Celebrating Black History Month

February is Black History Month, an opportunity to examine allyship and amplify the work of Black architects and designers in our profession.

Advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JE:DI) in 2026

AIA Seattle remains steadfast in our commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the architecture community. We aim to nurture universal inclusion and fairness for the diverse communities our work impacts. AIA Seattle reaffirms our dedication to JE:DI commitments through the implementation of our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, formed in alignment with Seattle Design Festival.

In 2026, we are advancing JE:DI by furthering our commitment to reducing barriers, expanding access, and ensuring leadership pathways reflect the diversity of our community. Read more here about this and our other priorities and key efforts of 2026.

Engage with Black Designers Shaping Our Community

Diversity Roundtable
For 30+ years, AIA Seattle’s Diversity Roundtable (DRT) has elevated, inspired and empowered individuals of underrepresented backgrounds in the profession of architecture through leadership, community service, and activism. DRT meets the first Tuesday of every month either in-person and/or via Zoom. AIA Seattle members, allied members and sponsors are encouraged to join as well as other professionals in the design community.

NOMA|nw

NOMA|nw advocates for greater cultural diversity and equity within the design industry. The NW Chapter provides a platform where BIPOC AEC professionals and Allies can work together to affect change within the workplace as well as within schools and communities throughout Seattle and the PNW. Bookmark their upcoming events page to learn more about opportunities to engage. AIA Seattle is grateful for our strong partnership with NOMA|nw. Active NOMA members are eligible for 50% off 2026 AIA dues, contact Olivia Weninger to receive your discount code.

The Blackprint

Former AIA Seattle President Meredith Everest’s The Blackprint podcast acts as a guide for the emerging BIPOC architect and highlights members of our local chapter and community each episode. Give a listen wherever you get your podcasts! Check out the latest episode with Christian Joosse, author of Letters to Ms. 1000 – Words of Wisdom from African American Women Architects.

Upcoming Community Events

RYTHM with NOMAS UW
Date: Throughout February
About: NOMAS UW presents “RYTHM,” a series of events that highlight the key themes of music, movement, and freedom of expression. Events include a Case Study Series on the landmark sites of Seattle’s Jackson Street Jazz Trail, a soul food tour through the Central District and construction site visit to Acer House.

“Call to Conscience” – A Black History Month Museum
Date: Throughout February
Location: Columbia City Theater
About: Presented by Rainier Avenue Radio, this month-long celebration of Black history includes immersive installations, performances, and community programs. Events include a LIVE History of Funk performance (Saturday, February 7) and “Preserving Your Legacy” (Monday, February 9), a talk with Phil Armstrong, former Executive Director of Tulsa’s Greenwood Rising Museum and Akuyea Karen Vargas, founder of the Kitsap ERACE Coalition, offering insight into building preservation efforts from the ground up.

Living Voices: Fly for Freedom
Date: Wednesday, February 5, 5:30-6:30pm and 6:30-7:30pm
Location: MOHAI
About: A multimedia program featuring stories and contributions of working women in the WWII aeronautics industry, amplifying the experiences of Black women through the Rosie the Riveters who built planes in Boeing’s factories, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Double Victory campaign.

America 250: The Verdict Is?
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 7-9pm
Location: MOHAI
About: Join the Black Heritage Society of Washington State and MOHAI as they honor the trailblazing legacies of Washington State Black judges who commit themselves to interpreting the law, and those who continue to advocate for fair and just treatment. Where do we stand in the court of public opinion these 250 years later?

DRT | SIAF | NOMA NW Social Hour
Date: Wednesday, February 11
Location: Mithun
About: Organized quarterly by the AIA Seattle Diversity Roundtable (DRT), the Seattle International Architecture Forum (SIAF), and NOMA|nw, this event is the perfect opportunity to build new connections with great company.

Seattle’s Innovation for Unlocking Homeownership
Date: Wednesday, February 18, 1-2pm
Location: Online
About: Join Just Communities for a live conversation on how PAD is redefining land development by centering homeowners, preventing displacement, and creating pathways to long-term wealth building. Hear from Rico Quirindongo AIA, Director of Seattle’s Office of Planning and Community Development.

2026 Spatial Justice Program with AIA Minnesota
Date: Begins Thursday, March 19
Location: In-person + online
About: AIA Minnesota is collaborating with The Center for Transformative Design to explore spatial justice in Minneapolis, Portland and Seattle. With cohorts in these three cities, the program questions how those in architecture, landscape architecture, community development, higher education, and real estate development can bring spatial justice into their practices to create more just and equitable communities. The 2026 cohort schedule consists of 11 sessions, with the introductory and closing sessions being in-person.

Watch Dark and Tender
Location: Online
About: Shot on Whidbey Island and The Big Island of Hawai’i, short films by The Chronically UnderTouched (CUT) Project are now available to stream or screen. Follow Dark and Tender and the CUT Project on socials.

More about Behind the Vision

Learn more about Behind the Vision, a communication series to provide our AIA Seattle community with information about activities that steward our mission, vision, and values forward. See past editions here.