2025 AIA Seattle Parti Honorees

Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by the Fellows & Honors Committee each year to acknowledge excellence and strengthen ties between architects and the many professions that partner with them to make a difference through design. Honorees will be awarded formally at the 2025 AIA Seattle Parti live event.

Learn more about our Individual Awards Program!

2024 WHITNEY M. YOUNG JR. AWARD

Douglas Ito, FAIA | Douglas Ito, FAIA, has been honored with the 2024 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award for his dedication to social impact through architecture. As managing principal at Seattle’s SMR Architects, Ito has spent 26 years designing affordable housing, from shelters to multi-family units, ensuring safe and dignified spaces for low-income communities. Under his leadership, SMR has added over 2,400 affordable units in Washington, many meeting ESDS or LEED standards. Ito champions diversity in architecture, working to remove barriers for underrepresented groups. Beyond design, he advocates for social equity and homelessness solutions, serving on AIA Washington Council and key housing advisory boards. Notably, as Housing Development Consortium board president, he played a crucial role in Seattle’s 2016 and 2023 housing levies, securing nearly $1.3 billion for affordable housing. His work exemplifies architecture’s power to transform communities.

AIA SEATTLE GOLD MEDAL

Karen L. Braitmayer, FAIA | Architect Karen L. Braitmayer, FAIA, is the founding principal of Studio Pacifica, an accessibility consulting firm based in Seattle, Washington. In addition to her firm’s consulting work with nationally known architects and corporate clients, her “good fight” has consistently focused on supporting equity and full inclusion for persons with disabilities. As a registered architect, Braitmayer was admitted to the prestigious College of Fellows by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2004. Her professional expertise and personal experience also led to her appointment by President Barack Obama to the United States Access Board, and she served in that position until July 2023. In 2019, she was chosen as the national winner of the AIA Whitney M. Young, Jr. award—a prestigious award given to an architect who “embodies social responsibility and actively addresses a relevant issue”. In the award’s 48-year history, she was the first recipient honored for their work in civil rights for persons with disabilities.

2024 AIA College of Fellows

Ann Marie Borys, FAIA | Ann Marie Borys, Ph.D., FAIA, is an architect and scholar specializing in material culture and the relationship between construction, intention, and meaning in architecture. She has practiced in Boston, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati and has been teaching since 1991, joining the University of Washington faculty in 2010. She has served on the boards of the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation and Environmental Works, a nonprofit providing design services to under-served Seattle communities. Through teaching, scholarship, academic administration, and service, Ann Marie orients students towards ethical practice by integrating history, theory, design, and professional values within a pedagogy of social engagement, action research, and critical inquiry.

J. Todd Scott, FAIA | As a Preservation Architect/Planner for King County, Todd works on planning and policy development, historic property surveys, inventory and database management, reviews of federal, state, and local projects affecting historic buildings and landscapes, and our current use taxation program. He touts preservation and honoring history as powerful economic development tools that can save historic downtowns across America while supporting new small businesses, entrepreneurs, and artists. By leveraging historic resources and community engagement, Todd has empowered diverse communities to revitalize their architectural and cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations.

Jim Hanford, FAIA | Leading the sustainable design process for the country’s most influential projects, Jim actualizes Miller Hull’s ethos, standardizing high-performance within its practice, and awakening the architectural community to a new standard of building. Jim leads Miller Hull’s building performance and sustainability efforts, constantly exploring how we can coexist with the earth without harming it. With a background in engineering, he dissects buildings into systems, optimizing daylighting, ventilation, and mechanical efficiency. His expertise allows him to bridge the gap between designers and engineers, ensuring seamless collaboration. By leveraging disciplines to do what they do best, he creates high-performance solutions where aesthetics and function align. For Jim, true sustainability is about smart, efficient design.

John Shoesmith, FAIA | John elevates the standard in design for aging and memory care environments. His award-winning design, advocacy, and influence in regulatory change improves lives and inspires others in the profession. John’s passion for design for aging began with his grandmother’s struggle with dementia, inspiring him to create environments that enhance care and quality of life. Since 1992, he has specialized in senior living design, balancing function, aesthetics, and the unique needs of residents, staff, and visitors. His work spans active adult communities, assisted living, and nursing homes, with a focus on high-quality memory care. An advocate for evidence-based design, John is EDAC certified and contributes to the Facility Guidelines Institute, championing better regulations to improve senior living environments nationwide.

Kathrina Simonen, FAIA | Kate has crystallized the embodied carbon movement with cutting-edge research, incubation of new approaches and cross-sector collaboration, equipping architects with the data, policies and social infrastructure to successfully harness carbon-smart material solutions. Kate is a Professor of Architecture at UW, founder of the Carbon Leadership Forum, and leader of the Life Cycle Lab. Kate is a licensed architect and structural engineer, an AIA Fellow, a UK’s Institution of Structural Engineers Honorary Fellow, and a ENR Top 25 Newsmaker 2020. Through research, advocacy, and leadership, she advances life cycle assessment methods and drives industry-wide action to cut greenhouse gas emissions from materials while promoting sustainable, high-performance design.

Robert Misel, FAIA | Rob’s approach to firm and project leadership creates an environment of inclusivity, transparency and accountability. His commitment prioritizes equity with sustainable design excellence, fostering diversity and engagement within projects, communities, and the profession. With 30+ years in architecture, Rob has embraced the multidimensional nature of the profession. “There are so many fulfilling paths that don’t necessarily align with what most people imagine architecture to be.” His portfolio includes large-scale projects like the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry and the C Concourse Expansion at SEA, where he expertly balances quality control and communication. Rob builds trust and camaraderie, making him an invaluable leader in both project execution and firm management.

2025 AIA COLLEGE OF FELLOWS

Brendan Connolly, FAIA | Brendan Connolly, FAIA, LEED AP, is dedicated to creating innovative, high-performing built environments for educational and corporate clients. His passion for design extends from early conceptual development through construction, ensuring work that is both beautifully conceived and technically rigorous. Brendan integrates cost-effective sustainability strategies with strong project management. Specializing in net-zero energy and Living Buildings, he champions integrated thinking and collaboration to achieve client goals. Brendan serves on Mithun’s Board of Directors and contributes to the University of Washington’s College of Built Environments as a lecturer and Professional Advisory Council member.

2024 AIA NATIONAL YOUNG ARCHITECT AWARD

Amanda Snelson, AIA |Amanda Snelson, AIA, blends activism and sustainability in her architectural career. As an associate principal at ZGF Architects, she has worked on diverse projects, from small renovations to large-scale life science facilities. A champion for women in architecture, she co-chairs AIA Seattle’s Women in Design Committee, sharing her experiences balancing career and parenthood. Passionate about community engagement, she has organized PechaKucha Nights, served on AIA committees, and advocated for licensure accessibility. A sustainability leader, she has contributed to AIA 2030 reporting efforts. Currently, she enhances Seattle Children’s Hospital through thoughtful tenant improvement projects.

AIA SEATTLE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Bill Singer | With over 38 years of architectural experience, including 29 years at Environmental Works, he has led the Affordable Housing Studio, focusing on sustainable, affordable housing and community-oriented spaces. His notable projects include Patricia K, April’s Grove, Country Doctor Community Health Clinic, Bakhita Gardens, the Puyallup Longhouse (2012 LEED for Homes project of the year), and Traugott Terrace, the first LEED-certified affordable housing project in the U.S. He has expertise in sustainable design and permanent supportive housing. His commitment to honoring the dignity of all people, through his thoughtful design work leads to high quality design that reflects the mission and values of Environmental Works’ nonprofit clients.

Roger Tucker | Roger joined Environmental Works in 1997 as Director of Architecture, leading sustainable design projects for underserved and low-income communities across the Northwest. Roger retired in 2023 following a career in Architecture spanning more than 45 years’ experience in the design of affordable housing and community facilities, emphasizing environmental sustainability, social equity, and engaging users in building design. Roger’s community engagement and architecture work are grounded in his beliefs that housing is a basic human right, and that building housing builds community. He received the Housing Development Consortium’s 2021 Carla Okigwe Leadership Award. Major projects included Ethiopian Village, Neighborhood House Rainier Vista, Strength of Place Village, and Senior City.

Sally Knodell | With decades of experience in socially responsible architecture, Sally specializes in designing community facilities and sustainable spaces that serve under-resourced communities. Passionate about equitable development, she integrates participatory design processes to ensure that projects reflect the needs and aspirations of their users. Through her leadership at Environmental Works, she has contributed to numerous transformative projects, including dozens of childcare centers, community facilities, and social service delivery facilities such as family resource centers, including the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center and Food Bank.

AIA SEATTLE YOUNG ARCHITECT AWARD

Emily Hagen Larkin, AIA | Emily Hagen Larkin, AIA, is the Principal Architect and Founder of Studio Hagen, a woman-owned Seattle practice she established in 2022. Rooted in place-based design, her work draws inspiration from the natural environment to create thoughtful spaces defined by intentional materials, detailing, and collaborative design. With over a decade of purpose-driven design experience at all scales spanning woodworking, affordable housing, mass timber innovation, and international development, Emily is also a dedicated mentor and advocate for design and small businesses. She serves on the Virginia Tech Architecture Advisory Board, and contributes to the NCARB exam. A leader in mass timber, she has presented nationally and internationally, promoting sustainable building practices and innovative material use. As an independent practitioner, Emily blends technical expertise with artistic vision, advocacy, and collaboration. Her commitment to sustainability, craft, and community inspires the next generation of architects to forge their own paths with confidence and purpose.

Michele M. Hill, AIA | Michele M. Hill is an architect and capital project manager for the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services. She has over 15 years’ experience in both public and private sector architecture roles managing institutional, civic, and commercial projects. She currently chairs the State Facilities Accessibility Advisory Committee, leveraging her position to champion equity and inclusivity in the built environment. Outside of her day job, Michele has an extensive record of volunteer and advocacy work, including serving as President of AIA Seattle and Seattle Design Festival, and as a founding member and co-chair of AIA Seattle’s JE:DI Council. Michele tirelessly advocates for disability awareness and accessibility, using her lived experience as a disabled architect to inform her work. Her regional and national presentations have inspired action, highlighting the need to reform studio culture and support disabled professionals for a more equitable and inclusive future in architecture.

AIA SEATTLE VOLUNTEER AWARD

John Rodezno, Assoc. AIA | John C. Rodezno, Assoc. AIA, is an architectural designer at SMR Architects. A Southern California native, he earned his B.S. in Architecture from the University of Colorado at Denver and completed his M.Arch at the University of Washington’s College of Built Environments. In 2018, John participated in the PLACES Advancing Leaders (PALs) Program, previously the PreserveWA Fellowship, developed by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. Impassioned by historic preservation, regulatory policy, and zoning, he served as a Board Member for the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board through YMCA Seattle’s 2020-21 Get Engaged program. In 2021, he contributed to the Professional Practice Steering Committee and, in 2024, to AIA Seattle’s Strategic Planning Taskforce. John is an advocate for increased access to public transit, affordable housing, and infrastructure that supports pedestrians and cyclists.

Rio Namiki, AIA | Rio is an architect with over a decade of experience across civic, housing, commercial, hospitality, educational, and non-profit sectors. She specializes in adaptive reuse and community-centered design, focusing on sustainability and equity in every project. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AEC industry is demonstrated through leadership roles at AIA. Rio serves as the Washington State Young Architect Representative at AIA National, a Board of Associates member at AIA Washington, and co-chairs the JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Steering Committee and Diversity Roundtable at AIA Seattle. She advocates for equitable access to AIA conferences, organizes multi-chapter EDI discussions, and promotes inclusive design through monthly project highlights. Beyond AIA, Rio has strengthened practice management within her firms by advocating for mentorship for BIPOC employees, implementing equity initiatives, and establishing a Human Resources department. She supports emerging designers as a guest critic at the University of Washington and as a mentor at Sawhorse Revolution.

HONORARY AIA SEATTLE MEMBERSHIP

Chris Moore, Hon. AIA | Chris Moore is the Executive Director for the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. Established in 1976, the WA Trust is a nonprofit, membership organization dedicated to safeguarding Washington’s historic places through advocacy, education, stewardship and collaboration. As Executive Director, Chris works statewide with local communities engaged in efforts to preserve those historic and cultural resources that enrich our environment and add to Washington’s unique sense of place. He is especially enthusiastic about the Washington Trust’s Youth Heritage Project, an annual field school that convenes high school students from across the state in an effort to provide hands-on experience in the field of cultural resources management. After completing his graduate work in preservation at Boston University, Chris joined the Washington Trust in 2005. Prior to his life as a historic preservationist, he spent nearly a decade teaching US History at the high school level.

ALLIED ORGANIZATION AWARD

Friends of Waterfront Park | Friends of Waterfront Park aims to create inclusive public spaces where design, culture, and community intersect. As the nonprofit partner managing and programming Seattle’s new Waterfront Park, we activate the space through events and programs that invite all people to engage with design—whether through public art installations, cultural celebrations, or conversations on urban planning and sustainability. Our partnerships with architects, designers, and community leaders help shape a waterfront that reflects the diversity of Seattle, ensuring accessibility, environmental resilience, and civic engagement are at the heart of our work. By fostering dialogue and interaction through design-centered programming, we aim to create a welcoming and vibrant waterfront for generations to come.

Posted in Fellows and Honors, Uncategorized

Reaffirming Our Commitment to Justice and Equity through Diversity and Inclusion (JE:DI)

We aim to nurture universal inclusion and fairness in the built environment and for the diverse communities our work impacts. This imperative continues to guide and challenge us as we evolve our practices. In recent weeks, executive orders have been issued that impact our profession, clients, and communities. Of note are the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the discontinuation of federal support for DEI programs. We stay committed to our Racial Justice Commitments set in 2019-2022, and now more than ever, AIA Seattle reaffirms our dedication to putting our JE:DI commitments into practice. In 2025, these include:

To promote a robust pipeline that reflects the diversity of our community we will:

Develop recommendations and tools for Member Advancement Committee to support an inclusive leadership process
Refine board call for nominations and relationship-tracking processes and tools, implement strategies to improve
Deliver listening sessions and/or member survey, to better understand the needs and lived experiences of our Members
Develop recommendations and tools for Fellows and Honors Committee to support an inclusive individual awards process

To inform the policies, systems, and people that shape our built environment we will:

Engage in One Seattle Comprehensive Plan Process and share recommendations with city and knowledge with our community
Finalize the Climate Policy Statement of AIA Seattle for approval by the AIA Seattle Board of Directors
Steward relationships with members of Seattle City Council and staff, City departments, and other organizations to advocate on behalf of member views for housing, design review reform, and comprehensive plan
Continue to thread JEDI through all our work, including as a vital lens in learning opportunities like our Major Education Programs

Architects choose this profession out of a desire to improve our communities. Now more than ever, that passion must translate into action. Together, we can ensure that the built environment becomes a stronghold for justice, inclusion, and equity.

