WID + CODE: Breaking Down Bias - A Case Study in Delivering Universal Toileting
“Breaking Down Bias: A Case Study in Delivering Universal Toileting” will look at what it takes to deliver progressive design solutions. Bringing together building officials, code experts, architects, and owners, we will deep dive a case study in all-gender restrooms at Spruce Elementary in Lynnwood, WA. In addition, we will examine how code is developed, the impacts of entrenched bias in the code, as well as change management approaches that can help build buy-in from owners and users. We encourage participation from everyone of any demographic and career stage. The more diverse voices participating, the better discussions we will have.
DOORS 4:30pm
PROGRAM 5:00pm.
This live, in-person program is co-presented by AIA Seattle’s Women in Design and Code committees. To continue to produce safe, inclusive events for the diverse needs of our members and broader community, we require proof of vaccination or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the program for events at the Center for Architecture & Design. Acceptable proof includes a physical copy, photo of your vaccination card or test, and/or myIR.net verification. Additionally, when not eating or drinking, please remain masked at all times.
The Center for Architecture & Design is an accessible space with zero-step entry, and offers a shared, accessible restroom onsite. Please indicate on your registration if you would like to be contacted regarding specific accommodations to fully participate in this program.
Contact Member Engagement Manager, Connor Descheemaker, with any questions or concerns.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Review the code considerations for both gendered and universal toilet room models.
- Explore the different benefits and challenges associated with universal toilet rooms.
- Discuss the programmatic requirements and considerations when designing universal toilet rooms in schools.
- Discuss different universal toileting design solutions.
PANELISTS
Ardel Jala – PE
Ardel Jala, PE is Building Official for Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections. She is responsible for code development, technical policy and enforcement of Seattle Construction Codes. Ardel actively participates in the state and national code development process with the Washington Association of Building Officials Technical Code Development Committee. She also serves on the SEAW Existing Building Committee and the BOMA Technical Code Committee. Prior to joining the city in 2011, Ardel worked as a structural engineer for 15 years designing seismic upgrades for a variety of historic building projects in Seattle. Ardel enjoys eating out with family, being prep cook for her husband’s cooking and planning the next family adventure. She serves on the PTSA Racial Equity Committee for her children’s school and volunteers weekly for Food is Love, a local non-profit established during Covid19 that delivers meals from local restaurants to food insecure families.
Caroline Lemay – AIA
Caroline has been practicing architecture since 1995. She joined Bassetti Architects in 2002 and became a Principal of the firm in 2015. Caroline’s design work focuses on K-12 schools and historic projects. Her innovative work includes award-winning projects such as Arbor Heights Elementary School for Seattle Public Schools and Raisbeck Aviation High School, a nationally recognized aeronautics- and aviation-focused school for Highline Public Schools. In addition to her contributions to the development of advanced learning environments, Caroline is passionate about the historic fabric of our cities. Her work at Roosevelt High School in Seattle and the West Vancouver Barracks in Vancouver are examples of her commitment to preserving contextual historic landmarks.
Cat Heard – AIA, NCARB, LEED GA
Cat is an architect based in Seattle specializing in commercial and technical design. She has a natural curiosity for how the built environment is shaped and recently completed a research grant studying potential biases within the building code and their effect on the United States AEC industry. Outside of work she can be found mentoring candidates through the licensure process, spending time with her dogs, and volunteering with NCARB.
Mark Chubb – Principal and Director of Technical Services, Code Unlimited
Mark oversees engineering services provided by Code Unlimited. The team Mark oversees provide clients, including design teams, building owners, and other engineers, with expert assistance defining and solving problems involving fire protection, life safety, structural fire resistance, chemical hazards, process safety, risk management, and systems analysis. He was the author of the first commentary on a U.S. national model fire code, and is a former contractor and employee for two of the legacy code organizations that preceded the ICC. He was a staff liaison to the committees responsible for developing the first drafts of the International Fire Code and the fire protection requirements of the International Building Code. He is an experienced fire service officer who has held senior executive positions in the U.S. and New Zealand. He has also worked with the Bangladesh garment industry to remediate structural, electrical, and fire safety deficiencies in export-oriented factories. Mark is a fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers and the current chairman of the Institution’s board of directors and trustees.
Taine Wilton – AIA, ALEP, LEED AP
Taine is a registered architect with 37 years of architectural experience including 24 specializing in K-12 projects. In 2014 she joined Edmonds School District as Design and Construction Manager for five school replacements. Including nature for nurture and placing the students’ and users’ needs first have been common threads throughout her projects. She has been a long-time member of AIA and A4LE Washington Chapters. She currently serves as Vice-chair for the Technical Advisory Committee to OSPI and is the School District Representative for the Project Review Committee to the Department of Enterprise Services.
