Emily Hagen Larkin AIA

I AM AIA

Emily Hagen Larkin AIA LEED Green Associate

I’m an architect and the founder of Studio Hagen, a small architecture and woodworking practice. My architectural work spans diverse scales and typologies from mass timber multifamily to bespoke outdoor hot spring facilities. I’ve lectured nationally and internationally on innovative building technologies, with a particular focus on the evolving world of mass timber. My award-winning design for a timber high-rise was featured in the book Timber in the City. I maintain a woodworking practice as a smaller study of my architecture work – honest materials, simple details, and thoughtful design that shapes how people engage with our world.

Why Did You Join AIA Seattle?

I joined AIA Seattle to be part of this community. As a sole proprietor, it’s important to stay connected to others in the profession, and I’ve found this group (and especially the committees!) to be an incredible source of shared knowledge and friendship. It’s a meaningful reminder that architecture is bigger than any one office… we’re collectively helping shape our region and all of the scales of communities we inhabit.

What Drew You to Architecture as a Profession?

My first experience with architecture as a profession was growing up in one of the first houses built in a planned community. My family would walk the phased construction sites together after dinner. One lot would just be an excavated foundation, another would have poured concrete, the next house would be framed, and so on. It was awesome to see the layers of our built world physically peeled apart. In third grade I started getting in trouble for drawing house sections during our “creative writing” time… and since then I’ve just been endlessly curious about what we do!

How has Your Community Helped You Get Where You are?

I have the most amazing mentors and peers in architecture. I 1000% would not be where I am today without being surrounded by inspiring people who have generously shared their experiences, offered guidance, and advocated for me along the way. Being recognized with the AIA Seattle Young Architect of the Year award felt especially meaningful because it was a tangible reflected the encouragement I’ve experienced from my community throughout my career to-date. One of my biggest professional goals is to continuously pay forward the support I’ve received from my colleagues. None of what we do is done alone!