Posted in JEDI

Register Now for the 2025 Building Code Series: Code Download

CODE DOWNLOAD SESSIONS

Join us for four upcoming sessions to learn from Code experts:

Session 1 | Code Download | Understanding Unreinforced Masonry (URM): Navigating Codes, Regulations, Cost and Incentives
March 25-26, 2025 // ONLINE // 12:00PM – 2:00PM PT (both days) // 4 LU/HSW

Session 2 | Code Download | Deep Dive into IBC Chapter 7 – Fire and Smoke Protection Issues
July 22-23, 2025 // ONLINE // 12:00PM – 2:00PM PT (both days) // 4 LU/HSW

Session 3 | Code Download | Top 10 Code Issues
September 8, 2025 // IN PERSON //Location TBA // 9:00AM – 1:00PM PT // 4 LU/HSW

Session 4 | Code Download | 2021 Seattle / Washington Residential Energy Code
October 28-29, 2025 // ONLINE // 12:00PM – 2:00PM PT (both days) // 4 LU/HSW

*Stay tuned for additional information about these exciting sessions! Registration opens approximately 6-8 weeks before the session date(s). All sessions subject to change.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2025 CODE SERIES SPONSORS

BetterBricks | Windows, Doors & More

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE CODE COMMITTEE

Special thanks to the Code Committee for planning this series!

CODE COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
Ana Parke AIA
Che Fortaleza AIA

QUESTIONS?

Program, Registration, or Credit Questions?
Contact Andrea Aguilera, Senior Programs Coordinator at AIA Seattle

Sponsorship Questions?
Contact Zee Mars, Development Manager at AIA Seattle

Posted in Allied Professionals, Architects, Associates, Code, For the Profession, For the Public, Member Firms, Recent Graduates, Sponsors, Students

Advocacy Update – January 2025

Seattle's Comp Plan city skyline graphic

This Month in Advocacy: Welcome Nathan, AIA Seattle’s new Advocacy Manager; Seattle’s Comp Plan Pro-Housing voices urgently needed; eliminating parking mandates with SB 5184 boost housing production; and join COHO for their Social Housing Prop 1A + 1B event.

Welcome AIA Seattle Advocacy Manager,
Nathan Winch

Originally from Washington D.C., Nathan is no stranger to advocacy work. He received a BS in Environmental Science and Politics and Policy from the University of Maryland. Nathan’s background ranges from fundraising to campaign management, he has worked on numerous campaigns across the country from gubernatorial, state legislative, presidential, and non-profit campaigns.

In 2020, Nathan moved to Washington State to work on the presidential primary and immediately fell in love with the area. Since then, Nathan has been involved in local politics working on campaigns across the state. Nathan began his role January 6th with AIA Seattle and will be working to move forward AIA Seattle’s key advocacy priorities in collaboration with our ten counties of members. Join us in welcoming Nathan!

Seattle City Council Receives Mayor’s Comp Plan

Pro-Housing voices urgently needed!

For nearly 3 years, AIA Seattle members have been advocating for a Comprehensive Plan for the City of Seattle as a 15-minute city, with a variety of housing options near many types of amenities, retail cores, and transit.

Now more than ever in this multi-year process, we need credible pro-housing voices to bring forward their views. Here’s how you can help:

ACTION NEEDED

Download a sample message to send to your Councilmember
Sign up to Testify There are multiple dates in the months ahead
Rally with pro-housing voices @City Hall 4pm February 5th and then testify at 5pm.

AIA Seattle sent a letter this week to City Council to urge Council to keep in place the aspects of the Mayor’s plan they are hearing significant push back on from anti-housing folks. AIA Seattle has amplified member voices through all phases of Comprehensive Plan development, including positions raised in May 2024 on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Plan, and in December 2024 on Draft Rezoning Maps and Draft Neighborhood Residential Zoning Legislation.

In early January, Mayor Harrell sent his final version of the Comprehensive Plan to City Council, who are reviewing now in advance of a planned May vote. After years of asking for more opportunities for diverse housing types spread across the City, the pro-housing community is now in a fight to maintain the 30 Neighborhood Centers included in the Mayor’s plan. Anti-housing voices are strong and active, and AIA Seattle is one of multiple groups working to get out the Pro-Housing advocates. Email your Councilmember and sign up to testify today!

SB 5184 Would Provide Huge Boost to Housing Production

1/24 10.30am TESTIFY to support State Legislation to Eliminate Parking Mandates

SB 5184 would reduce or eliminate parking mandates around Washington State, granting people in every community the flexibility they need to build the amount of parking that is right for them and their residents and customers.

AIA Seattle’s housing policy demands elimination of parking minimums to support housing production. This bill could reduce housing costs, GHG emissions, and support equity, flexibility, walkability, environmental justice, runoff and tree canopy, to name a few!

Sightline has developed information about this potential legislation here.

ACTION NEEDED

The bill has been scheduled for its first hearing Friday 1/24 @ 10:30AM in the Senate Housing committee. Sightlines is spearheading a broad base of support from a diversity of groups to increase chances of this becoming state law.

Personalize testimony to your experience and your credibility as an AIA architect.

Social Housing – Learn more about Prop 1A + 1B February 5

AIA Seattle endorsed the City of Seattle Social Housing Ballot Initiative I-135 which voters approved. Learn more about the funding options for Social Housing, at an event hosted by AIA Seattle’s Committee on Homelessness on Wednesday, February 5th. Register today! And vote February 11.

News of Interest

Debate: Is Seattle Ready to Go Big on Social Housing? | Seattle Nice Podcast

Updated Seattle Growth Plan Adds Five Neighborhood Anchors, Bigger Fourplexes | The Urbanist

More paving, fewer trees. So much for a green ‘One Seattle’ | Seattle Times

We’d love to hear from you! For more information on advocacy topics, please contact:

Nathan Winch Advocacy Manager, AIA Seattle
Melissa K. Neher Executive Director, AIA Seattle

Posted in Advocacy

2025 Call for Board Nominations | Q&A with the Member Advancement Committee

Curious about nominating yourself or a peer for the AIA Seattle Board of Directors? Learn about the impact of board service from members of the Member Advancement Committee!

Alissa Rupp, FAIA | Member Advancement Committee, AIA Seattle Board President, 2018-2019

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN AIA SEATTLE + SEATTLE DESIGN FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, INCLUDING BOARD SERVICE?
Our profession is more than just all of us in our firms or cubicles or home offices, having meetings and meeting deadlines. If we think of it as a project in itself, then it needs attention: management, direction, purpose, vision. Participating in AIA Seattle or the Design Festival is an opportunity to guide and impact the profession, and to help ensure that we use our powers for good. Architects, putting their heads together, have more power than we know. These are places for us to put our heads together.

WHAT IS/ARE YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OR MEMORIES OF YOUR BOARD SERVICE?
One of the early events in the Center for Architecture and Design was a reception to honor newly licensed architects. I was President Elect at the time, so I got to speak to those assembled about the expansion of our ranks, and the hard work that those newly minted architects had done to reach that milestone. It was joyful and celebratory, and it made me so optimistic about the future of our region.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO JOIN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
Serving on the Board is a whole new way of interacting with your peers; you meet colleagues, competitors, collaborators and consultants, and work toward common goals and a shared vision. It is a neutral space, in the best way, for networking and connecting the dots across the region, and if your service is anything like mine was, you will realize that you are in the company of some of the smartest people you are likely to meet! It’s a different lens on our jobs (small “j”) and on our Work (capital W) that is hard to find elsewhere.

Heather Skeehan, AIA | Member Advancement Committee, AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival Board President, 2022-2023

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN AIA SEATTLE + SEATTLE DESIGN FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, INCLUDING BOARD SERVICE?
Expanding my network of AEC professionals outside of the people I worked directly with was the biggest reason. When I learned that there is a network of 2600 architects and firms and allied professionals it hit me how small of a percentage of that group I had met and worked with. In particular, it has particularly provided huge insight and connections within the small firms!

WHAT IS/ARE YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OR MEMORIES OF YOUR BOARD SERVICE?
The active, deep, and sometimes emotional discussions that we had as a board as we developed our imperatives, especially around JEDI. We all pushed each other to not just sit back and let these things happen from other industries, but dug into how we as architects and makers of space can drive change and impact JEDI. The passion in the room (virtual though it was) was inspiring and has stayed in my mind since.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO JOIN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
Serving on a board, particularly one that is so directly tied to your profession, can be deeply challenging and incredibly rewarding. You meet people, you build relationships (in an environment that works DELIBERATELY to be respectful and make space for diverse people and opinions), you impact peers and colleagues, and you can be a voice in the room driving decisions and investments that can improve the profession and the region.

Michele M. Hill, AIA | Member Advancement Committee, AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival Board President, 2023-2024

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN AIA SEATTLE + SEATTLE DESIGN FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, INCLUDING BOARD SERVICE?
I’ve long appreciated that AIA Seattle leads our profession and our institute by example, first on climate and more recently on equity. Seattle Design Festival has accessibility at the heart of its mission, working to bring all kinds of design to the public and engaging all people in improving our built environment. Both organizations convene passionate individuals, empowering them to make real change in our community and act as stewards of a better world.

WHAT IS/ARE YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OR MEMORIES OF YOUR BOARD SERVICE?
Riding the ferry across Puget Sound to my very first board event, I was immediately approached by the then President-Elect and engaged in a long conversation about my life outside of architecture. I felt so very welcomed into the board space and made to feel like I belonged there. Since then, I’ve worked hard to continue that legacy of welcoming to our new leaders, enabling them to show up as their best selves and lend their talents to our two organizations.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO JOIN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
Don’t wait for someone else to recognize how awesome you are – nominate yourself! When I first put in my name to be considered for the board, I never dreamed I’d eventually be invited to serve as President of both AIA Seattle and Seattle Design Festival. I have met the most wonderful, engaged, passionate, and creative people during my board service, and we always love to welcome new faces. Come join us!

The deadline for the 2025 cycle of AIA Seattle board nominations is Friday, February 7th. Nominate yourself or a peer today!

Click here to learn more about the Seattle Design Festival’s call for board nominations.

Posted in For the Public, Uncategorized

2025 Call for Nominations | AIA Seattle Board of Directors

Why join the AIA Seattle Board of Directors?

AIA Seattle is the strongest professional organization impacting the region where we live and work. Be part of shaping the future of architecture and design in Seattle and beyond. Directors of the AIA Seattle Board engage in:

Community and Professional Impact: Drive change and progress by implementing AIA Seattle’s mission, vision, values, and strategic imperatives.
Professional Growth: Develop leadership skills and expand your professional network.
Collaboration: Engage with an aligned organization that amplifies your voice and vision in the industry.

Nomination Process

To nominate yourself or a peer, please fill out this form by February 7! Nominations received by this date will be prioritized for review by the Membership Advancement Steering Committee, which vets potential board members for service through the 2025 nomination cycle and recommends a slate of candidates for approval by the AIA Seattle Board of Directors in April. In June, AIA Seattle members vote to confirm incoming directors, with the three-year term of service beginning September 1, 2025.

New directors are assigned to a steering committee based on the organization’s need and candidates’ individual skills and expertise. There are distinct positions that serve on both the AIA Seattle and Seattle Design Festival aligned boards, including the following steering committees: Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Development Committee and Membership Development Committee.

AIA Seattle is actively seeking 8 new board members to fill the following open seats:

Director, Professional Practice (two open seats): Leads initiatives to advance architectural practice by integrating educational programs and facilitating connections among professionals, aligning with AIA Seattle’s mission and values.
Director, Public Policy: Guides the organization’s advocacy efforts, shaping policies that impact the architecture community and the built environment, ensuring alignment with our strategic goals.
Advocate Director, WA Council/Public Policy: Serves as a liaison to the Washington Council, promoting AIA Seattle’s policy positions at the state level and advocating for legislative outcomes beneficial to the profession.
Director, Membership (10-county): Oversees member engagement across AIA Seattle’s 10-county service area, supporting committees that deliver events, learning opportunities, and network building to enhance member participation.
Director, Finance (AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival): Manages financial strategies and oversight for both AIA Seattle and the Seattle Design Festival, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational objectives.
Director, Development (AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival): Leads fundraising and development efforts to support the missions of AIA Seattle and the Seattle Design Festival, fostering partnerships and securing resources for sustained growth.
Emerging Professional/Student Board Position: The Member Advancement Steering Committee is also inviting applications for an emerging professional or student as a non-voting participant in the board space for one year of service. This is a paid position to bring diverse perspectives into the Board leadership space.
- For more information, see the Emerging Professional Role description. Please upload a statement of interest and resume here.

All nominees will be asked to disclose any violations of the AIA Code of Ethics in the last seven years. Please review the AIA Code of Ethics here.

Aligned Boards – AIA Seattle & Seattle Design Festival

In 2021, AIA Seattle and Seattle Design Festival (formerly Design in Public) began working towards alignment in leadership and governance. This includes meeting together, engaging in joint strategic planning, and considering paths forward for sustainable growth and resource development for both organizations. Multiple Board members of the Boards of Directors of AIA Seattle and Seattle Design Festival serve on both Boards. The Boards continue to work together towards a shared vision.

Questions?
Contact Anthony Collins, Senior Coordinator of Member Engagement.

Posted in Uncategorized

What’s to Come in 2025!

AIA Seattle's Major Programs and celebratory events to come in 2025

2025 Major Programs + Events

In 2025, AIA Seattle is proud to continue to deliver critical education programs and celebratory events that align with our Mission, Vision, Values, & Imperatives:

WAsafe Building Safety Evaluation | Early Spring, In-Person
Building Code Series | Quarterly, Online*
Climate Summit | Early Spring, In-Person
AHC Conference(s) | Spring and/or Fall, In-Person
Parti | Spring, In-Person
Housing Design Forum | Late Spring, In-Person
Business of Architecture Series | Summer/Fall, In-Person
Honor Awards for Washington Architecture | November, In-Person

More info on the education programs here. All programs subject to change. Stay tuned for more details 6-8 weeks in advance of each program!

New Strategic Plan + New Home

In 2025, we will continue to keep AIA Seattle members and the SDF community informed about the future of our strategic work and our location:

Strategic Plan | The strategic planning taskforce is refreshing our current plan, and will be inviting input from AIA Seattle members and the SDF community early in the year to inform the evolution of our work through 2030.

Our new home | As announced September of 2023, the partner organizations at the Center for Architecture & Design made the difficult decision to not renew our lease when it expires in October 2025. After 10 years of shared physical space, each organization is considering the needs of their organizations independently, while finding new ways to continue collaboration. We are incredibly appreciative of the two taskforces, many members, and the board who have thoughtfully informed these decisions and are working to find AIA Seattle + SDF’s next home.

Read our full recap on a year of impactful engagement as we look ahead to 2025!

Don’t miss our on-demand education programs and the programs and events led by our member committees throughout the year by exploring our calendar. Additional info related to access needs, discounts for our valued members, and reduced rate / scholarship opportunities will be shared per program. Visit our membership pages to learn more about the benefits of joining AIA Seattle.

Posted in Uncategorized

Advocacy Update – December 2024

AIA Seattle brings together and advocates for a community of professionals across ten counties who are united not only in profession, but in purpose, through our vision for equitable, resilient, thriving communities. Now is a great time to focus on our local community in Washington – in opportunities such as these:

City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan – Public Engagement Period thru Dec. 20

The Comprehensive Plan will shape development for decades. AIA Seattle members are encouraged to provide input through this Friday, December 20, 2024 on drafts of rezoning maps and draft legislation for updated Neighborhood Residential zoning.

Advocate in Olympia – Capitol Connections 2025

Capitol Connections is AIAWA’s annual lobby day in Olympia, where architects discuss issues important to the profession directly with their legislators. AIAWA provides talking points and background materials and matches members to their representatives for conversations about furthering issues related to the built environment. Register today to join AIA WA Council on March 3 ^rd in Olympia.

Architects Wanted – City of Seattle Neighborhood Design Review Boards:

Members of neighborhood-based Design Review Boards advise the City of Seattle about the design of proposed commercial and multifamily buildings at twice-monthly evening meetings. Learn more and apply by email by December 31, 2024.

