A Year of Transition
Dear members and friends,
2025 has been a true year of transition for AIA Seattle, a year in which we refreshed our strategic direction, re-imagined our home, and recommitted to pushing design forward through programs and deeper community engagement.
As our community continues to evolve, so does the role we play to support architects, allied professionals, and the broader design ecosystem. This year of transitions invited our organization and members to adapt, rethink, and reposition ourselves for the future.
In 2025, we transitioned to a sharper strategic direction with a refreshed strategic plan, in alignment with Seattle Design Festival, under a shared vision for a culture of design that fosters equitable, resilient, thriving communities. The refreshed strategic plan informs our annual plan work, to deploy design to make a difference, prepare our communities to lead, and sustain healthy organizations.
One of the most significant transition milestones in 2025 was securing a new home at Smith Tower. This move marks more than a change in address, it’s a space that reflects who we are as a community dedicated to design excellence, accessibility, sustainability, and historic relevance. We are on the cusp of moving in, and will be excited to welcome our community at Smith Tower in 2026.
AIA Seattle pushed design forward, from engaging with elected officials and their staff to advocate for more housing everywhere, to celebrating design excellence at Parti and Honor Awards, and partnering through Seattle Design Festival to deliver the largest free to attend, publicly created design festival in the world.
Thank you for your partnership, participation, and leadership in a transformative year of transitions. May you have a peaceful end of year and joyful launch into 2026.
Melissa K. Neher
Executive Director, AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival
