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 2016, 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 and the mission-driven leaders have worked to create a sustainable Center to bring together design professionals, host exhibits, and allow these organizations to flourish.

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 in addition to virtual opportunities which provide heightened accessibility. We have found new ways to meet our community where they are. However, in recent years and looking ahead, the expense of the shared space has continued to increase disproportionately to its use. As reported originally in September of 2023, 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.

When SAF and AIA WA Council shared plans to leave the space in May of 2023, the AIA Seattle Board began a multi-year effort to align plans with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Member leaders, taskforces and the Board have been focused on identifying a space that meets strategic needs for the next 5–10 years.

The AIA Seattle Board reviewed the original Center purpose and goals, the needs of members and staff, the evolving use of the space over time, as well as financials of the organization. The AIA Seattle Board determined staying in the Center with or without partners would inequitably limit the accessibility of membership through member dues increases, or significant assessments to members.

In September of 2023, along with making the original announcement to our community about the eventual move the Board launched a member taskforce to explore options for leaving the space, and received their recommendation to align a new space with AIA Seattle’s mission, vision, and values.

In September of 2024, the Board launched a Real Estate Taskforce to bring forward potential new spaces. The Real Estate Taskforce is currently reviewing potential spaces. High priority considerations for the new space include walkability/access to transit, accessibility, sustainability, natural light, safety, public presence, and qualities that represent the region and our brand.

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 members and our community updated on plans as they develop. Though all CfAD partners are planning to exit the current space by October 2025, all partners plan to remain in collaboration and encourage you to continue to engage as a valued partner in our community.

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.