I Am AIA:

Rushyan Yen AIA

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Rushyan’s work aims to bridge research and design to solve complex problems using data-driven analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration. This style of working began at Yale. There, she developed and managed the Earth Stewardship Initiative to integrate ecological research with urban design. Her commitment to creating equitable, sustainable, and healthy urban environments is fueled by her love of the natural world and the myriad cultures she’s encountered during her travels as a dual citizen of Taiwan and the United States.

WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE?

I first joined AIA Seattle after graduate school to make professional and non-professional connections in a new city. As my AIA friendships and mentors grew, my passion for affecting change blossomed as well. I realized that architects have a lot of influence over the built and natural environment – not just through the buildings and infrastructure we design, but through our collective advocacy and efforts to educate and inspire action.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF AIA TO YOU?

The AIA is vital to sustaining the health of the architecture profession and the well-being of all people who live in the built environment. It provides architects a voice to advocate for better ways of working and a means to take action to create programs bigger than what one architect or one firm can achieve alone.

WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THE AIA SEATTLE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

As an architect, my efforts to make the world a better place have often resulted in a design concept or built form. I have come to see however that it is through deep collaboration and meaningful interactions with the design community and local stakeholders that fundamental change is possible. I believe that AIA Seattle is the glue that brings people together and allows this important collaboration to take place.

After two inspiring and empowering years as a Board Associate on the AIA WA Council, I’m excited to bring my experience to the AIA Seattle Board of Directors and serve as a liaison between the two organizations as well as to the greater design community. Through this collaboration, I know we will be able to address and respond to the challenges that face our community and profession, together.

HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING?

I apply nature’s genius to the built environment.

IF YOU COULD SUM UP YOUR OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN A BUMPER STICKER, WHAT WOULD IT SAY?

“Believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart.” – Steve Jobs