Behind the Vision: Participate for Impact – You Belong in Our Community-Driven Work
Our AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival community makes an impact, from the 7,000+ attendees at the Festival each year to educational and community programming presented by AIA Seattle’s Member Committees. Our two organizations work in alignment to promote a culture of design that fosters equitable, resilient, thriving communities.
Our impact is thanks to the many dedicated volunteers who devote time through board service, committee involvement, advocacy, and participation in the Festival. Volunteer engagement deepens interdisciplinary connections, supports public understanding of design’s role in daily life, and ensures our community receives quality programming, continued learning, and meaningful opportunities to connect.
Looking to get involved? Join us this summer for in-person connection and engagement opportunities. When the sun comes out, volunteer opportunities come out, too! The Member Committee Showcase, hosted at Smith Tower’s sunny 22nd floor lounge, and the Seattle Design Festival are casual, free opportunities to spend a couple hours of time to be part of our collective impact.
Member Committee Showcase | August 4 at Smith Tower
Join us on Tuesday, August 4, from 5-7pm for an interactive happy hour event to connect with AIA Seattle Member Committees, and learn how you can get involved. Register here.
AIA Seattle’s 16 member committees are led by dedicated volunteers, providing programming, networking opportunities, and learning. If you’ve been thinking you’d like to get more involved with AIA Seattle, this is a great opportunity to explore member committees and see how they support your interests!
Seattle Design Festival 2026 | August 15-20
Seattle Design Festival, our region’s largest free to attend multi-disciplinary design event, kicks off with the Block Party on August 15-16 at Lake Union Park: a touchstone between design and the public. This year, 84 firms and organizations are designing for the SDF. Be part of the Festival:
- Become a day-of volunteer by completing this form
- RSVP for the Partner + Volunteer Social on July 30
- Plan your visit: attend the Block Party, register for a Design Mixer, and get tickets for the Closing Party
Attending or volunteering with SDF is the first step towards impact. A couple hours of your time for the Festival may deepen your interest to propose a Pop-up event in the future, encourage friends and family to attend, or volunteer.
Supports are in place for your participation:
- SDF Funding Awards | emerging professionals and community organizations submit to the Festival for free and may receive funding to support their designs.
- Diversity in Leadership Funds | AIA Seattle volunteer leaders whose employers do not cover AIA dues and are from historically marginalized backgrounds are eligible to receive funding to support their leadership.
We are member and volunteer-led, with many opportunities to get involved—take the next step today!
