVE THE WORLD?

Since buildings are one of the largest contributors to climate change, and since cities can be one of the largest weapons against climate change, design has to. The decisions we make at our desks today will in a tiny part affect generations.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEATTLE-AREA STRUCTURE?

The Olmstead parks in my neighborhood: Lincoln, Schmitz and Hiawatha.

As a founder of CAST architecture, Matt has spent more than twenty years working to increase the vitality of cities and protect the environment. Through his design and policy work, Matt is an advocate for better density, abundant housing options, vibrant urban spaces, open space, and sustainable building.

Matt is a Seattle Planning Commissioner and former Design Review Board Member. For AIA Seattle he has served on the Housing Task Force, Residential Design Forum and Public Policy Board, and was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2020. He co-founded the grassroots group MOAR (More Options for Accessory Residences) to support zoning reform for accessory dwellings in Seattle. In 2019, he was named one of 35 Most Influential People by Seattle Magazine.

He received a Master of Architecture from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Colorado. He is a Certified Passive House Designer.

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

Architects have a unique ability to look at the world and visualize how it could be. Today, we’re faced with deep challenges around housing affordability, climate change and systemic racism, and as architects we have a responsibility to use our insight and vision to project persuasive solutions and ultimately build resilient, connected, sustainable communities. As a Director, I would work to create opportunities for architects to leverage their experience, knowledge and vision to serve our common good.