We’d love to hear from you! For more information on advocacy topics, please contact:
Melissa K. Neher | Executive Director, AIA Seattle

Posted in Advocacy

A Year of Impactful Engagement

End of Year Impacts for the AIA Seattle Chapter

Dear members and friends,

2024 was a year of impactful engagement. Members embraced leadership opportunities to impact the future of the profession and bring together our AEC community. Members brought forward their individual and team work of the highest quality, confirmed by the significant number of Fellows and projects honored in 2024. The collective voice of our members drove advocacy efforts to increase all types of housing, an urgent need for communities in our ten-county chapter. And on a national level, our member’s involvement on the AIA Strategic Council culminated in shared findings on topics in 2024 to move the profession forward.

As we look ahead to 2025, the divided political context reminds us of the value of architecture as a form of work that is focused on people and their needs. AIA Seattle champions three strategic imperatives: Climate, Housing, and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. AIA Seattle members have multiple opportunities in 2025 to participate in our vision for equitable, resilient, thriving communities. A few ways you can plan to plug in:

Participate in a member committee: Join a monthly meeting to hear how you can get involved
Consider a Leadership role: Self-nominate for the AIA Seattle or Seattle Design Festival Board of Directors to be a strategic leader of an aligned vision Stay tuned for the early 2025 ‘Call for Nominations’
Advocate in the 2025 Washington State Legislative Session: Impact policies that affect the profession and our communities by registering for AIA WA Council’s preview on 12/17 and Capitol Connections on March 3rd

In 2025, we will continue to keep AIA Seattle members and the SDF community informed about the future of our strategic work and our location:

Strategic Plan: The strategic planning taskforce is refreshing our current plan, and will be inviting input from AIA Seattle members and the SDF community early in the year to inform the evolution of our work through 2030.
Our new home: As announced September of 2023, the partner organizations at the Center for Architecture & Design (1010 Western Ave) made the decision to not renew our lease when it expires in October 2025. After 10 years of shared physical space, each organization is considering the needs of their organizations independently, while finding new ways to continue collaboration. We are incredibly appreciative of the two taskforces, many members, and the board who have thoughtfully informed these decisions and working to find AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival’s next home.

Thank you for being a valued member of the AIA Seattle community. May you have a peaceful end of year and joyful launch into 2025. – Melissa K. Neher, Executive Director, AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival

Posted in Advocacy, For the Profession, For the Public

Advocacy Update – November 2024

An exterior image of the Legislative Building during sunset

AIA Seattle brings together a community of professionals across ten counties who are united not only in profession, but in purpose, through our vision for equitable, resilient, thriving communities.

Now is a great time to focus on our local community in Washington. AIA Seattle will continue supporting members to advocate for the profession and livable communities, through our strategic priorities of climate, housing, and JE:DI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion).

Post-Election Outcomes:

I-2117 fails – WA Climate Commitment Act remains in place
Washington State voters voted NO on I-2117, an initiative that would have removed support to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and removed funds to support climate-resiliency, clean transportation and health of communities around the state. AIA Seattle endorsed the NO campaign and appreciates members who took action in the campaign.

I-2066 passed and will require utility companies to keep investing in natural gas. Opponents plan litigation to restore the legislature’s goal to incentivize building electrification. Some parts of the initiative take effect once election results are certified on December 5.

Passage of the initiative:

repeals elements of House Bill 1589, intended to accelerate utility companies’ transition away from natural gas.
requires changes to the energy code, approved by the Washington State Building Code Council, to remove incentives in the permitting process for choosing electric heat pumps instead of natural gas furnaces.

$1.55 billion transportation levy passed in the City of Seattle to invest in Seattle’s roads, bridges, sidewalks, and transit.

Review official election results in AIA Seattle’s 10-county area.

We’d love to hear from you! For more information on advocacy topics, please contact:

Melissa K. Neher | Executive Director, AIA Seattle

Posted in Advocacy

2024 Honor Award Winners

AIA Seattle hosted the 75th annual Honor Awards for Washington Architecture on Monday, November 4th, at Town Hall Seattle to celebrate excellence in design. The distinguished jury included:

Brian Philips FAIA (Interface Studio Architects )
Kim Yao FAIA (Architecture Research Office )
Maurice D. Cox (Harvard Graduate School of Design)
with Ayad Rahmani (Washington State University) as moderator

From 118 submissions, the jury chose 17 award winners from three submission categories – Built, Conceptual, and Research & Innovation. The jury was impressed with our design community’s wide range of project typologies that are beautifully crafted but that also show a clear commitment to civic action and working towards an affordable and just city and region. They found the craft and restraint anchoring all typologies refreshing and appreciated the profound sense of place, with projects engaging their sites in a beautifully responsible way.

In addition to the main juried awards, it was the seventh year of the Young Voices Selection (YVS), a program with the aim to engage and elevate the voices of young designers through direct participation and representation in the Honor Awards. The three YVS panelists, Fiki Falola (Olson Kundig), Xio Alvarez (LMN Architects), and Ye Sun (Schemata Workshop), selected 1 Built project as the Young Voices Selection winner.

Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to our esteemed jury, moderator, and Honor Awards Committee! All of this would not have been possible without you.

Visit the Online Gallery to learn more about the projects, as well as project team and collaborator information. Missed the live show? You can catch the replay here!

AWARD OF HONOR

Park Home in Ravenna by Kejia Zhang & Xiaoxi Jiao revitalizes a historic home situated on one of the most festive streets of Seattle, Candy Cane Lane, and mastered-planned in 1922 by architect Carl Gould, the founder of the UW Architecture Department. The project was designed to accommodate multi-generational living while maintaining its connection to the community and the nearby Ravenna Park and Park Home Circle.

Porchlight Men’s Shelter by BLOCK Architects is the first emergency shelter for men in Bellevue, which accommodates 100 beds for those living unhoused. By allowing the building to become a canvas through natural lighting, outdoor green spaces, thoughtful details, warm textures, and places to gather, the project erased the idea of it being a shelter completely. Instead, it gave reason for the residents and community to connect through the power of art.

Matt’s Place 2.0 by The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP is a prefabricated, modular, mass timber, single-family home prototype, designed to meet the unique needs of patients and families navigating the challenges of an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis. The separation of zones for patients and for family members or caretakers allows them to stay with their families while ensuring their dignity by providing their own space.

New U.S. Embassy, Guatemala City, Guatemala by The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP emphasizes the important diplomatic relationship between the United States and Guatemala and provides the first impression for all Guatemalans planning to visit the country. The design of the office building dually represents both countries, as it emerges from the ground plane as two complementary bars – a stone base and a glass tower, an homage to Mayan architecture and the optimistic, diplomatic relationship between Guatemala and the United States.

Longbranch by mwworks transforms a previously logged and altered property on Key Peninsula into a harmonious family home that celebrates its natural surroundings. Designed to blend with the landscape, the home features rustic materials and an innovative structure that allows the forest and meadow to coexist, providing a serene environment for the family and their foster dogs.

ENERGY IN DESIGN AWARD

Founders Hall, Foster School of Business by LMN Architects seamlessly integrates into the campus landscape and strengthens the connection to the historic heart of the university, Denny Yard. Designed for the expanding undergraduate program, Founders Hall offers many social spaces designed to enhance the academic experience and foster networking opportunities with alumni and industry leaders. The project is a new social hub on campus and demonstrates the university’s commitment to climate change, social justice, and education’s positive impact in the world.

Special thanks to the University of Washington Integrated Design Lab (IDL) and sponsor BetterBricks for their partnership on the Energy in Design Award.

AWARD OF MERIT

Leach Botanical Garden – Upper Garden by Olson Kundig
Corvidae Co-op by Allied8
University of California, San Diego, Franklin Antonio Hall by Perkins&Will
Peperzak Middle School by Integrus
Trestle Cabin by The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP
Stanford University School of Medicine Center for Academic Medicine by HOK

HONORABLE MENTION

Betula by Hybrid Architecture: Robert Humble
Liberty Park Library by Integrus
Connection + Craft by Weber Thompson
Heartwood by atelierjones
The Shop by LMN Architects (Research & Innovation)

YOUNG VOICES SELECTION

Porchlight Men’s Shelter by BLOCK Architects

To view all 118 submissions to the 2024 Honor Awards, visit the Online Gallery!

Posted in For the Profession, For the Public, Honor Awards

Advocacy Update – October 2024

Your VOTE is your VOICE!

Washington voters have received their ballots and will vote on four separate ballot initiatives funded by out-of-state deep pockets. Two of these initiatives will directly impact climate, and AIA Seattle prompts members to get active under our climate imperative to support a decarbonized, equitable, and resilient built environment that allows future generations and ecosystems to thrive.

Questions about your ballot or voting in Washington State? Review the Secretary of State voting by mail information.

No on I-2117: Vote No to Support the 2021 Climate Act

AIA Seattle stands with the more than 500 organizations and tribal nations who have endorsed the No on I-2117 Campaign. A no vote keeps in place the 2021 Climate Act that provided for a cap and invest program designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050. Clean air, water, and infrastructure investment are at risk if this initiative is approved by voters. Get active with the No on I-2117 campaign by pledging to vote no, sharing information in your networks, or volunteering to support the No Campaign.

I-2066: Initiative Would Undo Incentives for Electrification of Buildings

A Yes vote on I-2066 would undo HB 1589, passed in 2024 to incentivize large combination utility providers serving over 500,000 gas customers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and offer programs and incentives for customers to decarbonize homes and buildings. A No vote on I-2066 would keep in place the programs to incentivize electrification of buildings.

From Ballotpedia:
Puget Sound Energy released a statement addressing responses to HB 1589 saying, “HB 1589 does not include a ban on natural gas, and it does not change PSE’s obligation to serve natural gas to our customers. … Nothing in the bill forces electrification. What it does is requires PSE to develop a scenario demonstrating the costs of electrification that will be part of the integrated system plan we submit to our regulators in 2027.”^[3]

City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan: Draft Legislation and Zoning Maps

AIA Seattle’s members continue to come together through the Comp Plan Work Group to advocate for the future of the City of Seattle through the Comprehensive Plan process.

The One Seattle Plan Zoning Update materials are now available online. AIA Seattle will be developing recommendations to submit during the public engagement period which closes on December 20th.

City of Seattle Budget Process

The City of Seattle 2025 budget is in development, and significant budget considerations include support for affordable housing and preventing displacement. Seattle Planning Commission shared information about how to get involved and voice support for essential programs in line with AIA Seattle’s Housing Policy and strategic imperatives.

Consider commenting at an upcoming public hearing or sending an email to the City Council.

Posted in Advocacy

Advocacy Update – September 2024

crowd mingling at 2024 Housing Forum happy hour

Join Advocacy Happy Hour – Tuesday, September 23rd

AIA Seattle advocacy members are passionate about the role of AEC professionals to support thriving communities through advocacy. Whether you’ve been a long-time advocate or always wanted to get involved, this happy hour is a great opportunity for in-person connection! Registration and details HERE.

AIA Seattle is Hiring – Advocacy Manager Role

AIA Seattle is seeking an independent, motivated, and passionate leader who will work with senior staff and members to identify and develop consensus on specific policy issues of importance to AIA and organize direct action and communication about those issues. This is a unique opportunity for a part-time team member who will receive outstanding benefits.

Share this opportunity in your network
Re-post our LinkedIn post on your own profile to help spread the word

AIA Seattle Endorses Legislation to Boost Housing Production

Members of AIA Seattle’s Housing Taskforce have been advocating for Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) legislation that would increase housing density and provide clearer pathways to development. This week, AIA Seattle and other community organizations endorsed proposed legislation by Mayor Harrell’s office. The draft legislation, which has been required by the Washington State Legislature’s passage of HB 1337 to ease barriers to the construction of ADUs, includes increased maximum ADU size, simplified ADU sales, and more flexible options to allow second ADUs. AIA Seattle will be tracking additional ADU legislation in the months ahead to continue to increase housing production and types.

Comp Plan Work Group – Update

AIA Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan Work Group will be resuming meetings on October 23rd in preparation for the next round of engagement with City of Seattle staff and elected officials. AIA Seattle has heard from City staff draft Phase 1 zoning legislation for Neighborhood Residential zones will be released around mid-October.

Interested in getting involved in the Comp Plan Work Group? Reach out to Melissa K Neher.

Support the Climate Commitment Act – Pledge to VOTE No on I-2117

AIA Seattle is part of the substantial coalition for the NO on I-2117 Campaign, one of a series of initiatives that will appear on the Washington State ballot in November of 2024. I-2117 would revoke the 2021 Climate Commitment Act. AIA Seattle members are encouraged to stand with AIA Washington Council and AIA Seattle and take a pledge to vote NO on I-2117.

Make sure your voter registration information is current!

Lid I-5 – Volunteer Group Convening

A group of community volunteers is coming together as stakeholders in support of the $2 million grant for the City of Seattle to continue planning, technical studies, and community outreach for lidding I-5 in the center city. The group has plans to assemble and engage with the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) to move forward project outcomes that are representative of a community vision, and generate broad support for the future stages of the work ensuring its long term success. The group will start convening this winter with an anticipated 12-18 month commitment. If you are interested in getting involved, reach out directly to John Feit and Scott Bonjukian.

Posted in Advocacy

2024 Honor Awards | Submittals FAQs

Visit the 2024 Honor Awards page and download the 2024 Call for Submissions + Guidelines for details about requirements, submission categories, and submitter eligibility. If you still have questions, we hope this FAQ page will help! The final submission deadline is 5:00pm PT on September 25, 2024.

ABOUT SUBMITTING

Do I have to start and finish my submission in one session?
No. Submitters can start, save, and return to draft submissions at any point until submissions close (5:00pm PT on September 25). To return to a draft submission, log in to your Submittable account (aiaseattle.submittable.com/submit) and select the “Saved Drafts” tab. We highly recommend completing your submission(s) well ahead of the final deadline.

Can I still submit after the September 11 “early bird” submission deadline?
Yes. Please note that prices go up 15% after 5:00 pm PT on September 11. 

Can I submit out-of-state and/or out-of-country projects? 
Yes, just make sure the projects were completed or initiated within the last 5 years (after November 2019), and the submitter eligibility requirements are met (for example, at least one architect on the design team of a BUILT submission must be licensed in the state of WA). See the 2024 Call for Submissions + Guidelines for eligibility requirements.

How will I know my submission has been received?
Upon completing payment and clicking “SUBMIT” you will receive a confirmation e-mail message from Submittable. If you do not, please e-mail zoeg@aiaseattle.org.

What if I already finalized my submission (completed payment and clicked ‘SUBMIT’) and need to make a change due to an entry or upload error?
Please submit an “Edit Request” on your submitter interface in Submittable before submissions close on September 25, or e-mail zoeg@aiaseattle.org immediately. We will be in touch to help resolve any errors before the deadline.

Can I re-submit a project I have submitted in the past? 
Yes, but only if the project has not yet been recognized and still meets eligibility criteria. In fact, we encourage submitters to re-submit as every year and every jury is different. We have seen projects get awarded on their second or third submission. You never know if this could be your year!

If I submit an unbuilt project and it receives an award, is it eligible for future submission as a built project?
Yes! Unbuilt projects qualify for the CONCEPTUAL and RESEARCH & INNOVATION categories (eligible for Honorable Mention and Award of Merit), and even if awarded, would still be eligible for resubmission as a BUILT project in the future as long as eligibility requirements are met. We have seen this happen before!

