Asawari & Samir Mokashi

I AM AIA

Samir and his wife Asawari Mokashi are the founding Principals of at Code Unlimited, a minority-owned accessibility, building code, fire and hazardous materials consulting firm. Samir has over 30 years of experience in code compliance for high rise, high tech, hazardous manufacturing, residential, assembly, commercial, educational facilities, and many others. Samir and Asawari moved to the U.S. from India in the 1990s, both finished local higher education programs and began the firm from their home basement office, which has now grown into a 40+ firm known for delivering simple and elegant solutions to regulatory issues.

Why Did You Join AIA Seattle?

We had been involved with the AIA Portland as code educators, board members, and diversity initiative supporters since we moved to Portland in 1992. When we opened an office in Seattle it was a natural for us to join AIA Seattle. As code consultants we provide a valuable service to many local architectural firms, and we value participating in an association that supports and celebrates their work as well as positive work in the community.

What is the Value of AIA to You?

As the design and construction market has changed, architectural firms have had to adjust to it, the AIA has played a critical role in filling the gap. More importantly, it has been the “safe space” where we can forget the work challenges & other pressures and just be individuals sharing, caring, and making a difference together about the world we live in.

Can Design Save the World?

Absolutely. Design IS the solution. Design shapes our lives and can change our habits, health, and also inspire us to be better. Good design pays for itself in ways that are not imaginable and not always quantifiable (even though that is part of my role is to quantify the impacts). Design can show us an alternate route to our destination if we are open to it.

What is Your Favorite Seattle-Area Structure?

I have two favorites that I’d like to include here. First is Gas Works Park; this structure has history and reminds us of what that area used to be. The leftover structure and equipment from the refinery sheds light on the history of Seattle, development of the city, and its impact on our environment even now, for example, the quality of the water in Lake Union. All while adding character to the park. Second structure is the Sculpture Park that forms one of the most amazing connections between the Belltown area and the waterfront park, all while hosting numerous outdoor sculptures. This is one of the finest examples of design impacting, health and wellness, community and sustainability through the creation of ease of movement, space for outdoor activities including yoga for over 200 people in the summer, weddings, and other gatherings even year-round.

If You could Sum up Your Outlook on Life in a Bumper Sticker, What would it Say?

“Two roads diverged in the woods, I took the one less traveled by, which has made all the difference.”

Robert Frost

Can Design Save the World?

We can’t control mother nature or human nature.

What Relationships Have Your Created?

Many professional relationships and firm partnerships that go far beyond that of a client/consultant relationship.

What Projects are You Working on Right Now?

We are currently working on multiple projects in diverse market sectors. These include large airports expansions, HUD and market rate residential buildings, multiple university campuses, specialty manufacturing facilities, public facilities, and high-tech campuses.

How Do You Explain What You Do for a Living?

We work with architects to make buildings safer. We free the designer from traditional code constraints by developing innovative solutions that perform equal or better than the prescriptive code regulations.

What Inspired You Today?

The opportunity to mentor a young staff member.

Has Your Career Taken You Anywhere You Didn’t Expect?

Samir started out wanting to be an architect and realized he wanted to be creative not just within architecture so the opportunity to be a code consultant working in a wide array of building types and growing the business was unexpected and loving it. Asawari began as a scientist and uses those abilities for critical business analysis.

Where is the Field of Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Headed?

The materials and methods of construction will continue to evolve as will the role and responsibility of the Architect/Engineer/Contractor teams, but the key consideration – namely the human experience – will endure for centuries without much change.