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A graphically retro-techno image in a dot matrix form, with red graphics. The text reads "Transformative housing from policy to practice"

Transformative Housing: From Policy to Practice

The housing landscape is constantly evolving—driven by new policies, shifting urban needs, and the complexities of implementation—especially following recent legislative updates and the proposed One Seattle Plan.

But how do we navigate these changes and what will actually materialize? What challenges remain, and what opportunities can we seize to create more diverse, affordable, livable, and equitable communities? How do we move from vision to reality in shaping the future of housing?

Transformative Housing: From Policy to Practice will examine the most timely housing opportunities and explore how we can continue laying the groundwork for meaningful change to create a future of abundant, high-quality, diverse, and sustainable housing options in Seattle and beyond. Through deep dives into missing middle housing, homeownership, transit-oriented development, and social housing, this year’s forum will take a critical yet hopeful look at what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next for housing policy and design.

Join us for Transformative Housing: From Policy to Practice on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 415 Westlake in Seattle (8 LU/HSW). All sessions and speakers subject to change. 

Cost

Includes continuing education credit (8 LU/ HSW) + light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments. 

  • $275.00 $316.00 AIA Member/Corporate Allied Partner (CAP)/Allied Member
  • $275.00 $316.00 Government + Partners (HDC)
  • $171.00 $197.00 Associate Member
  • $475.00 $546.00 Non-Member
  • $67.00 $77.00 Student/Emeritus 

Early Bird Deadline: Monday, June 2, 2025. After this time, the price increases 15%.
Registration Deadline: Thursday, June 12, 2025, 5pm.

Reduced rate options are available! Please submit the Continuing Education Scholarship / Reduced Rate Request Form via email by the priority deadline Monday, June 2, 5:00PM PT.

Learn more about our program pricing, the member ticket rate, and other benefits associated with membership. Explore the other major education programs we offer.

Speakers

Johanna Hurme is an architect, co-founder and managing partner of Winnipeg-based 5468796 Architecture. For the past 18 years, the firm has been pursuing a critical architectural response to contemporary issues in multi-family housing and urban design, grounded in real-life practice-based experience and a tandem investigation into world-wide housing research and built work. 5468796 Architecture has been awarded numerous national and international design awards. Johanna is also a housing and urban design activist and an advocate, and she has initiated a number of design related events and programs. She is the current President Elect of RAIC I Architecture Canada and a past Chair of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and has taught architecture at Cornell University, IIT in Chicago, and at Universities across Canada. Johanna lectures extensively and is co-author of ‘Innovative Solutions for Creating Sustainable Cities’ (2018), and ‘platform:MIDDLE’, Architecture for Housing the 99%, (2023).

Venue + Transportation

  • Venue: The forum will be held at 415 Westlake (415 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109).
  • Transportation: We encourage attendees to take advantage of public transit options and plan your trip. Please note that parking at the venue is not available but there are over 300 spaces available at the 320 Westlake pay lot.
  • Covid Parameters: AIA Seattle strongly encourages masking to demonstrate community care.

Accessibility

  • 415 Westlake is fully ADA compliant.
  • Presenter files and other program materials (as applicable) will be available on the password-protected attendee resources page at least 1-2 business days before the program. The password will be sent in follow-up email communications to all registered attendees
  • We encourage speakers to create accessible presentations to ensure attendees can fully engage with the session content.

If you have access needs for this program, please note them in your registration form or contact Senior Programs Coordinator, Andrea Aguilera. You can reach Andrea via email at Andreaa@aiaseattle.org or via phone at 206-957-1909. 

Virtual Access! Unable to join us in-person but invested in the content? We’re partnering with aecKnowledge to produce an on-demand video course and expand the impact of this forum. Stay tuned for more information post-program!

Attendee Resources

The password-protected attendee resources page is intended only for participants of Fostering Our Ecosystems: Co-existence & Climate Resiliency. Attendees will receive the password in subsequent email communications.

Learning Objectives

  • Unpack key city and statewide housing policy updates, including recent legislative changes and the Seattle Comprehensive Plan, and understand their implications for expanding housing access, affordability, and equity
  • Through case studies and discussion, analyze current design and policy developments that address infill and missing middle housing needs and expand opportunities and flexibility for residents.
  • Examine the role of evolving transit-oriented development strategies in advancing housing access, supporting mobility and livability, and shaping vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive neighborhoods.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of social housing as a publicly owned, permanently affordable model—recently adopted in Seattle—and learn from case study examples of successful implementation in the U.S. and abroad.
  • Explore how increased housing options—such as missing middle housing, TOD, and social housing—can foster community building, flexibility, livability, and overall well-being.
  • Reflect on the broader role of architects and design professionals in housing advocacy and delivery, and consider innovative tools and ecosystems of practice that promote housing solutions.

Special Thanks to our Planning Task Force

Ellen Malmon, Senior Architect | Schemata Workshop
Kate Smith AIA, NCARB, Principal | SMR Architects
Liz Pisciotta AIA, Partner | Neiman Taber Architects
Nick Welch, Senior Planner | Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development
Rico Quirindongo AIA, Director | Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development
Thomas Lawrence AIA | Lawrence Architecture

When

June 16, 2025

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Cost

$67-$275 (Early Bird)

Price increases 15% after June 2.

Where

415 Westlake Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109

Tickets

Organizer

AIA Seattle

Schedule

  • 8:30am Registration, coffee, tea + light breakfast
  • 9:00am Program starts
  • 4:45pm Forum content concludes + happy hour begins (21+)
  • 6:00pm Program ends
Schedule

Attendee Resources

Resources Page

Questions?

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 Melissa K. Neher, Executive Director at AIA Seattle