Where can I get inspired by award-winning project submissions?
Refer to past galleries and check out the and 2023 award winners and 2022 award winners. Plus, members of the Honor Awards Committee recorded a What Makes a Good Submission? video resources to demonstrate how some of the past winners crafted their project story.

When will the jury be announced?
In early September. Stay tuned, and don’t wait to get started on your submission in the meantime!

When will the 2024 Online Gallery be available for public viewing?
By October 3. All projects will be listed anonymously until the winners are announced at the Live Event on November 4.

ABOUT THE COMMON APP

I’m submitting a project to the BUILT submission category. Do I have to complete the 2024 Common App for Design Excellence, even if I don’t intend to win the Energy in Design Award?

Yes. Regardless of intent to achieve 2030 Challenge targets or be awarded the Energy in Design Award, we ask ALL entrants in the BUILT category to submit energy data and complete the Common App. Please make sure you’ve downloaded the 2024 Common App for Design Excellence, as we make refinements each year.

I am new to completing the Common App. Can someone help me fill it out?

Yes! The following resources are available to support submitters with the Common App:

Attend Submitter Support Office Hours on September 5 at 12:00PM (Zoom)
The Integrated Design Lab is available to offer technical support for the Common App until September 23 at 5:00pm PT. E-mail Teresa Moroseos (teresafm@uw.edu) with the subject line “AIA Seattle Common App” with questions.

Do I need to complete every field in the Common App?
No. Refer to the legend in the Common App for minimum required fields. We ask that all applicable BUILT submitters do their best to complete the full form and convey their approach to sustainable design. Fill out as much info as you have!

Does the Common App generate a score for my project?
No. The Common App is primarily used for the jury to evaluate projects, particularly for the Energy in Design Award. To qualify for the Energy in Design Award, the submitted project must meet the 2030 Challenge criteria or better. AIA Seattle and the Integrated Design Lab also use the data to track metrics over time, and we hope to identify more opportunities to share findings broadly.

Do all AIA chapters use the Common App as part of their awards submission process?
No. However, at least two dozen chapters are using some form of the Common App and/or the Framework for Design Excellence in their awards program, and COTE National hopes to expand this reach. AIA Seattle has been a leader in using this tool as part of the Honor Awards for Washington Architecture since 2020 after sunsetting the Energy in Design Award Calculator (previously used to evaluate projects for the Energy in Design Award since 2016). The AIA Seattle chapter champions the role of architects as leaders in positive climate action as a core imperative.

ABOUT THE LIVE EVENT

Where can I purchase tickets to this year’s Live Event?
More information about the 2024 Honor Awards Live Event will be shared broadly and sent to submitters near submissions close in mid to late September. We have some exciting updates we can’t reveal quite yet! For now, save the date for the evening of Monday, November 4 at Town Hall Seattle!

ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE

Questions about Submitting? Contact Senior Programs Manager, Zoe Guckenheimer

Questions about attending the Live Event? Contact Senior Programs Coordinator, Andrea Aguilera

Questions about Sponsorship? Contact Development Manager, Zee Mars

Posted in Allied Professionals, Architects, Associates, For the Profession, For the Public, Honor Awards, Member Firms, Recent Graduates, Sponsors, Students

2024 Honor Awards

LIVE EVENT ON NOVEMBER 4 AT TOWN HALL SEATTLE

The Honor Awards for Washington Architecture is AIA Seattle’s annual marquee program, drawing hundreds of attendees to a lecture-style event of unique rigor and breadth. This nationally-recognized program provides an important opportunity for the design community to share and celebrate its achievements, both among practitioners and with the community at-large. The awarded projects will be announced on stage at the live event. Like last year, the Honor Awards will be livestreamed virtually, providing multiple access points and enabling us to extend these celebrations to broader audiences.

THE JURY PROCESS

Every year, jurors praise submissions that clearly communicate the project story. What concepts and considerations drove the design? How did the design team creatively address the project parameters and client goals? What benefit or impact does the project create for its occupants and for the larger context? Ultimately, what makes this an award winning project? Submitters were encouraged to use the project narrative, captions, and inclusion of diagrams and process work as opportunities to tell a design story.

In addition to the jury’s own criteria, the AIA Seattle community has identified four considerations for the submission review process: Inspiration, Problem-Solving, Environmental Sensitivity, Social Impact. The integration of the Common App into the submission process also raises awareness of the Framework for Design Excellence.

Jury Deliberations will occur during Jury Weekend in Seattle, November 1-4, 2024:

Friday, October 25 | The jury completes their initial review of all submitted projects. During this review, they will determine which eligible BUILT projects they would like to visit
- Site Visit Contacts must be authorized to organize a hosted site visit on Sunday, November 3.
- SITE VISITS ARE ANONYMOUS. The project design team shall not be present nor notified. Reference the Project Tour Guidelines for a full process overview.
Friday, November 1 | The jury arrives in Seattle
Saturday, November 2 | The jury deliberates and determines a shortlist of projects and prepares for project tours the next day.
Sunday, November 3 | Project tours occur, followed by the jury finalizing their selection of this year’s award recipients for all award categories.
Monday, November 4 | The jury will discuss and present their official award selections for the first time on-stage at the Live Event at Town Hall Seattle.

Awards are the final determination of the jury.

MEET THE JURY

Brian Phillips FAIA | Interface Studio Architects (ISA) | Philadelphia, PA

Brian Phillips, FAIA is Founding Principal of ISA, and serves as Creative Director across all aspects of the firm’s work. He earned his MArch from the University of Pennsylvania and BS from the University of Oklahoma. He has lectured widely on urbanism, housing, and the work of ISA. Brian was awarded a 2011 Pew Fellowship in the Arts and was named an Emerging Voice by the Architectural League of New York in 2015. He is a Lecturer at the Stuart Weitzman School of Design, and has taught visiting studios at the University of Miami and Parsons the New School for Design. Most recently Brian founded a non-profit called Meantime that works to activate vacant storefronts with short-term creative entrepreneurship residencies.

Kim Yao FAIA | Architecture Research Office (ARO) | Brooklyn, NY

Kim Yao, FAIA, is Principal of Architecture Research Office (ARO), a New York City firm united by their collaborative process, commitment to accountable action, and social and environmental responsibility. ARO’s diverse body of work has earned the firm over a hundred design awards including the 2020 National AIA Architecture Firm Award. Kim is a lecturer at MIT and has taught at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation; the School of Constructed Environments, Parsons the New School for Design; and, Barnard College. She has lectured throughout the United States and abroad. Kim has been awarded the AIA New York (AIANY) Medal of Honor and the Beverly Willis Foundation Mentorship Award. She was President of AIANY in 2020 and serves on the Board of the Center for Architecture. She holds an undergraduate degree in architecture from Columbia College: Columbia University and a Master of Architecture from Princeton University.

Maurice D. Cox | Harvard Graduate School of Design | Cambridge, MA

Maurice D. Cox is the Emma Bloomberg Professor in Residence of Urban Planning and Design at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Prior to joining the GSD faculty, Cox was Director of Planning and Development for the City of Detroit between 2015-2019 and Commissioner of Planning and Development for the City of Chicago between 2019-2023, where he focused on the adaptive challenges facing contemporary urban revitalization. Cox is an urban designer acclaimed for his design-centered approach to urban planning, incorporating active citizen participation into the public process while simultaneously achieving the highest quality of design excellence. A recipient of the 2024 Henry Reed Hope Award and of two honorary doctorate degrees from University of Detroit Mercy and the Illinois Institute of Technology, Cox was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2023 for lifetime achievements in architecture. Maurice has lectured extensively on design and democracy, civic engagement, and urban transformation in disinvested communities.

MEET THE MODERATOR

Moderator: Ayad Rahmani | Washington State University | Pullman, WA

Ayad Rahmani is a professor of architecture at Washington State University, where he teaches courses in design and theory. His research focuses on the link between literature and architecture, examining issues related to modern psychology and space. He has written widely on topics related to architecture, art and Planning, most recently a paper looking at the future of architecture in an age ruled by the tech five, Google, Amazon and the like. He is the author of three books, the most recent of which published in 2023, looking at the intellectual role that Ralph Waldo Emerson played in shaping Frank Lloyd Wright’s campaign to change the American mind. Rahmani sits on several boards including the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, preserving the architect’s legacy and modernizing his contribution to future ideas. He is the architecture critic of the Moscow Pullman Daily News, the daily paper where he lives.

YOUNG VOICES SELECTION

The Young Voices Selection (YVS) program aims to elevate and engage the voices of young designers through direct participation and representation in AIA Seattle’s Honor Awards for Washington Architecture. Three young designers, endorsed by firm/industry leaders and selected by the Honor Awards Committee, will be given the opportunity to review, deliberate, and then select ONE Built project submission. This chosen project, the “Young Voices Selection,” will be recognized at the live event in November and selected by this year’s Young Voices…

Fiki Falola | Olson Kundig
Xio Alvarez | LMN Architects
Ye Sun | Schemata Workshop

QUESTIONS?

Questions about the Honor Awards? Contact Senior Programs Manager, Zoe Guckenheimer

Questions about attending the Live Event? Contact Senior Programs Coordinator, Andrea Aguilera

Sponsorship Questions? Contact Development Manager, Zee Mars

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE HONOR AWARDS COMMITTEE

Special thanks to the Honor Awards Committee who plans and executes AIA Seattle’s Honor Awards for Washington Architecture!

THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 HONOR AWARDS SPONSORS

Posted in Architects, Associates, For the Profession, For the Public, Honor Awards, Member Firms, Recent Graduates, Sponsors, Students

AIA AHC Summer Happy Hour 2024 – Seattle

Join the Seattle AIA Architecture for Health Community to celebrate summer by coming together for a fun-filled networking event!

Date: Thursday August 29th, 2024
Time: 4pm – 6pm
Location: OAC Services – 2200 1st Ave S – Suite 200 – Seattle, WA 98134

Posted in AHC, Architecture for Health Committee

AIA AHC Summer Happy Hour 2024 – Portland

Join the Seattle AIA Architecture for Health Community to celebrate summer by coming together for a fun-filled networking event!

Date: Wednesday August 14th, 2024
Time: 4pm – 6pm
Location: Migration Brewing – 2828 NE Glisan Street Portland, OR 97232

Posted in AHC, Architecture for Health Committee

Advocacy Update – July 2024

Photo: Let’s Go Washington Founder Brian Heywood talks about ballot initiatives during a press conference at Jackson’s Shell Station in Kent on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. (Jason Redmond for Crosscut)

Advocacy Happy Hour

Save the date for Tuesday, September 24th! Join us for a casual opportunity to connect with other chapter members who are interested in or engaging in efforts to impact policy on a variety of built environment topics. Whether you have been a long-time advocate or want to learn more about how you can get involved, stay tuned for more information in the weeks ahead.

City of Seattle Energy Code

The City of Seattle Construction Codes Advisory Board (CCAB) passed a proposed code in their June 20 th meeting that upheld the 2018 City Seattle standards, keeps the city of Seattle in line with the state standard timeline, but pulls back a bit on the pace of changes originally planned for implementation in 2021 code revisions. The proposed changes maintain elements of the Building Emissions Performance Standard Policy (BEPS) that AIA Seattle had advocated for through our coalition work with Shift Zero. AIA Seattle’s Public Policy Board is tracking possible developments for the potential code changes and will continue to communicate with members.

City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan

In July, AIA Seattle members met with staff from the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) to learn more about how the Draft One Seattle Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be moving forward. Based on the timeline shared by OPCD staff, AIA Seattle’s Comp Plan Work Group will be reconvening in September to re-engage and plan for possible October advocacy activites. Read AIA Seattle’s recommendations for a livable city with more complete neighborhoods and abundant housing.

NO on I-2117

AIA Seattle supports the NO on I-2117 Campaign, one of a series of initiatives that will appear on the Washington State ballot in November 2024. I-2117 would revoke the 2021 Climate Commitment Act. AIA Seattle members are encouraged to stand with AIA Washington Council and AIA Seattle and take a pledge to vote NO on I-2117.

We’d love to hear from you! For more information on advocacy topics, please contact:

Melissa K. Neher | Executive Director, AIA Seattle

Posted in Advocacy

ED Mid-Year Message 2024

To Our Valued 10-County Community,

Each year, we breathe a collective sigh that YES, summer has returned! AIA Seattle is packing these longer days with activity, including the Annual Chapter Meeting on June 10th, which was an opportunity for our community to learn about upcoming engagement opportunities, membership benefits, and planning for updates to our current strategic plan. A key priority will be locating AIA Seattle to a new home, since, as we shared September 2023, the Center for Architecture & Design partner organizations have decided not to renew the lease on 1010 Western when it expires after 10 years of occupancy in October 2025. AIA Seattle will be seeking a space to occupy aligned with our mission, vision, and values.

If you were unable to join the Annual Chapter meeting, you can view the recording HERE and bring forward any questions HERE!

VOTE for Board of Directors and Nominate Steering Committee Leadership Today!

You can inform the direction of your membership organization today by voting for Board of Directors candidates who will be tasked with strategic leadership to update the current strategic plan and to find a new home for AIA Seattle. Vote and you will automatically be entered for a chance to receive a $200 Peter Miller Books gift card! Per AIA bylaws, AIA and AIA Associate members have voting rights for this election.

Beyond the Board, AIA Seattle steering committees are actively seeking self and peer nominations for dedicated members with diverse perspectives. Review information and make nominations for steering committees seeking new members HERE. Nominate yourself or a capable colleague who is an AIA member, Allied Member, Firm Network Member, or one of our Corporate Allied Partners.

Firms Invited to Boost Visibility on AIA Seattle’s Updated ‘Find an Architect’ Page

Is your Firm Network membership current? Firm Network members share folios with the public on the ‘Find an Architect’ page of the AIA Seattle website, which receives 140,000+ visitors per year. Firm Network members have shared they appreciate the improved filters and user experience of this public facing resource. If you want to check the status of your Firm Network membership or need instructions on how to upload your folio, reach out to Development Manager Zee Mars.

Upcoming Leadership Learning Opportunity!

AIA Seattle invites leaders to participate in the Culture Change in Practice Leadership Cohort, a four-part in-person workshop learning opportunity. Participants will grow their capacity and responsiveness to lead justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts and engage in sustained action. Sessions will explore power and privilege, conflict transformations, integrating and investing in equity work, and initiatives and impact. Past participant testimonials provide additional context for how you and your organization can benefit from this learning. Save with Early Bird registration by July 24th for the sessions, which launch on August 7th. Registration is limited!

What if…YOU engage in Seattle Design Festival in the Weeks Ahead?

Seattle Design Festival unleashes the design thinker in everyone, and is the largest publicly created Festival which is FREE and accessible to attend! This year, our community responded to the theme, What if…, with an inspiring variety of built installations, pop ups, and mainstage events. Review the full calendar of Festival Events and hold the date for a Design Mixer, Block Party, or Closing Party!

Sponsors help keep the Festival FREE and provide needed funds for community organizations and nonprofits to participate in the Festival.

It’s not too late to sponsor the Seattle Design Festival and boost your visibility while supporting an accessible Festival! Reach out to Development Manager Zee Mars to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Thank you for your engagement!

Warm Regards,

Melissa K. Neher

Executive Director, AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival

Posted in Uncategorized

Advocacy Update – June 2024

Photo: Attendees at AIA Seattle’s 2024 Housing Forum – Housing: A Stage for Life

Housing Forum

Advocacy came to life in person at Monday’s Housing: A Stage for Life learning and networking forum at 415 Westlake. Highlights included innovative project case studies, community perspectives, and inspiring designs that foreground users while addressing actionable solutions to develop more plentiful, quality, diverse, and sustainable housing options in Seattle and beyond. The program closed out with an inspiring keynote by Kevin Daly, A Holistic Approach to Housing, followed by a networking happy hour on-site. If you missed the event, stay tuned for information about the recordings available for learning units in the months ahead.

