Seattle International Architecture Forum

We are a diverse array of practitioners, theorists and students from all over the globe assembled right here in the PNW since 2015, looking to both connect, share experiences from and for designers and aspirants all the world over: please see below for more information on who we are, what we do, and how to get involved!!

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THE FALL 2024 “DESIGN ACROSS CULTURES” FORUM

As our final Forum of the year (with virtual and occasional in-person offerings), Join us on Tuesday October 15th  for a thought-provoking meeting and discussion in downtown Seattle, where three veteran architects with experience in both Asia and the US will share their extensive insights on critical aspects of designing buildings in different countries, climates, and cultures.  Our speakers will specifically explore the unique challenges and opportunities that come from working in such diverse contexts, including China, Indonesia, India, Malaysia and both coasts of the US.  Through case studies and personal anecdotes, they will discuss how cultural difference impact various design expectations, user experience, and overall project(s) success.  Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on how to navigate many such nuances, and deliver effective, culturally-sensitive design solutions in a globalized architectural practice.

If you’ve ever traveled abroad, or considered starting your own architectural practice or project in any of these areas, this Forum is for you!!

Forum Date: Tuesday October 15, 2024
Time: 5:15pm
Location:  MG2 Downtown Headquarters (1101 2nd Ave #100, Seattle, WA 98101)
Subject: Navigating Expectations in Asia and the US
Additional Links: (forthcoming)

So join us in person or else register digitally at the attached link, on how to best attend or help volunteer.  (In conjunction with AIA International’s “Global Practice Primer”, a resource for those thinking of starting international firms or practice abroad!)

Also, follow SIAF on Instagram: @aia.siaf
Or even join SIAF’s Facebook group: AIA Seattle International Architecture Forum

The Seattle International Architecture Forum (SIAF) serves AIA Seattle’s Membership vision.

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OUR MISSION:

Is to: “broaden cross-cultural architectural horizons, mentor, to educate, and inspire knowledge of international architectural practice” and to also best be a “hub for designers of foreign origin.”

(Some of the ways we have achieved this is through some of the below/see below for additional information!)

HOW TO VISIT (OR GET INVOLVED!)

SIAF meets the third Wednesday of every month at 5:15pm, with virtual and occasional in-person offerings – see AIA Seattle Committee events & calendar page, or our newsletter for the link!

Or to receive additional upcoming meeting and event details, subscribe to our email list or click the calendar links in the top-right corner of this page, or reach out at the contacts below. (AIA Seattle members, allied members and sponsors are encouraged to join as well as other professionals in the design community)

Also, follow SIAF on Instagram: @aia.siaf
Or even join SIAF’s Facebook group: AIA Seattle International Architecture Forum

The Seattle International Architecture Forum (SIAF) serves AIA Seattle’s Membership vision.

ABOUT US:

What is an International Architecture Forum?

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a Forum is:
“an event or medium, where people can exchange opinions and ideas on a particular issue”

SIAF seeks to expand off existing traditions to bring Seattle lessons out to the world.
Ours is inspired by a proactive approach to contemporary global topics: Those that have the ability to impact or inspire us now.

Please join us or reach out to the contact below to help contribute your own ideas, suggestions or ‘tales-0f-yore’.

OUR GOALS:

..aka,  “what we do”!! 

Below is a small list of some of the items we do and promote:

• Global Connections & Outreach – ‘Jet City’ originally connected the PNW to an international world, but now it is OUR turn and time to flip the tables! As one of the leading design & tech centers for both the region and the United States at large, Seattle has long had a great international connections from and for international designers of all ilks. Our ‘City on the Sound’ is the place where great ideas can come together and meld with the larger natural world.  So stop by and visit sometime to see more soon!

In conjunction with AIA Global, and Asian American Designers Union, and others, we remain as the first choice and stop for many visitors seeking to get connected.

• Mentorship – we have layers & layers of connection opportunities, for a whole range of practitioners & visitors who come from abroad!

Reach out to internationalarchitects@aiaseattle.org to find out more today!!

ADDITIONAL SIAF RESOURCES/OUTREACH:

Several sister committee’s and resources can also be found below:

• Immigrant Architects Coalition (a major IA initialization resource, featuring an ongoing podcast and two recently published books/guidebooks for emerging and seasoned professionals)
• Asian American Designer’s Union (a AIA Seattle Fellow Committee)
• National Organization of Minority Architects (a US-focused group seeking to represent racial minorities in the profession and education of architecture, and to expand work to make architecture a more diverse, inclusive and accessible profession)
• Arquitina (a Latina centrally focused organization, seeking go above and beyond the 1% of licensed Latina architects in the US, while creating equitable and inclusive opportunities in the profession)
• Women in Design Committee (a AIA Seattle Fellow Committee)
• 400 Forward (An initiative to seek out and support the next 400 licensed women architects with an underlying focus on African American girls through exposure, mentorship, and financial assistance)
• International Union of Architects (a global networking, outreach, mentorship, and connections organization)

• AIA International’s “Global Practice Primer (a physical resource and reference listing for those thinking of starting their own international firms/practice!)
• AIA/AIA Seattle’s Current Advocacy Initiatives (our ongoing list of contemporary outreach and governmental lobbying potentials, for goals we believe in & wish to encourage alongside others)