Events & Opportunities
Welcome to our monthly roundup of upcoming events and opportunities presented by AIA Seattle committees, partner organizations, AIA National, and more.
Here you’ll find educational events, involvement opportunities, and programs tailored to our Washington design community.
July 2026
Provide Feedback on Proposed Regulation of Commercial Interior Design
AIAWA Council requests your input on proposed legislation to register commercial interior designers in Washington state (HB 2721). AIAWA has not established a position on this issue — your feedback will directly inform the board’s determination. Learn more here and take the survey.
Guides in Action: Compensation with AIA National
Thursday, July 16 | 1pm PT/4pm ET
Explore how compensation influences equity during the next Guides in Action session. This interactive discussion highlights Chapter 3 of the Guides for Equitable Practice and demonstrates how the Activation Kit can help identify strategies that promote equitable compensation practices.
We’re Hiring a Programs & Engagement Manager
Apply by Friday, July 17
AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival are seeking a Programs and Engagement Manager to initiate, manage, and produce a range of education and awards programs to equip our members to shape the built environment and elevate the impact of architecture and design in our communities.
Nickelsville Tiny House Village Night at the Mariners
Tuesday, July 21 | 6:40pm at T-Mobile Park
Come enjoy America’s pastime with the Nickelsville Tiny House Village and AIA Seattle’s Committee on Homelessness at T-Mobile Park. During this special night, $5 from every ticket sold will benefit our efforts to build a kitchen structure for the Central District village. Nickelsville is a self-managed non-profit organization with two (soon three!) tiny house villages in Seattle.
Exclusive Preview of the 2026 425 Magazine Northwest Idea House
Tuesday, July 21 | 10am-3:30pm
Be among the first to experience the 2026 425 Northwest Idea House built by MN Custom Homes. Reserve a 1.5hr time slot from 10-11:30am, 12-1:30pm, or 2-3:30pm. Presented by Pella Windows & Doors of Western Washington.
AIAWA 2026 Civic Design Awards
Submit by Sunday, July 26
The AIA Washington Council Civic Design Awards celebrate design excellence in publicly funded projects located in Washington State. These projects reflect the highest standards in sustainability, innovation, building performance and overall integration with the client and surrounding communities.
Resilience Matters: Session 3 in the 2026 Code Series
Tuesday-Wednesday, July 28-29 | 12-2pm online
Resilience Matters is a 2-day virtual training that explores how building codes and design strategies support emergency response, occupant safety, and post-event recovery.
4 LU/HSW
2026 Honor Awards Submissions Open
Opens Thursday, July 30 and closes September 30
Save the date! The Call for Submissions for the 2026 AIA Seattle Honor Awards will open July 30. Learn more about the Honor Awards program and check out the 2025 Awardees and all of last year’s submissions in the Online Gallery.
Seattle Design Festival Partner + Volunteer Social
July 30 | 6-8pm at Pratt Fine Arts Center
Mix, mingle, and get excited for SDF 2026! All are invited to join us for the first official gathering of this year’s SDF Partners and Volunteers.
Interested in volunteering? Complete this interest form and come early for volunteer orientation from 5-6pm! The social will proceed from 6-8pm for in-person connection and t-shirt screen printing.
Rejuvenate: Office to Residential Conversion Tour
Thursday, July 30 + Monday, August 3 | 4-5pm at 201 Queen Anne Ave N
Join Board and Vellum and the entire project team for an exclusive industry tour and experience the project firsthand. Capacity is limited to 30 guests per tour, with two tours available. Email by July 15 to RSVP.
AIAWA Seeking Small Firm Exchange Rep
Applications open now through the end of the year
The AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx) advances the interests of architects practicing in small firms by advocating their value, curating relevant resources, and informing AIA of issues unique to small firm practice.
AIAWA Call for Nominations: Young Architect Representative
Applications open now through September 1
Now seeking applicants for this two-year appointment beginning January 1, 2027. The YAR serves as a link between local Young Architect Forum activities and the national Institute, representing the interests of recently licensed architects on issues of leadership, mentorship, and professional growth.
August 2026
AIA Seattle Member Committee Showcase
Tuesday, August 4 | 5-7pm at Smith Tower
Have you been wanting to do more with AIA Seattle, but not sure where to start? This showcase is an opportunity for members and the broader community to connect and learn about the purpose and activities of member committees. Meet the leaders of our member committees and learn how to get involved.
AIA National Awards – Submissions Open
Submit by Thursday, August 6
Eight AIA National Awards are now open for submissions. This is an opportunity to share the meaningful impact you and your firm are making across architecture, design, advocacy, education, and public service. Share your work, leadership, and contributions to the profession.
Applications Open for Next to Lead
Apply by Friday, August 7
Applications are open for AIA National’s 2026 Next to Lead Cohort, the first program of its kind to support association leadership for ethnically diverse women aspiring to be leaders of AIA. The cohort engages in a ten-month program aimed at enhancing their association leadership acumen, tackling challenges faced by women in the workplace and the architecture profession, and refining their leadership skills.
Seattle Design Festival 2026
August 15-20
SDF 2026: IN[FLUX] explores movement, instability, and possibility all at once. The Festival will kick-off at the Block Party on August 15-16, a weekend-long celebration at Lake Union Park with Built Installations, Mainstage Programs, and Pop-Up Experiences. The week will continue with Design Mixers and a Closing Party at LMN’s The Shop.
AISC IDEAS Awards
Submissions due Monday, August 31
AISC is looking for projects that showcase the innovative use of structural steel in adaptive reuse, architecture, constructability, engineering, and sustainable design and construction. You could even get recognition for your project before breaking ground!
AIA National Awards – 2027 Applications Open
Deadlines late summer – early fall
Applications are now open for the 2027 AIA Gold Medal, Architecture Firm Award, Whitney M. Young Jr. Award, and more. See the 2026 award recipients, recognized at AIA26.
In the Community
Space.City Presents: Gabriel de la Mora
Wednesday, July 22 | 5:30-9pm at the Seattle Central Library
A lecture and happy hour with internationally acclaimed artist Gabriel de la Mora, presented by Space.City.
Reducing Wildfire Risk
Wednesday, July 22 | 6:30-8:30pm at Pacific Tower (Hybrid)
This educational session, presented by the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild, brings together expert speakers to outline practical, science‑based strategies for reducing wildfire risk in the wildland–urban interface.
2026 WASLA Field Day.
Friday, August 14 | University of Washington
Join for a lunchtime keynote and several walking ours around UW and the U District, presented by ASLA Washington.
Regenerative Design Masterclass
Presented by GBES, discover how regenerative design surpasses traditional sustainability practices, enabling you to develop resilient, self-sustaining projects in harmony with the natural world. This course is perfect for architects, designers, and sustainability professionals looking to lead the way in innovative, impactful design.
LEED Green Associate (GA) Training
On-Demand | 15 LU|HSW + LEED CE
A virtual training program for those seeking to become a LEED Green Associate. AIA Seattle members qualify for $100 discount, please email Claire Needs for the discount code.