Increase AIA Seattle’s advocacy impact in 10 Counties! Call for AIA Seattle Public Policy Board Members

AIA Seattle’s Public Policy Board (PPB) is an energizing and active space for leadership for the advocacy priorities of AIA Seattle, including design issues related to the built environment and the business of architecture. In recent years, AIA Seattle Public Policy Board members have engaged on topics such as design review, tree ordinances, the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan, and policies which impact housing density.

The Public Policy Board is seeking members to serve on the PPB who will bring their experience, expertise, and 10-county membership perspective to the steering committee. Individuals who are currently engaged in advocacy efforts outside the City of Seattle are strongly encouraged to apply to serve on the PPB. The nomination deadline is Monday July 15th. The commitment to serve on the PPB begins in the fall of 2024. Learn more about the PPB and nominate yourself or another member.

Help Shape the Chapter – Vote for your Board of Director Nominees

AIA Seattle Member Advancement Committee is pleased to present this slate of accomplished members to fill open seats or move to officer positions on our Board of Directors beginning September 1, 2024. Our committee members solicited board nominations from the membership in January and believe this slate of nominees possess the skills and commitment to move AIA Seattle forward.

City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan

The comment period for the Draft One Seattle Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement has completed. AIA Seattle submitted comments highlighting enhancements to the Plan that would support a livable city with more complete neighborhoods and abundant housing here. AIA Seattle’s advocacy work continues this fall and winter as the city begins to study zoning revisions and the City Council works to finalize the One Seattle Plan.

AIA Seattle has also begun one-on-one engagement with new Councilmembers to continue the organization’s strong advocacy relationship with the Seattle City Council. AIA Seattle has established itself as a resource on policy related to the urban built environment and housing.

NO on I-2117

AIA Seattle supports the NO on I-2117 Campaign, one of a series of initiatives that will appear on the Washington State ballot in November of 2024. I-2117 would revoke the 2021 Climate Commitment Act.

I-2117 would allow more pollution across Washington, devastate funding for programs to protect our air, water, and land, and cut investments in transportation. It would mean cuts to programs that restore and protect rivers, lakes, and streams, programs that help make forests more resilient to wildfires, and programs that protect fish habitat. It would cause billions in cuts to the state transportation budget that funds road and bridge projects, ferries and transit across the state. And it shifts the burden of paying for the impacts of pollution to communities, workers, and families.

AIA Seattle members are encouraged to stand with AIA Washington Council and AIA Seattle and take a pledge to vote NO on I-2117.

Design Review

State legislation HB 1293 mandates objective design standards and will require municipalities in AIA Seattle’s 10 county membership area to reconsider the administrative process of design review. AIA Seattle is looking for opportunities for members to give input with their local municipal structures for how design review processes can optimize flexibility and predictability, leverage community input, and deliver projects that serve owner and jurisdiction goals for development.

For decades, AIA Seattle has been advocating for the City of Seattle to streamline the design review process. AIA Seattle has supported Design Review exemptions for affordable housing and continues to press for transformative and transactional change in Design Review, most recently in a meeting with Marco Lowe, City of Seattle COO and his staff.

Local Energy Code

AIA Seattle is a member of the Shift Zero coalition, currently pressuring the City of Seattle’s Mayor’s office, Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections and the Construction Codes Advisory Board to maintain Seattle 2021 Energy Code amendments. AIA Seattle will continue to support progress made at the state and local level on clean energy codes and policies and will keep members updated on opportunities to get active in the weeks ahead!

We’d love to hear from you! For more information on advocacy topics, please contact:

Melissa K. Neher | Executive Director, AIA Seattle

Posted in Advocacy

Cancelled – Culture Change in Practice: A Leadership Cohort 2024

Culture Change in Practice Leadership Cohort graphic

This workshop-based curriculum focuses on individual skill-building and implementation related to structural firm-wide and firm-level change. Participants will grow their capacity and responsiveness to lead justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts and engage in sustained action. Sessions will explore power and privilege, conflict transformations, integrating and investing in equity work, and initiatives and impact.

Join us for the fourth edition of Culture Change in Practice: A Leadership Cohort on August 7, August 21, September 4, and September 18, 12-4pm PT at the Center for Architecture & Design (1010 Western Ave).

TARGET PARTICIPANTS – FIRM LEADERS*

We invite a dedicated cohort of new, emerging, and current firm leaders from the broader AEC industry who are invested in facilitating impact and being a part of the next generation of change.

*Firm Leaders: lead firms, lead practice groups, lead teams, are direct supervisors, make key decisions and have influence and power in shaping the culture and staffing of the firm or projects

Past participation is not a limitation! We invite firms to tap into this work year after year. Space is limited!

FULL SERIES COST

Includes continuing education (12 LU) + lunch and light refreshments

~~$960~~ $1104 AIA Member/Corporate Allied Partner (CAP)/Allied Member
~~$960~~ $1104 Government + Partners
~~$804~~ $925 Associate Member
~~$1,260~~ $1449 Non-Member

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is closed. We have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s program due to low engagement. Thank you for your understanding!

Early Bird Deadline: Register by Wednesday, July 24 to save 15%.
Final Registration Deadline: Friday, August 2, 5:00pm PT.

Participants must attend all four workshops to receive continuing education credit or a certificate of completion. No partial credit will be awarded.

Want to learn more about the member ticket rate and other benefits associated with membership? Click here. Want to learn more about our program pricing and the other major education programs we offer? Click here.

Reduced Rate Options

While we are striving to prevent or minimize the labor that BIPOC leaders are often asked to carry out in equity-related conversations, we recognize that our world’s power dynamics may unintentionally arise in this space. With that in mind, we encourage BIPOC and other marginalized participants to submit a reduced rate request. In addition, we recognize this fee may present hardship to some firms or individuals who are nevertheless committed to investing in the work. AIA Seattle has reserved limited funds for reduced rate requests, available on a first come, first serve basis (priority given to AIA members).

Please submit the Scholarship / Reduced Rate Request Form via email by Wednesday, July 24, 5:00pm PT.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

Invest in Equity Work

Investing in equity work offers significant returns for both individuals and firms. This program will help you build a firm culture that values justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to deepen employee engagement and firm- and industry-wide impact.

Engage in Responsive Learning

Creating culture change within architecture and allied firms is a critical step to creating a more diverse and equitable profession and industry. And through this professional change, we hope to influence broader cultural change, due to the significant role architects play in crafting our physical environment. The Culture Change in Practice program was designed by a team of architects and allied professionals as a response to racist violence, inequitable firm culture, and a segregated built environment. The architectural profession is still predominantly white and predominantly male. Of the AIA Seattle’s over 2,400 members, just 24 are Black or African American, and 4 are Indigenous American, while only 32% are women or nonbinary according to AIA members’ self-reported data.

Join a Growing List of Leaders

The Culture Change in Practice program has already engaged 75+ leaders! Read Testimonials from Past Cohort Participants to understand the value of their experiences. Will you join them?

MEET THE FACILITATOR

Dr. Anu Taranath, Dr. Anu Consulting: dialogues for justice | Dr. Anu Taranath is a speaker, author, educator, and racial equity consultant who partners with a range of people to deepen conversations on history, harm and healing. A University of Washington Seattle professor for the past 20+ years, Dr. Anu knows that the most compelling conversations on race, identity, power, and belonging take place when people feel valued and heard. She has received the Seattle Weekly’s “Best of Seattle” recognition, the University’s Distinguished Teaching Award, and multiple US Fulbright Fellowships to work abroad. As a consultant she has partnered with over 300 clients from National Geographic Society to the Raging Grannies. Her book “Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World” was named a Washington State Book Award Finalist, Newsweek’s Future of Travel Winner in Storytelling, and included in Oprah Magazine’s “Best 26 Travel Books of All Times.” Visit www.anutaranath.com to learn more.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

August 7, 12pm-4pm PT | Workshop 1: Power & Privilege | In-Person @ the Center for Architecture and Design (1010 Western Ave)

We will get to know one another in this session, and learn about the equity journeys of the firms represented. What are some of the general barriers to equity work? How might we handle discomfort in productive ways? How does a deeper awareness of our power and positionality in relation to others help us develop a responsibility toward stewardship, especially as leaders in our firm? This first workshop will explore what exactly equity stewardship looks like, especially since some firm leaders’ life experiences might look quite different from those on whose behalf they are advocating.

August 21, 12pm-4pm PT | Workshop 2: Conflict Transformations | In-Person @ the Center for Architecture and Design (1010 Western Ave)

Conflict is often seen as a barrier and obstacle to progress. We will unpack how we approach conflict, reframe these moments as opportunities to grow and better ourselves with practical skills and tools. Importantly, psychological safety is often a precursor to enable us to have tough conversations and navigate conflict with more stability and strategy. This second workshop will help build more connections between equity work, anti-racism, emotional literacy and leadership strategies.

September 4, 12pm-4pm PT | Workshop 3: Integrating & Investing in Equity Work | In-Person @ the Center for Architecture and Design (1010 Western Ave)

This third workshop will explore the integration of equity work into business practice — emphasizing its role in enhancing a firm’s overall culture and success. Participants will deepen their understanding of equity work as a valuable investment and develop personalized action plans, enabling them to immediately apply these tools, resources, and strategies within their firms and individual practices.

September 18, 12pm-4pm PT | Workshop 4: Initiatives & Impact | In-Person @ the Center for Architecture and Design (1010 Western Ave)

This final workshop will provide cohort participants the opportunity to share learning and collaborate on refining their firm’s equity initiatives based on unique challenges and opportunities. Participants will discuss how we measure impact and long-range success, and track hopes and progress together. By the end of the program, participants will leave with a plan to sustain ongoing efforts, advance these initiatives within their firms, and contribute to structural change.

Cohort participants commit to engaging in all four sessions, understanding that the content is designed sequentially for cohort-based learning. All sessions subject to change.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Examine how inequitable firm management and top-down practices are resulting in negative design outcomes that impact the health and well-being of communities.
Share best practices around mentorship and paths-to-leadership for BIPOC and other historically marginalized people who are not typically seen in leadership positions in architecture and allied professions.
Explore how to navigate one’s own positioning of power and privilege through equity stewardship and responsible practice.
Expand leadership capacities by understanding conflict skills, emotional literacy, and psychological safety to transform collaboration with project teams, clients, and community groups.
Understand how to integrate equity work as part of business practice to emphasize its role in a firm’s overall culture, success, and ability to meaningfully engage with the people and communities we’re designing for.
Develop skills and language to weave justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts into project work – to better equip architects to prioritize the diverse social, physical, and emotional needs of occupants.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PLANNING TEAM

Alyssa M. Mitchell Assoc. AIA, Weber Thompson | Jennie C. Li, Planning in Color/UW Landscape Architecture | John Alex Correa, HEWITT | Leon Holloway, NOMA NW/DLR Group | Shweta Sinha AIA, Schemata Workshop | Susan Frieson AIA, Diversity Roundtable/JE:DI Council/NOMA NW/AIA Membership Advancement Committee | Marijana Misic AIA, NOMA, AIA Seattle Board of Directors/Mahlum | Meredith Everist AIA, Past AIA Seattle Board of Directors/Baylis Architects

Initiated in 2021, the Culture Change in Practice program was developed by the Racial Justice Working Group (RJWG) in close collaboration with individuals from NOMA NW, Planning in Color, and Diversity Roundtable. Thank you to all who have contributed to this program over the years!

PAST FIRM PARTICIPANTS

+ Will you join this list?

Registration or Credit Questions?
Contact Andrea Aguilera, Senior Programs Coordinator at AIA Seattle

Program Questions?
Contact Zoe Guckenheimer, Senior Programs Manager at AIA Seattle

Sponsorship Questions?
Contact Zee Mars, Development Manager at AIA Seattle

Posted in Allied Professionals, Architects, Associates, For the Profession, For the Public, JEDI, Member Firms, Racial Justice Working Group

Board of Directors 2024-2025

AIA Seattle is pleased to announce our incoming slate of accomplished design leaders who were elected to fill seats on our Board of Directors beginning September 1, 2024. These new directors will provide the strategic leadership required to advance our mission to unleash the design thinker in everyone to illuminate Seattle’s challenges and ignite action.

Matt Hutchins AIA, CPHD – (President) 2024 – 2025

Matt is a founding Principal of CAST Architecture with a focus on creative infill housing as the nexus of low-carbon living, urban vitality, and social policy. Matt serves as a Director of Public Policy on the AIA Seattle Board of Directors and as the Strategic Councilor for AIA Washington Council. He has co-chaired AIA Seattle’s Housing Task Force and organized many public programs on urban design, housing, and accessory dwelling units. He was named AIA Seattle’s Volunteer of the Year in 2020. Matt is a Seattle Planning Commissioner and Co-Chair of the Housing and Neighborhoods Committee. In 2017, he co-founded MOAR (More Options for Accessory Residences), a grassroots organization that helped pass Seattle’s landmark ADU reform. Seattle Magazine named Matt one of the 35 Most Influential People in 2019.

Note: Matt is our current President-Elect, rising to the position of President.

Melissa Falcetti AIA – (President-Elect) 2024 – 2025

Melissa grew up in a logging town of just 250 people in the Cascade Mountains. When she was young, her uncle taught her to use power tools, sparking a lifelong interest in the building industry. She went on to earn two BA degrees from Scripps College and a Master of Architecture degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Melissa is now a licensed Architect in Washington, an AIA member, a Certified Construction Specifier, and has passed the CSI’s CDT exam. She has worked in a variety of roles and companies from a small construction defects/owner’s representative firm to one of the largest design firms in the world.

Note: Melissa is our current Director of Membership.

Erik Heironimus AIA – (Director) 2024 – 2025

Erik Heironimus is an experienced Senior Designer and Licensed Architect in the state of Washington with a strong background in urban architecture and mixed-use developments. He has an invested interest in the future of Seattle and a passion for how thoughtful design can positively impact the spaces we craft and the lives of the people that inhabit them. Working on projects regionally and globally, Erik has developed a diverse portfolio and skillset with a recognized ability to deliver innovative projects, regardless of project type or scale.

Tyler Schaffer AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, ENV SP – (Director) 2024 – 2025

Tyler Schaffer is a principal at LMN Architects. He currently participates within the AIA at several levels. Locally, he is chair of the AIA Seattle Urban Design Forum and is on the Seattle Design Festival Planning Team. He participates in the Comprehensive Plan Workgroup and Transit Oriented Development Workgroup. At the state level, he is on the AIA WA Livability and Affordability Committee and attends the annual Capital Connections event in Olympia. At the national level, Tyler is part of the AIA Construction Contract Administration Knowledge Community Leadership Group. He is eager to further support the members of AIA Seattle!

Scott Melbourne PLA, ASLA – (Affiliate Director) 2024 – 2025

Scott Melbourne is dedicated to designing inspired landscapes that bring communities together while strengthening ties between individuals and their environment. During the past two decades he has contributed toward a range of park, university, urban mixed-use, and hospitality projects for public and private clients alike. His award-winning teaching has explored the potential for design to inform decision-making in developing regions of Southeast Asia. After a decade overseas, Scott returned to the Pacific Northwest to co-found MxM Landscape Architecture in 2021. He is the author of Refining Nature: The Landscape Architecture of Peter Walker, published by Birkhäuser.

