Center for Architecture & Design

AIA Seattle is located at the Center for Architecture & Design. The Center has been a dynamic public space for exhibits, programs, and conversations that explore design’s role in shaping cities.

Since 2015, the Center for Architecture & Design (CfAD) has been a community space for partner organizations Seattle Architecture Foundation, AIA Seattle, Seattle Design Festival, and AIA Washington Council who have worked in concert for programming, advocacy, and community building.

Like all organizations, the partners in the Center have adjusted in the past few years to new ways of collaborating and convening community. After a period of a lack of in person opportunities, we are thrilled to be back to engaging our community in person, as well as new formats and virtual opportunities which provide heightened accessibility. We have found new ways to meet our community where they are.

Covid did have many silver linings, including an opportunity to lean into the strength of relationships among Center partners rather than viewing partnership linked to a shared physical space. In recent years and looking ahead, the expense of the shared space has continued to increase disproportionately to its use. The partner organizations have thoughtfully considered the shifting ways our community engages and have decided not to renew the lease on 1010 Western when it expires after 10 years of occupancy in 2025.

Between now and the end of the lease, partner organizations will continue to fully leverage the space in support of our AEC community, while we each explore options for next steps after the end of the lease. Each partner may take a different path out of 1010 Western Ave, but we will continue to collaborate as partners with missions with many shared interests and stakeholders. We are excited to lean into the flexibility of connection we’ve strengthened together over the past years.

We are incredibly appreciative of the two taskforces, many members, and the board who have thoughtfully informed these decisions the last few years and are currently working to find AIA Seattle + SDF’s next home.

We will continue to keep you updated on what path each organization will take and encourage you to continue to engage as a valued partner in our community. Read the full September 2023 Center announcement here

DIRECTIONS

1010 Western Ave., Seattle WA 98104
206.667.9184

Transit
The Center is located a short walking distance from Union Station (buses and light rail), Colman Dock (ferries and water taxi), and most major bus lines. We encourage guests to utilize transit when visiting the Center.

From I-5 Southbound
Follow I-5 S to exit 165B, Union St., in Seattle.
Continue straight onto Union St. to 2nd Ave.
Turn left on 2nd Ave. and continue to Madison St.; turn right on Madison St.
Turn right on Western Ave.; CfAD is in the middle of the block on the right.

From I-5 Northbound
Follow I-5 N to exit 164A. Follow signs for Madison St.
Turn left on Madison St. and continue to Western Ave.
Turn right on Western Ave; CfAD is in the middle of the block on the right.

Parking
View Seattle’s parking lots and garages website with rates and availability in real-time.

For parking of two hours or less, limited pay station street parking is available.