I Am AIA:

Whitney Lewis Assoc. AIA

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Whitney is an East Coast native who's called the West Coast home for the last 10 years and Washington state the last 5. Currently, Whitney volunteers as one of the co-chairs of AIA Seattle’s Diversity Roundtable where she is working to promote the committee locally and at a national level. Whitney is finishing a 3 year term as a member of the Membership Steering Committee. Whitney has been working at GGLO within their affordable housing group for the last year and a half. In and outside of work she seeks to make connections to encourage and promote diversity and equity in architecture and the built environment.

Why did you join AIA Seattle?

I joined AIA Seattle because I was new to town and wanted to immerse myself in the architecture scene. I found out about Diversity Roundtable – went to a meeting, met Meredith Everist and the rest as they say is history. The better question is probably why do I continue my membership, so I’ll answer that. For me, work is great – it of course pays the bills and allows me to stretch and grow but AIA Seattle allows me to connect with people I would never have the chance to meet at work. AIA Seattle has allowed me to connect with architects and designers of color which as a young designer – I need to see and be around. Furthermore, it’s the stories, the history of people who have been in the Seattle area, who have helped change it and seen what it once was that’s the reason why I joined and why I stay. We’re only as good as the people we surround ourselves with – I want to surround myself with like minded individuals but also those who will challenge me for the better.

What is the value of AIA to you?

It’s invaluable.

What relationships have you created?

I’ve created and been the beneficiary of a lot of different relationships from friendships to professional, mentors and champions. It’s lifelong and long lasting.

How do you explain what you do for a living?

It depends on the audience. If it’s family or friends I say, I’m a miracle worker and a mind reader. If it’s for people within the industry I say the same thing.
Kidding.
I limit it to the following:
I work at an architecture firm in downtown Seattle that does multifamily, landscape, interiors and urban design. I currently work in the affordable housing group. When not at work I volunteer with AIA Seattle.

What inspired you today?

Today – the weather! I had to go for a ride with the windows down and sing in my car. The weather was AMAZING so I had to take advantage. Even though we’re still in the midst of a pandemic and a civil rights revolution, I had to get out and get the sun on my face.

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

Yes, I’m still in the early stages of my career so the path forward is still ripe for twists and turns.

Where is the field of architecture, engineering or construction headed?

Oh I wish I could answer that but I actually can’t mostly because that’s a conversation to be had not answered in a box, so reach out and let’s chat!

Can design save the world?

No. Design cannot save the world – no one can save the world because it doesn’t need to be saved. We can help make the world better. Better in the sense that we can create spaces for people to experience, to connect, to reflect and to create.

What do you hope to contribute from your work?

That’s actually really personal for me to answer. My main hope is to create spaces where people walk in and they know that the space they’re in is for them, that they can navigate it and feel like they’re home, wherever and whatever that may be.