I Am AIA:

Rob Misel AIA

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I’ve been with The Miller Hull Partnership since 2002 and was invited to be a Partner in 2016. My career has tended toward the management and practice side of architecture, and at Miller Hull, I lead our Delivery group which focuses on issues related to quality, technology, expectations for delivery, and improving the understanding of our architectural staff in each of those areas. I am also a leader in Miller Hull’s SERVE marketing group, a team which focuses on projects related to infrastructure, U.S. gateways and public safety. My recent projects have included border crossings, embassies and other civic/public works.

Why did you join AIA Seattle?

I’m interested in developing a deeper relationship with my architectural peers in the Seattle area, and I believe AIA Seattle should continue to further issues related to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Tell us about your role on the Membership Steering Committee:

Now more than ever, architects must act as a mirror for the needs of a changing American societal fabric. We have an opportunity to translate and respond to the most immediate issues related to equity and diversity in our communities, in our projects and our own office environments. As the Chair of the Membership Committee, I am excited about how AIA Seattle can demonstrate national leadership in this regard – and how we can use it as an opportunity to put our region’s architects in the best position for success. There are so many benefits to membership in AIA that extend beyond simply achieving Learning Units. By connecting with one another and understanding our differences and commonalities, we can extend our reach through education, training and elevating expectations for design, and for each of us as individuals, as architectural firms and members of our respective communities.

What project are you working on now?

I’m working on a 3-phase border crossing project for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) located at the end of I-5 between San Diego, CA and Tijuana, Mexico where almost 100,000 people cross into the U.S. every day. Our role was to assist GSA in redefining approaches to design and program issues related to safety, technology and efficiency – in what can often be a difficult environment for people. I love how architecture can be a means to solve those challenging issues in a equitable, humane and sustainable way.

Has your career taken you anywhere you didn’t expect?

I thought I’d be teaching AP English in high school right now, so yes.

What inspired you today?

One of my favorite things is seeing a young colleague rise to a challenge in their work by addressing a design issue with passion and commitment, especially when they get to tell the story of how they solved it!

What is your favorite Seattle-area structure?

It’s a tie between Husky Stadium and the House of Hong

Can design save the world?

People with vision who have the ability to lead by showing what’s possible can change the world. Architects have the opportunity to inspire others to think more broadly about built environments where people can be satisfied, even comfortable, living with less.