AIA Seattle 2017 Annual Report
Thank you to our members, volunteers, and sponsors for demonstrating the critical relevance of architecture and design.
2017 was a year of growth for AIA Seattle, and for the city we call home. Our activities flourished as our members played an active role in conversations that are shaping our region.
Advocacy was a major focus for the year. For the first time, we enjoyed the benefits of a staff position dedicated to local advocacy. Members developed positions and took action on housing, homelessness, design review, carbon fees, and Seattle’s central waterfront. New task forces on Housing and Homelessness added significant momentum to our housing policy work.
Programming and public interest in the Center for Architecture & Design continued to grow in 2017, with well attended exhibits like Futurama Redux, and a host of public and professional programs. The Seattle Design Festival attracted a record audience of over 30,000 with its design explorations of the theme “Power.”
Our robust peer-to-peer professional education continued in 2017, including thought-provoking conferences on future-ready building and urban resilience. Member committees — including new active committees on Mass Timber and Homelessness — produced thoughtful and relevant programs and events.
In addition, our Urban Design Forum elevated the conversation around urban issues; Diversity Roundtable aspired to inspire future generations of architects that more fully represent the diversity of our region; and our Small Practice and Residential committee reinvigorated AIA Seattle’s offerings for architects with small firms and residential practices.
In 2018, AIA Seattle will be launching our next strategic plan which will chart a clear and consistent course toward our goals over the next 5 years. We look forward to your voice and participation in our future.