Kirsten Dahlquist AIA, LEED AP – (Director) 2024 – 2025

Kirsten is an Architect and Associate at Rice Fergus Miller. Her work varies among food banks, health and wellness facilities, and community gathering centers, many of which are for tribal nations. Throughout her 16 year career Kirsten’s work has focused on imagining solutions for the systemic social challenges of the 21st century through community engaged design, collaboration and place-keeping. Locally, Kirsten serves as chair of the Bremerton Design Review Board and is a Kitsap County Council for Human Rights councilmember. She holds a B. Arch from Florida A&M University and a M. Arch from the University of South Florida.

Shweta Sinha AIA – (Director) 2024 – 2025

An architect, who first came to the US for graduate studies, Shweta brings influences from Indian culture, spaces, and architecture. She has worked In Los Angeles and Princeton on a wide range of projects from museums to community schools and was founding principal of an architecture firm in Bangalore, India. Her most recent experience in the PNW, is in housing projects that provide affordable, innovative living in urban neighborhoods. Shweta is an active member of the AIA Racial Justice Working Group, where she works towards creating a more equitable architectural practice and ultimately, a rich and diverse built environment.

Posted in For the Profession

AIA YAF + WID 2024 Happy Hour Series: Measure What Matters Hosts Line Up

AIA YAF + WID 2024 Happy Hour Series: Measure What Matters Happy Hour – check out the list of hosts!

May – MG2
June – TBD
July – NAC Architecture
August – ZGF
Sept – Integrus
Oct – Fora Landscape Architects
Nov – Mithun

Posted in Uncategorized, Women in Design, Young Architects Forum

Request for Proposals – Accessibility Evaluation Tool & Staff Training

In alignment with our JE:DI Imperative, AIA Seattle recognizes the need for a comprehensive Accessibility Evaluation Tool. This tool will aim to help AIA Seattle staff develop and deliver accessible and inclusive programs, encompassing both in-person and virtual events. Additionally, staff training is essential to ensure the effective implementation of the accessibility tool and related strategies as foundational to AIA Seattle’s work.

Review the full request for proposal document here

For inquiries or clarifications regarding this RFP, please contact Senior Programs Manager, Zoë Guckenheimer.

Posted in For the Profession, For the Public, JEDI, Missions, Visions, Values

Advocacy Update – May 2024

Photo: AIA Seattle Staff and Board Members at the 2023 Housing Forum.

City of Seattle Comp Plan Engagement Period Extended

The City of Seattle has extended the public engagement period for the Draft One Seattle Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement to May 20th. Get engaged and drop your comments, give a thumbs up or down to others’ comments, and advocate for a livable City in the engagement hub.

AIA Seattle shared recommendations for a livable City in a letter to Mayor Harrell, Councilmembers, and City Staff. Members are encouraged to use AIA Seattle’s recommendations to get active in the engagement hub!

AIA Seattle also signed on to the Complete Communities Coalition Letter to advocate for a bolder Comprehensive Plan. The Complete Communities Coalition is dedicated to fostering an affordable, equitable, and sustainable Seattle.

Do you have a Multi- Family Housing Project to Share?

The City of Seattle Mayor’s Staff is looking to our members to learn more about your work on market rate and affordable multi-family housing projects. They would like to hear from you to better understand the project process from start to finish. If you have a project you’d like to share, contact City of Seattle staff directly: karin.eastby@seattle.gov and caia.caldwell@seattle.gov

Learning and Connection Opportunity: AIA Seattle’s Housing Forum

Housing: A Stage for Life seeks to respond to the evolving housing landscape and explore how housing can center specific community needs and support people through various life stages. This year’s program will spotlight policy interventions, innovative project case studies, community perspectives, and inspiring designs that foreground users while addressing actionable solutions to develop more plentiful, quality, diverse, and sustainable housing options in Seattle and beyond.

Join us for Housing: A Stage for Life on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 415 Westlake in Seattle (8 LU/HSW).

We’d love to hear from you! For more information on advocacy topics, please contact:

Melissa K. Neher | Executive Director, AIA Seattle

Posted in Advocacy

COHO | Nickelsville Kitchen Design Project

Image: Rendering of the structures COHO has designed and will build for the Nickelsville Northlake village.

Imagine having an apartment or a home without a kitchen. For some, kitchens sound like a basic need, but for many they are a luxury. Many of our unhoused neighbors live without a kitchen, and even those in transitional housing, such as tiny house villages, do not have access to a comfortable cooking space. AIA Seattle’s Committee on Homelessness (COHO) is partnering with Nickelsville, Seattle’s only self-managed tiny house village, to design, fund, and build a kitchenette and gathering shelter. Nickelsville is asking for your donations in order to make this important addition to their village a reality! How often do you get the chance to expand access to one of life’s simple joys and necessities? Donate below and make a difference.

For anyone interested in helping with construction on the Nickelsville kitchen, please sign up HERE!

As construction moves along, the contractor will let COHO know how many volunteers they need for the following weekend, and then they’ll let you know one week ahead of time if they need you on the date(s) you’ve signed up for or if they already have enough bodies to cover the work that weekend. Thanks to anyone considering this!

The work schedule is currently:

August 3-4: Grading and concrete piers for units
August 10-11: Tilt Up – walls, roofs, insulation, plywood
August 17-18: MEP, windows, doors
August 24-25: Cabinets, countertops, appliances, fixtures, decking

Image: Floor plan of the structures COHO has designed and will build for the Nickelsville Northlake village.

While tiny house villages are great homes for those who would otherwise be unhoused, the tiny house villages only provide the bare essentials for a home: sleeping accommodations; bathroom and shower facilities; and sometimes makeshift areas for preparing and eating food. The Nickelsville Northlake village’s current food preparation area is an open metal canopy with tarps as a roof. There are no walls, no doors, and no waterproofing. The residents have lived with this situation for many years and are in dire need of an upgrade. In fact, it was heavily damaged in November 2023 during a windstorm. COHO hopes that this project proves everyone deserves a warm, safe, and inviting kitchen and gathering structure, allowing residents the opportunity to maintain and develop some of life’s most important skills: cooking and creating community.

Image: The current kitchen condition at the Nickelsville Northlake village.

Images: The damage done by the November 2023 windstorm. Nickelsville has since patched the hole up, but the matter remains that this structure is not stable for long term use.

This project has the opportunity to become a prototype for a vital addition to tiny house villages in our region. The design is modular and can be moved with the other components of the tiny house village. By providing a structure specifically designed for food preparation and gathering, this project gives tiny house village residents the opportunity to cook and socialize in a manner similar to those in traditional homes. Also, cooking in an established structure as opposed to a makeshift one greatly reduces the risk of fires, which can, of course, happen while cooking.

BACKGROUND

The AIA Seattle Committee on Homelessness (COHO) mobilizes architects to help our unsheltered neighbors through the areas of advocacy, education, and service. We are architects, professionals, and concerned citizens who believe that the Seattle region’s homelessness crisis demands immediate action. We aim to use our knowledge of design, construction, and the urban environment to help those who are unsheltered or lack housing security.

Nickelsville is a self-managed organization with two tiny house villages in Seattle. The residents, whom call themselves Nickelodeons, decide together who lives in the village, attend weekly meetings to discuss events, updates for the villages, or issues within the organization, and advocate for policies to address homelessness in the region. They are very active within the community and cared for by their neighbors. You can find out more about their organization at https://www.nickelsville.org/

Nickelsville approached COHO in early 2023 with the idea of collaborating together to replace their existing kitchen structure. COHO has taken on the challenge, and in the second half of 2023 met twice a month to develop a design, prepare questions, ideas and images for the Nickelsville community, and to incorporate their feedback.

The following are quotes from residents of Nickelsville Northlake:

“Nickelodeons find it difficult to cook during inclement weather, especially during Seattle’s rainy windy days. We also use our kitchen as a meeting space. As you can imagine, this becomes much harder during summer’s hot days. People often find themselves unable to pay attention and remember topics discussed during frigid, windy and wet days of winter.”
– Debra (House #9)
“We use a microwave and toaster to cook in a cold and leaky tent for a kitchen. Not enough appliances. We need a warm and usable kitchen.”
– Charlie (House #16)
I look forward to the benefits of a full-size oven and cooking indoors out of the weather. This will improve health through better nutrition and peace of mind. Thank you for helping us improve our living conditions.”
– Mark (House #19)

Image: A presentation meeting with COHO and Nickelsville to choose the final design for the structure configuration.

COHO is partnering with JAS Design Build, Sound Foundations, and is receiving in-kind donations from dassoXTR and Greenhome Solutions. If you would like to contribute to us with in kind donations, please reach out through COHO@aiaseattle.org. Please show that you believe everyone deserves a place to cook and establish community by donating to this project

Posted in Committee on Homelessness

Advocacy Update – April 2024

Group of people discussing the Draft Comprehensive Plan together in a circle

Seattle News

AIA Seattle Members – Get Active for a Livable City

AIA Seattle members envisions the City of Seattle as a livable city with a variety of housing near many types of amenities, retail cores, and transit that appeals to and is accessible to everyone, where everything residents need can be reached within 15 minutes by walking, rolling, or public transit.

AIA Seattle members have a valued voice in our city’s future, and they can get active now to impact the evolution of both the One Seattle Draft Comprehensive Plan and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Members have expressed great disappointment in the lack of vision and limited pathways for growth in the current draft versions of these plans. It’s time to make sure we come together to move the needle in the direction of the 15-minute city!

Here’s How to Advocate for a Livable City of Seattle

Your voice matters, and whether you have just a few minutes, or a few hours, you can take action to express to elected officials and municipal staff the urgent need for a livable city. Share information to help your colleagues get active! You can use AIA Seattle’s Talking Points as a tool to support your engagement.

Attend an upcoming Open House in the next few days
Join an Open House event for the City of Seattle’s Draft Comprehensive Plan to advocate for livable communities. Join a pre-open house coffee organized by our fellow advocates with Complete Communities Coalition to meet like-minded folks and attend the Open House together!

Share written comments in OPCD’s Engagement Hub before May 6th
The format for OPCD collecting comments through the hub is not straightforward. Stay with it! You can place comments in specific areas of the plan, and read and comment on the comments other folks make. You will first be required to share some information about yourself and then can engage most easily by choosing ‘elements’ from the plan.

Reach out to your City Council Representative or the Mayor’s Office.
You can find City Council email addresses and send a message to the Mayor or his team.

Repost calls to action to encourage your colleagues to get active!
Share posts from AIA Seattle’s LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook

AIA Seattle Draft Comp Plan and Draft EIS Positions Developed from Member Input

Thanks to the dozens of AIA Seattle members who engaged in the April 2nd Charrette for the One Seattle Draft Comprehensive Plan offered by the Urban Design Forum and AIA Seattle Comprehensive Plan Workgroup. The charrette was an engaging opportunity to identify areas of alignment and recommendations for improvement in the draft plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Supreme Court Heard Case Monday with Implications for People Experiencing Homelessness

On Monday, the Supreme Court heard arguments that will determine how people experiencing homelessness are treated under local laws. The case, City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, will significantly impact whether cities can criminalize people sleeping outside and what actions cities can take under the Eighth Amendment, which protects individuals from status-based crimes.

The AIA Seattle Committee on Homelessness shared concerns about this case in a February letter to the City of Seattle’s City Attorney, Mayor, and City Council and urged the city to focus on solutions to our community’s urgent housing crisis rather than disregard the rights of people experiencing homelessness. AIA Seattle believes the City should adopt a comprehensive plan that reevaluates Seattle’s growth strategy to end exclusionary zoning and add housing capacity everywhere; speeds up housing production by addressing process bottlenecks and supporting more housing types; and addresses city design challenges by lessening code requirements which prohibit development.

The Supreme Court’s decision will most likely be delivered in June.

We’d love to hear from you! For more information on advocacy topics, please contact:

Melissa K. Neher | Executive Director, AIA Seattle

Posted in Advocacy

2024 Young Architects Award | Amanda Snelson AIA

Congratulations to AIA Seattle member Am anda Snelson AIA, for being a recipient of the AIA National 2024 Young Architects Award!

With the heart of a mother and the spirit of an activist, Amanda Snelson AIA, treats architecture as an adaptable tool to serve communities and shape a more sustainable and equitable world. Never shy about sharing the challenges she has faced on her journey to motherhood and balancing her career while parenting two young children, she leads with empathy as she encourages other women in the profession – including in her role as Co-Chair for AIA Seattle’s Women in Design Committee.

Snelson’s path to architecture began with a love of art and a knack for geometry. Growing up in the Ozarks, she dreamed of making big things one day, just like her ironworker father. Now, across 13 years of practice, she has left her mark on a wide array of projects, from small renovations to multi-million dollar life science projects. She began her career as a daylight analyst and modeler and has already risen to associate principal at ZGF Architects. In each of her roles, she has displayed a true passion for the profession and a deep understanding of the ways design affects communities.

Pursuing meaningful citizenship has long been an imperative for Snelson. Her first involvement with AIA was in Springfield, Missouri, where she volunteered on AIA Springfield’s events committee. Later, while at Dake Wells Architecture, she helped organize the firm’s participation in community events, curating window displays for downtown art walks and encouraging her colleagues to participate in bike-to-work weeks. She also founded and organized seven local PechaKucha Nights, which were affiliated with the globally acclaimed events series, and collaborated with 55 local artists and community members. Because of her community engagement efforts in Springfield, 417 Magazine placed Snelson on its 20 under 30 list in 2012.

Her engagement continued when she moved to Los Angeles, where she served on AIA Los Angeles’ Design Awards Committee. As she sat for her licensure exams, she became involved with NCARB, and in 2016, seeking to make the path easier for other aspiring architects, she spoke about licensure at the AIA Conference on Architecture.

Throughout her career, Snelson has been a staunch advocate for sustainability and has been involved in her firm’s AIA 2030 Commitments and firmwide reporting. She has worked with ZGF’s project performance team as the Los Angeles liaison, gathering data for more than 30 existing projects and ensuring all new projects were reported. Due to her tireless efforts in the realm of sustainability, she received the DuPont Emerging Leaders Scholarship from the Design Futures Council.

As she continues to add to her professional toolkit, Snelson proves that it’s possible to be a mother and a successful leader in the studio. She contributes to the culture and well-being at ZGF’s Seattle office, where she is currently working on tenant improvement projects for Seattle Children’s Hospital.

The American Institute of Architects selected 30 recipients for the 2024 Young Architects Award, which honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers.

Read about the other AIA National Young Architect Award Recipients.

Posted in Fellows and Honors

Advocacy Update – March 2024

Seattle News

Draft Comprehensive Plan Released

After months of anticipation, the draft One Seattle Comprehensive Plan has finally arrived! This Comprehensive Plan update for Seattle marks a critical milestone in shaping the city’s future growth over the next 20 years, addressing key questions around equitable opportunity, neighborhood design, and sustainability. According to the Mayor’s office and the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD), the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan comprises Four Key Moves:

Housing and Affordability: Expand housing opportunities across the city
Equity and Opportunity: Promote a more equitable Seattle as we grow
Community and Neighborhoods: Focus growth and investment in walkable communities
Climate and Sustainability: Meet challenges of climate change for a resilient future

The release date of March 5th marked the beginning of a two-month (60-day) public engagement period. AIA Seattle’s Comp Plan Work Group has been diligently preparing for the Plan’s release by creating a detailed framework for their work and response during the public comment period. The group looks forward to engaging with the membership over the next two months to inform their response.

