Lia Wollard AIA - AIA Seattle

I AM AIA

Lia Wollard AIA

Lia defines what it means to be a “Life-long learner.” An Air Force veteran, she has sought self-improvement personally and professionally throughout her design career. She has honed her ability to collaborate with teams to coalesce big ideas into comprehensive construction documentation, guiding teams towards clarity and consensus with grace and ease.

Lia believes in the power of place and is ever-grateful to be a part of this profession. Raised in Iowa, she has worked in The Kingdom of Bahrain, South Korea, New Zealand, and Antarctica twice. Her business was born in Luxor, Egypt along the banks of the Nile.

Why Did You Join AIA Seattle?

I joined AIA Seattle over 20 years ago as an interior designer (possibly still an intern) and continued on as an Associate AIA member for the next 12 years until I was able to fulfill requirements, pass exams, and become a registered and licensed architect and AIA member. Community has always been important to me, as well as the sharing of knowledge and the support we receive and provide to our colleagues, both personally and professionally.

What Relationships Have You Created?

I always think I know everyone in Seattle until I find myself in a room where I don’t know a single person.

Until I became a solo practitioner, I haven’t had the opportunity for much direct involvement in AIA outside of continuing education. I hope to meet and reconnect with many of my colleagues from our pasts as we grow in our careers and connect with those who are in need of mentorship.

What is the Value of AIA to You?

As a fly-on-the-wall at as many AIA Code Council meetings as I can attend, more knowledgeable colleagues keep me up-to-date on jurisdictional changes and industry lessons-learned to help avoid future pitfalls.
I am able to participate in and track continuing education, learn of topics important to the community, and experience local efforts such as SDF.

What Projects are You Working on Now?

I am currently assisting a small firm on Capitol Hill- my neighbors!- with the quality standards and documentation of a small Community Center and City Hall east of Seattle during a staffing transition.

How Do You Explain What You Do for a Living?

I am an Architect and Consultant hired by other Architects to analyze and assess the decisions made for smooth costing, bidding, and execution of a building construction project. While the Architect locates and quantifies materials and components and systems in the drawings, I compile the information required that can’t or shouldn’t be shown on the drawings. In the process of compiling this documentation, I look for hidden costs and oversights, inform the team of decisions that have not been made, and I extract as much of that information as I can from the design team to the best of my ability.

I write construction specifications.

Where is the Field of Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Headed?

More shelter for those needing shelter to live.
Managing and reacting to environmental changes required to live fulfilling lives.
Improved safety via technology.

What do you Hope to Contribute from Your Work?

I hope to improve the daily experience of work and life.

I hope people like their jobs and like coming to work and feel fulfilled and if I can help reduce ambiguity and help manage expectations and use my skills to help teams with where they want to go and how they can get there and have a better time getting there, I will be happy.