AIA Seattle 2016 Annual Report
2016 was a year of transformation for AIA Seattle. With the opening of the new Center for Architecture & Design, we have entered a new era of public engagement, demonstrating the value of architectural thinking to our thriving community.
When the Center opened in early 2016, we hoped to create a place of engagement, learning and influence, where members and the public would come together around the idea that “Design Matters”. In its first few months, the Center has exceeded our hopes and dreams, attracting an extraordinarily diverse audience and putting design squarely on the city’s radar.
Thousands of visitors enjoyed Center exhibits in 2016, and almost 30,000 people attended last year’s Seattle Design Festival. Media coverage of AIA Seattle programs and issues has also been robust, with more than 40 placements in print, radio and TV last year.
An elevated public profile aided our advocacy efforts in 2016 on a range of issues from affordable housing to design review to carbon taxes. We successfully defeated an initiative to undo plans for our central waterfront, and engaged public officials in conversations about urban design. Hiring a new staff position dedicated to advocacy will grow this work in 2017.
Our robust peer-to-peer professional education continued in 2016, with new programming on urban housing, sustainable and healthy building materials and industry business models. Member committees — including two new active committees: Committee on Architecture in Education and Seattle International Architecture Forum — produced an exciting range of programs and events.
A significant accomplishment in 2016 was the restructuring of AIA Washington Council, which supported a laser focus on state advocacy and the lowering of dues for all members in our state. As a part of the restructuring, AIA Northwest Washington merged to become a section of AIA Seattle, streamlining overhead and combining resources, while allowing members in the Northwest section to host their own programs, awards and member events.
As we move into the uncertainty of 2017, we are poised to make an impact and prepared to adapt and thrive.
Thank you to our members, volunteers and sponsors for demonstrating the critical relevance of architecture and design. AIA Seattle illustrates the power we have to make positive change in our profession, our city and the nation when we come together with shared purpose.
Read more in our AIA Seattle 2016 Annual Report.