Urban Design Forum to Host Charrette to Guide City’s Growth

As part of this crucial endeavor, Urban Design Forum will host a charrette to support the Comp Plan Work Group in activating member engagement. This exciting opportunity will allow participants to imagine the possibilities and inform how the group should respond during the public comment period.

When: April 2nd, 4:00-6:15 PM
Where: Center for Architecture and Design, 1010 Western Ave
More information will follow

State News

2024 Legislative Session Wraps: AIA Washington Celebrates Wins on Licensure, Sustainability, Housing Affordability

The 2024 Washington State legislative session has been a huge success for AIAWA and its advocacy priorities. Despite being a short 60-day sprint, this fast-paced session saw the passage of several bills that AIAWA championed tirelessly. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and unwavering support to AIAWA’s legislative agenda this year.

A critical achievement is the passage of HB 1880, which eliminates the rolling clock in state statute for licensure. After significant efforts by AIAWA, this bill secured unanimous support from both legislative chambers and now awaits Governor Inslee’s signature. The passage of this bill this session will break down barriers, provide flexibility, and ensure a more inclusive path to licensure. The removal of the rolling clock will take effect July 1, 2024.

Another milestone is the passage of HB 1282, the Buy Clean and Buy Fair legislation, promoting sustainable and ethical construction practices. This bill mandates transparency and accountability for building materials used in major state-funded projects by requiring firms to report Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Health Product Declarations, working conditions, and other data. It also directs the Department of Commerce to develop a public database for this information and establishes the “Buy Clean Buy Fair” workgroup.

Additionally, AIAWA secured an important budget proviso in the Operating Budget, allocating $250,000 to the State Building Code Council to study embodied carbon language in other jurisdictions’ building codes and provide recommendations for potential adoption by December 1, 2024.

While the Navigator (HB 1391) did not advance, AIAWA’s partners at Shift Zero secured $3.5 million in the Operating Budget to facilitate access to energy assistance programs, including incentives, audits, and rebates for retrofitting homes and small businesses. However, this funding is contingent on the Climate Commitment Act not being repealed by Initiative Measure No. 2117.

This session, we saw multiple bills seeking to address the acute need for more affordable housing options, and the passage of HB 2071 advances that goal. It directs the State Building Code Council to convene technical advisory groups and make recommendations to apply the International Residential Code (IRC) to multiplex housing of up to six units. Additionally, it calls for revisions to the International Building Code (IBC) to allow unit sizes smaller than current efficiency dwelling unit requirements. The bill also requires the development of an illustrative standard plan set that meets or exceeds all energy code regulations for residential housing subject to the IRC. This optional plan set can be used by local governments and builders as a prescriptive pathway for energy code compliance.

Furthermore, the passage of HB 1998 aims to increase affordable co-living housing choices by requiring cities and counties to allow this type of development, featuring individually rented sleeping units with shared kitchen facilities within urban areas zoned for multifamily or mixed-use. Cities and counties cannot impose overly restrictive regulations related to unit sizes, parking requirements near transit, density calculations, and other development standards.

The 2024 legislative session has truly been one for the books – a huge success that AIAWA and all of you advocating alongside us should take immense pride in. It was because of each of you that we achieved wins on so many fronts crucial to our profession and communities.

We’d love to hear from you! For more information on advocacy topics, please contact:

Samantha Morrow | Senior Manager of Policy & Advocacy, AIA Washington Council & AIA Seattle

Posted in Advocacy

2024 Fellowship Announcement

Pictured (left to right): Ann Marie Borys FAIA, Douglas Ito FAIA, J. Todd Scott FAIA, Jim Hanford FAIA, John Shoesmith FAIA, Kathrina Simonen FAIA, and Robert Misel FAIA.

The fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level. Architects who have been elevated to fellowship can be identified by the designation FAIA after name.

We are extremely fortunate to have each of these AIA Seattle Members as leaders in our talented and dedicated design community!

Ann Marie Borys, FAIA – University of Washington Department of Architecture | Through teaching, scholarship, academic administration, and service, Ann Marie orients students towards ethical practice by integrating history, theory, design, and professional values within a pedagogy of social engagement, action research, and critical inquiry.

Douglas Ito, FAIA – SMR Architects | Douglas is the 2024 winner of the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award. For over 26 years, Ito has been instrumental in projects that make real his belief that all people deserve good design, and housing that confronts the racial, social, and political injustices that continue to pervade society.

J. Todd Scott, FAIA – King County Historic Preservation Office | By leveraging historic resources and community engagement for revitalization, leading preservation organizations, and educating others, Todd has empowered diverse communities to revitalize their architectural and cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations.

Jim Hanford, FAIA – The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP | Leading the sustainable design process for the country’s most influential projects, Jim actualizes Miller Hull’s ethos, standardizing high-performance within its practice, and awakening the architectural community to a new standard of building.

John Shoesmith, FAIA – Perkins Eastman | John elevates the standard in design for aging and memory care environments. His award-winning design, knowledge sharing, advocacy, and influence in regulatory change improves lives and inspires others in the profession.

Kathrina Simonen, FAIA – University of Washington / Carbon Leadership Forum | Carbon activist Kate has crystallized the embodied carbon movement with cutting-edge research, incubation of new approaches and cross-sector collaboration, equipping architects with the data, policies and social infrastructure to successfully harness carbon-smart material solutions.

Robert Misel, FAIA – The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP | Rob’s approach to firm and project leadership creates an environment of inclusivity, transparency and accountability. His commitment prioritizes equity with sustainable design excellence, fostering necessary diversity and engagement within projects, communities, and the profession.

Posted in Fellows and Honors

Updates from the Justice & Equity for Diversity & Inclusion Council

Who serves on the AIA Seattle JE:DI Council?

Priorities and Accomplishments from 2023

Diversity in Leadership Fund
JE:DI Council supported the rollout of the Diversity in Leadership Fund, which provides funding to alleviate the potential barrier of the membership cost, which is required for prospective committee chairs. Proposed co-chairs whose employers do not cover their AIA dues and who are from historically marginalized backgrounds (due to disability, gender identity, class, race/ethnicity, immigration status, sexual orientation, or other factor) have the option to request the chapter cover dues as a new or reinstating membership for the duration of the chair’s service to the committee (generally two years).

JE:DI IRL
AIA Seattle wrapped up our JE:DI IRL (In Real Life) series this last year. The series was started by the Justice and Equity for Diversity and Inclusion Committee and AIA Northern Virginia (NOVA) Women in Design. The series covered topics ranging from barriers to licensure, leadership, and diversity within the experiences of all attendees.

This free series is being expanded this year to include many chapters across the United States which will bring more backgrounds and keep the conversation progressing. Keep an eye out for more details in the coming months!

Advocacy for Accessibility at the National Conference
All events should be accessible, particularly events delivered by our organization. Last year many members expressed concerns about the lack of virtual access at the AIA Conference on Architecture. In response, JE:DI Council penciled a letter to the conference planning committee advocating for remote access. The Council also emphasized the need for increased transparency, communicating considerations and decisions made regarding virtual delivery to members at the time of registration.

We are continuing to monitor the status and hope to see results with the tickets for the event going on sale this week, on February 28.

New Justice and Equity for Diversity and Inclusion Board of Directors Seat
The Board of Directors has approved a petition to bring a new seat who will represent our Justice and Equity for Diversity and Inclusion goals. We are excited that AIA Seattle has agreed to bring in more voices to the conversation and look forward to the future representative being on the Board of Directors next year.

Vetting AIA Seattle Leadership + Local Award Winners
After meeting with a representative from National, the JE:DI Council has put forward a recommendation that a National Ethics violation review be officially adopted as part of our review process for AIA leadership and local individual award nominees. The hope is that this a demonstration that our members are committed to following the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, competence, and ethical practice. The Member Advancement Committee has approved this recommendation, and JE:DI Council will be facilitating the process for our current board nominations.

Posted in JEDI, Racial Justice Working Group

Seattle COTE Blog

Climate Legislation Success Sees a Backlash

By Nancy Henderson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
ArchEcology, Shift Zero Steering Committee Member
Q2 2024

Climate advocates had great success in the last few legislative sessions in Olympia. Since 2020 there have been numerous legislative proposals to reduce Washington’s contribution to climate change and the efforts have been wide ranging. They include transportation, new and existing buildings, clean energy jobs, and more. Not all have been successful, but persistence has paid off. These successes are now being challenged in court and on the ballot.

The 2024 session was Governor Inslee’s last, and he wants his legacy to include strong action against climate change. Samantha Morrow, Government Affairs Director for AIA Washington Council. summarized the most recent accomplishments in an email to members:

…Passage of HB 1282, the Buy Clean and Buy Fair legislation, promoting sustainable and ethical construction practices. This bill mandates transparency and accountability for building materials used in major state-funded projects by requiring firms to report Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Health Product Declarations, working conditions, and other data. It also directs the Department of Commerce to develop a public database for this information and establishes the “Buy Clean Buy Fair” workgroup.

…AIAWA secured an important budget proviso in the Operating Budget allocating $250,000 to the State Building Code Council to study embodied carbon language in other jurisdictions’ building codes and provide recommendations for potential adoption by December 1, 2024.

…AIAWA’s partners at Shift Zero secured $3.5 million in the Operating Budget to facilitate access to energy assistance programs, including incentives, audits, and rebates for retrofitting homes and small businesses.

Shift Zero, along with their partners, advocated for a $50M proviso in the capital budget for multifamily building efficiency grants. In the end, the budget included $55M, as well as approximately $45M for school district indoor air quality and energy efficiency.

These successes, however, have brought a backlash from opponents.

The Climate Commitment Act (CCA), passed in 2021, is facing a campaign to repeal the law (Initiative Measure No. 2117), which established a comprehensive program to reduce carbon pollution and cap greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative would repeal the CCA and prohibit state agencies from establishing any type of program that involves trading carbon tax credits.

There is also a campaign to prohibit the state/local government from restricting natural gas access. Several proposed initiatives are attempting to repeal ESHB 1589 that prohibits expansion of natural gas service and supports the state’s largest natural gas utility (PSE) in its efforts to decarbonize. Most of these bills likely won’t make it to the ballot, but I-2066 may collect enough signatures. The initiative is being marketed as “Stop the gas ban”. This is a deceptive tactic since ESHB 1589 does not include a gas ban.

At the local level, Seattle’s proposed amendments to the 2021 Washington State Energy Code have been under extreme pressure from the development community. So much so that in May, Mayor Harrell put forward a proposal to strike many of the Seattle amendments and have the code align more closely to the Washington State Energy Commercial Energy Code. Rising interest rates and construction cost increases due to market forces are causing development costs to skyrocket in Seattle, but many in the industry also blame the energy codes.

Of special concern is the cost of housing that falls under the commercial provisions of the code (generally residential buildings four stories or more). The high cost of development has all but stalled these types of projects in Seattle—and at a time when demand for housing and rents are high. It is often said that Seattle is in a housing crisis, and that the high cost of housing is contributing to homelessness in the city. How can we justify adding further cost to housing in the form of energy efficiency when new construction is already very efficient? Advocates say that the efficiency measures benefit the tenants, but opponents say that the benefit is minor compared to the increase in rent. Advocates also say that we shouldn’t have to choose—that housing can be affordable and efficient.

This is the kind of issue that reasonable people can easily disagree about. If the priority is to encourage housing, perhaps we can loosen the energy code rules for housing and keep the stronger requirements for other project types.

Seattle’s Construction Codes Advisory Board has debated the issues at two recent meetings. On June 20th they voted on the proposed changes which can be found on SDCI’s website Proposed changes to 2021 Energy Code. The board’s recommendation includes several compromises, and will now be forwarded to City Council for consideration.

With a few exceptions, we do not believe that the 2021 amendments pose significant cost increases for housing. We did, however, see a significant cost increase with the adoption of the 2018 Seattle Energy Code. This code added requirements for energy recovery ventilation in dwelling units, and strictly limited the use of electric resistance heat, while disallowing fossil fuels for heating or hot water. The result was a change to heat pumps for space conditioning. This is significant for comfort and safety. As our summers have gotten warmer, cooling has become more necessary. And when the hot summers are coupled with smoke from forest fires, the benefit is even more significant. The market is still adjusting to these requirements, and given the numerous strains on housing development, a temporary reprieve for multifamily projects may be in order. However, we do not agree that the Washington State Energy Code is strict enough and that we can abandon our role as leaders in the state.

https://www.archecology.com/on-our-minds/backlash

Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Your Home

by Megan Greenfield, AIA, LFA, LEED Green Associate and Emma Nowinski, AIA, LEED AP
Q1 2024

You don’t need to build a new, net zero home in order to be sustainable. In fact, “the greenest building is the one that already exists”. There are many things you can do to reduce the carbon footprint of your existing home and save money. The solutions that follow range from small (easy/free or low cost) to large (labor intensive/higher cost).

If you are a renter, you can still do many of the things listed below. You can also talk to your landlord to see if they would be interested in making any of these upgrades. After all, making these improvements would save them money and would serve as good marketing material for their building.

Small:

When thinking about sustainability in buildings, people often immediately think of high-tech solutions such as adding solar panels to your roof. While this is a solution you’ll see listed below, it isn’t the first place to start. Before you add anything, consider reducing, reusing, and recycling. Once you have reduced your carbon footprint, you’ll have much less to offset when it comes to the more costly solutions, such as those snazzy solar panels.

Reduce

Unplug electronics when you’re not using them
Turn off lights when you aren’t using them
Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth
Separate your waste – recycle, compost, garbage
Switch your light bulbs to LED
Program your thermostat to adjust the temperature when you are not home or sleeping
Seal air leaks around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulking
During hot weather, open the windows at night and close them during the day (night flushing)
Hang dry your clothes instead of using the dryer
Use tap temperature water when washing your clothes instead of hot when possible
Fix leaks, dripping faucets, and running toilets
Buy your electricity from a utility that uses all-renewable sources (eg, SCL allows you to buy in to support all-renewable service)

Reuse

Buy used appliances/fixtures/household goods from resale shops, thrift stores, or directly from sellers via Craigslist, NextDoor, Facebook Marketplace
Borrow tools from your local Tool Libraries
Purchase food from your local farmer’s market, CSA, or consider signing up for a food service that rescues food
Take advantage of online Buy Nothing groups
Reach out to recycling groups when doing any demolition work on your property – most materials, including broken concrete and planting soil, can be reused in some fashion and you might also save on hauling/dump fees

Recycle

Sign up for an additional recycling service that helps recycle what your municipality cannot. Side note: we use Ridwell and have easily cut our garbage volume by a third! Which saves at least as much as the Ridwell costs in SPU fees…

Medium:

These options can be a little more costly but can have a big impact.

Install energy-efficient appliances (look for the Energy Star label)
Swap out your plumbing fixtures for low-flow (consider: shower heads ≤1.5 gpm, bathroom faucets ≤0.5 gpm, kitchen faucets ≤1.5 gpm, single flush toilets ≤1.28 gpf, dual flush toilets ≤1.6 gpf. Look for the WaterSense label)
Add shades or blinds to your windows to reduce heat gain
Plant deciduous bushes or trees outside your home to block light/heat during summer and let in light/heat during winter
Install automated/smart controls
Plant a summer veggie or herb garden to cut down on what you have to buy from stores. Herbs: EASY to grow at home and avoid those pricey/wasteful little plastic clamshell packages!
Plant a pollinator garden to help our local pollinators thrive (check out your local seed libraries)

Large:

These solutions are the most time-consuming, costly, and will likely require the help of a professional. However, there are many local, state, and federal incentives and rebates available to help make these upgrades much more manageable. For starters, switching your home to all-electric (removing all fossil fuels) is the most effective way to reduce carbon emissions and simultaneously improve the health and safety of your home. And remember, The Inflation Reduction Act is designed to incentivize low carbon outcomes while saving you money. Visit Rewiring America (https://www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator) and calculate your potential cost savings on the following measures:

Update your home’s envelope (install better insulation, reduce thermal bridging, upgrade to more energy-efficient windows and doors, etc.)
Install a Heat Pump Water Heater or Solar Water Heater
Replace your furnace with an air-source, ground-source (geothermal), or water-source heat pump
Install solar panels (ie. Photovoltaics or PVs) on your roof, or in your yard
Get an electric car and install EV charging

It’s not all about energy. Managing stormwater on your property is an effective and essential form of stewardship that is generally low-tech and easy to do.

Plant a rain garden to help manage stormwater on your property. If you are in King County, check out RainWise.
- https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/waste-services/wastewater-treatment/programs/rainwise
Replace excess paving and lawn with landscaping and soil that absorbs rainwater.
Install native plants, supporting carbon sequestration and habitat restoration.

Incentives & Rebates

The Inflation Reduction Act is a monumental step in the direction toward clean and renewable energy. Through a variety of financial and tax incentives for home owners and commercial entities, the IRA makes the switch to clean, renewable energy more affordable. A variety of state, municipal, and utility programs also provide financial incentives for making the switch to clean energy. Check out the resources below, and visit often, as these programs are evolving:

Federal

Rewiring America (Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

https://www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator

WA State

Seattle City Light

https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/residential-services/home-energy-solutions
SCL Renewable Energy Credits – a voluntary program where SCL purchases regional renewable energy credits (RECs) on your behalf to fund local rooftop solar projects hosted by not-for-profits and public organizations like affordable housing, schools, and parks
- https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/residential-services/home-energy-solutions/renewable-energy-credits

Seattle Public Utilities

https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/your-services/discounts-and-incentives#waystosavewaterandmoney

Puget Sound Energy

Bellingham

https://cob.org/services/environment/lid/green-building

Spokane

https://my.spokanecity.org/publicworks/water/water-wise-spokane/rebates/

Clark County

https://www.clarkpublicutilities.com/residential-customers/reduce-energy-waste-and-lower-your-bill/all-rebates-incentives-and-low-interest-loans/

Mason County

https://mason-pud1.org/rebates/

Pierce County

https://www.piercecountywa.gov/7968/Home-Energy

King County (RainWise)

https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/waste-services/wastewater-treatment/programs/rainwise

King and Snohomish County

https://www.savingwater.org/rebates/

Other Resources

The Northwest Eco Building Guild has many useful resources and links on their website: https://www.ecobuilding.org/

If you are curious to know how other homeowners have incorporated sustainable features into their properties, the annual NW Eco Building Guild’s Green Home Tour is a great way to see these strategies in action: https://nwgreenhometour.org/

Tool Libraries – where you can rent almost any type of tool you can think of

https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/depts/dnrp/solid-waste/programs/ecoconsumer/repair-libraries

Ridwell – recycles common household waste that is not normally accepted by municipalities (such as plastic film, lightbulbs, batteries, etc)

https://www.ridwell.com/

Imperfect Produce – rescues food with imperfections that does not make it to our grocery stores but that is perfectly fine to eat

https://www.imperfectfoods.com/?redirect=true&promo=IF240110X3B

Ballard Reuse – a place to find preloved building materials

https://ballardreuse.com/

Second Use – a place to find preloved building materials

https://www.seconduse.com/

Posted in Committee on the Environment

Committee on Homelessness letter to City of Seattle

AIA Seattle’s Committee on Homelessness (COHO) advocated for adding housing capacity, speeding up housing production and lessening code requirements in a letter addressing the City’s recent position put forward in the Amicus Curiae brief to the Supreme Court of the United States in support of the Petitioner, City of Grants Pass. AIA Seattle implores the City to adopt a comprehensive plan, policies, and regulations to increase availability of all types of housing.

Related Links:

COHO’s Letter to City of Seattle
US Supreme Court agrees to hear Oregon case over homelessness policies, by Conrad Wilson, OPB, January 12, 2024 – for additional context.

Posted in Advocacy, Committee on Homelessness, Housing, Public Policy Board

Register Now for Our Upcoming Code Mode Seminars

Join us for four upcoming seminars to learn from Code experts.

Seminar 1 | Code Mode | Code Flexibility (Alternative Code Approaches)
March 19-20, 2024 // ONLINE // 12:00PM – 2:00PM PT on both days // Class Credit: 4 LU/HSW

Seminar 2 | Code Mode | Understanding the Seattle Existing Building Code
May 14-15, 2024 // ONLINE // 12:00PM – 2:00PM PT// Class Credit: 4 LU/HSW

Seminar 3 | Code Mode | Introduction to Land Use Code in the Puget Sound Region
September 10-11, 2024 // ONLINE // 12:00PM – 2:00PM PT on both days //Class Credit: 4 LU/HSW

Seminar 4 | Code Mode | Codes and Guidelines in Healthcare
October 28, 2024 // IN PERSON //Puget Sound Energy (355 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004) // 9:00AM – 1:00PM PT //Class Credit: 4 LU/HSW

*Stay tuned for additional information about these exciting programs! Details are provided approximately 6-8 weeks before the program date(s). All session dates and times subject to change.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2024 CODE SERIES SPONSORS

WoodWorks – Wood Products Council | Hargis Engineers | Jensen Hughes

Pella Windows & Doors of Western Washington

CODE COMMITTEE

Special thanks to the Code Committee for planning this series of sessions!

COMMITTEE CHAIRS:

Ana Parke, AIA

Leonard Ruff, AIA

Program, Registration or Credit Questions?
Contact Andrea Aguilera, Senior Programs Coordinator at AIA Seattle

Sponsorship Questions?
Contact Zee Mars, Development Manager at AIA Seattle

Posted in Allied Professionals, Architects, Associates, Code, For the Profession, For the Public, Member Firms, Recent Graduates, Sponsors, Students

Advocacy Update – January 2024

Photo: The 2024 Washington state legislative session gets underway in the House of Representatives on Jan. 8, 2024. (Laurel Demkovich/Washington State Standard)

2024 Legislative Session Begins

The 2024 legislative session kicked off on January 8 with a flurry of activities, including opening ceremonies, caucus priorities, and the House passing several bills from the last session to the Senate. This “short session” is set to run until March 7, presenting a tight 60-day window for addressing a myriad of policy, politics, and supplemental budgets.

Legislative leaders have outlined key focus areas, including housing, transportation, behavioral health, public safety, climate change, and education. Already, a record-breaking 932 new bills have been introduced within the first week, indicating a busy session ahead. In addition to newly introduced bills, all bills that did not pass during the 2023 session are still alive this year.

As we navigate through the initial weeks, legislators are deeply engaged in policy and fiscal committees, participating in public hearings and voting on bills. This first major deadline of the session is on January 31, when all bills must pass out of their respective policy committees to remain alive. This is closely followed by the fiscal committee cutoff, when all bills must pass out of their respective fiscal committees to advance.

Adding a unique dynamic to this session are six citizen initiatives aiming directly at key Democratic priorities in tax, environmental, public safety, and education policy.

Looking back on the first week, our priority companion rolling clock bills, HB 1880 and SB 5794, were both heard in committee. As a reminder, these bills seek to eliminate the rolling clock, an arbitrary five-year period in which applicants must pass all six divisions of the licensing exam, from Washington state statute. Both bills were slightly amended to allow a one-month delay to the implementation date to accommodate DOL and voted out unanimously out of their respective committees. The bills now sit in Rules in both the House and Senate, awaiting the opportunity to be pulled to the floor for a vote.

Additionally, HB 2008, which creates a task force to ascertain the primary factors driving housing costs in Washington, was passed out of the policy committee. AIAWA met with the prime sponsor to express the need for representation from our industry on the taskforce, and the bill was amended to accommodate.

Other bills of interest – including those related to AI regulation, co-living housing, lot splitting, parking flexibility, and transit-oriented development – were also heard in the policy committee:

SB 5838– AI Taskforce – Public hearing in Senate on 1/10 and Executive session scheduled for 1/19
HB 1998 / SB 5901 Co-living Housing- Passed out of House Housing Committee on 1/11 and referred to Rules Committee. Public hearing in Senate Local Government Committee on 1/9.
HB 1245 Lot Splitting – Returning from last session, HB 1245 was voted off the House Floor on 1/8. It has been referred to the Senate Local Government Committee.
SB 6015 Parking Flexibility – Public hearing in Senate Local Government Committee on 1/11.
HB 2160 /SB 6024 Transit Oriented Development – Passed out of House Housing Committee on 1/15 and Public Hearing in Senate Local Government Committee on 1/11.

Please reach out to Samantha if you’d like to get involved in AIAWA policy committees or see an up-to-date version of our 2024 bill tracker.

AIA Washington | Capitol Connections

AIAWA members will head to Olympia for an in-person Capitol Connections event on January 23, 2024. Members will be discussing the rolling clock, HB 1880 & SB 5794, along with the Energy Upgrade Navigator Program, HB 1391.

This lobby day promises not only to be impactful but also an enjoyable experience for both members and legislators alike. Your participation is crucial in making our collective voice heard on these important matters to help shape our industry’s future for the better.

We’d love to hear from you! For more information on advocacy topics, please contact:

Samantha Morrow | Senior Manager of Policy & Advocacy, AIA Washington Council & AIA Seattle

Posted in Advocacy

2024 Call for Nominations AIA Seattle Board + College of Fellows

Board Nominations

Would you or someone you know make a great AIA Seattle Board Member? To learn more about board service, see the Board Role Description. To apply, please fill out this form by February 7! Nominations received by this date will be prioritized for review by the Membership Advancement Steering Committee, which vets potential board members for service through the 2024 nomination cycle. The three-year term of service begins September 1, 2024.

Emerging Professional/Student Board Position: AIA Seattle’s nominating committee is also inviting applications for an emerging professional or student as a non-voting participant in the board space for one year of service. This is a paid position to bring diverse perspectives into the Board leadership space.
For more information, see the Emerging Professional Role description. Please upload a statement of interest and resume here.

All nominees will be asked to disclose any violations of the AIA Code of Ethics in the last seven years. Please review the AIA Code of Ethics here.

Nominations for College of Fellows

Fellowship is one of the highest national honors the AIA can bestow upon a member. Register for our online program The Path to Fellowship to learn more about the College of Fellows eligibility and submittal process. To nominate yourself, or a peer for Fellowship, please fill out this form by March 15!

Fellowship FAQS

Why should you put yourself, or a colleague, forward for the nomination process? Candidates for the College of Fellows must be nominated by either their assigned component or by a petition signed by any five Fellows in good standing or any 10 architect members in good standing. By completing our nomination process, you are putting yourself forward for component nomination. This means that you won’t need to complete the petition process, and that you’ll have the support of our amazing Fellows + Honors Committee, who will coach you through the submission process.
What key dates should you mark on your calendar?
- March 15— Deadline to complete nomination form to be considered for component nomination
- June— Coaching sessions begin for selected nominees
- Summer & Fall— Working sessions to finalize your submission
- Early October— Submission deadline for the 2025 College of Fellows cycle
How can you get a better sense of the scope of work required for this process? Review the example submissions that National has provided on their website. You can also request specific examples that aren’t currently provided by reaching out directly to the archivist!
What happens after you submit in October? The jury will review submissions and will announce the 2025 College of Fellows in early 2025. If you are not selected during this round, you will have two additional years to apply for consideration.

Questions? Please reach out to Anthony Collins, Senior Coordinator of Member Engagement for support.

Posted in Fellows and Honors, Home Page

2024 WHITNEY M. YOUNG JR. AWARD

AIA SEATTLE GOLD MEDAL

2024 AIA College of Fellows

2025 AIA COLLEGE OF FELLOWS

2024 AIA NATIONAL YOUNG ARCHITECT AWARD

AIA SEATTLE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

AIA SEATTLE YOUNG ARCHITECT AWARD

AIA SEATTLE VOLUNTEER AWARD

HONORARY AIA SEATTLE MEMBERSHIP

ALLIED ORGANIZATION AWARD

CODE DOWNLOAD SESSIONS

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2025 CODE SERIES SPONSORS

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE CODE COMMITTEE

QUESTIONS?

Welcome AIA Seattle Advocacy Manager, Nathan Winch

Seattle City Council Receives Mayor’s Comp Plan

Pro-Housing voices urgently needed!

ACTION NEEDED

SB 5184 Would Provide Huge Boost to Housing Production

1/24 10.30am TESTIFY to support State Legislation to Eliminate Parking Mandates

ACTION NEEDED

Social Housing – Learn more about Prop 1A + 1B February 5

News of Interest

Why join the AIA Seattle Board of Directors?

Nomination Process

Aligned Boards – AIA Seattle & Seattle Design Festival

2025 Major Programs + Events

New Strategic Plan + New Home

City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan – Public Engagement Period thru Dec. 20

Advocate in Olympia – Capitol Connections 2025

Architects Wanted – City of Seattle Neighborhood Design Review Boards:

Post-Election Outcomes:

AWARD OF HONOR

ENERGY IN DESIGN AWARD

AWARD OF MERIT

HONORABLE MENTION

YOUNG VOICES SELECTION

Your VOTE is your VOICE!

No on I-2117: Vote No to Support the 2021 Climate Act

I-2066: Initiative Would Undo Incentives for Electrification of Buildings

City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan: Draft Legislation and Zoning Maps

City of Seattle Budget Process

Join Advocacy Happy Hour – Tuesday, September 23rd

AIA Seattle is Hiring – Advocacy Manager Role

AIA Seattle Endorses Legislation to Boost Housing Production

Comp Plan Work Group – Update

Support the Climate Commitment Act – Pledge to VOTE No on I-2117

Lid I-5 – Volunteer Group Convening

ABOUT SUBMITTING

ABOUT THE COMMON APP

ABOUT THE LIVE EVENT

ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE

LIVE EVENT ON NOVEMBER 4 AT TOWN HALL SEATTLE

THE JURY PROCESS

MEET THE JURY

MEET THE MODERATOR

YOUNG VOICES SELECTION

QUESTIONS?

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE HONOR AWARDS COMMITTEE

THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 HONOR AWARDS SPONSORS

Advocacy Happy Hour

City of Seattle Energy Code

City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan

NO on I-2117

To Our Valued 10-County Community,

VOTE for Board of Directors and Nominate Steering Committee Leadership Today!

Firms Invited to Boost Visibility on AIA Seattle’s Updated ‘Find an Architect’ Page

Upcoming Leadership Learning Opportunity!

What if…YOU engage in Seattle Design Festival in the Weeks Ahead?

Housing Forum

Increase AIA Seattle’s advocacy impact in 10 Counties! Call for AIA Seattle Public Policy Board Members

Help Shape the Chapter – Vote for your Board of Director Nominees

City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan

NO on I-2117

Design Review

Local Energy Code

TARGET PARTICIPANTS – FIRM LEADERS*

FULL SERIES COST

Reduced Rate Options

WHY PARTICIPATE?

Welcome AIA Seattle Advocacy Manager,
Nathan Winch

Congratulations to AIA Seattle member Am anda Snelson AIA, for being a recipient of the AIA National 2024 Young Architects Award!