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November 2022
Road to Code | Topical Issues in Residential Design
This is the fourth and final session in the 2022 Road to Code series presented by AIA Seattle’s Code Committee. This two day presentation will explore current trends and issues associated with designing under the Seattle Residential Code. Day 1 will cover substantial alterations definitions and enforcement/Fire walls in lieu of substantial alterations. Day 2 will cover loft typology/AADU and DADU design/Building configuration impacts. Join us online November 15 and November 16, 2022 (12-2pm each day) for Road to Code |…
December 2022
2022 Small Firm Series: Session 3
Join us ONLINE on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 for Session 3: Operations & Design: New Approaches to Old Ways of Working of AIA Seattle’s 2022 Small Firm Series (4 AIA LU). Business planning and professional development mean little without proper implementation. How will you structure your team for the greatest results? What bottlenecks are slowing down your design execution? How can adopting new ways of working transform your firm? This session will explore alternative ways of thinking about your day-to-day operations using…
February 2023
2023 Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Evaluator Training
Join AIA Seattle, in association with Cal OES, and the Adaptation & Resilience Committee, for a certification course for the Safety Assessment Program (SAP), training architects, engineers, and building inspectors. Read more
Washington State Clean Buildings Act 101
Washington State passed the Clean Buildings Act in 2019 with the goal of reducing energy consumption, operating cost, and carbon emissions from existing buildings which account for 27% of emissions statewide. Within the bill, the Clean Buildings Performance Standard sets energy performance targets for various building types, which go into effect beginning in 2026. Luke Howard from the Department of Commerce will be presenting on the bill and breaking down the requirements for compliance. Luke has decades of experience in…
2023 Path to Fellowship
Are you a seasoned professional who is considering applying for AIA Fellowship? Or are you an emerging professional who’s curious about steps you can take now to make a future application more competitive? Join a panel of local FAIAs to learn more about the College of Fellows eligibility and submittal process, our chapter’s coaching and nomination of candidates, and tricks and tools you can employ now to tell your own professional story. Read more
March 2023
Code Reload | 2021 Building Code Updates
This is the first session in the 2023 Code Reload Series presented by AIA Seattle’s Code Committee. This two day program will provide an understanding of the changes between current 2018 IBC based codes and the new 2021 IBC based codes, including the codes as adopted by the City of Seattle. It will also go into how to interpret and apply key code provisions that apply to most buildings. Join us online March 22 and March 23, 2023 (12-2pm each…
May 2023
Decarbonization for Health Equity & Community Resilience
Through examining 1) indoor air quality and the right to positive health outcomes; 2) adaptive reuse strategies, the circular economy, and electrification; and 3) case studies demonstrating what “good” looks like through responsible building in projects and practice, this year’s thought leadership summit will take a systems-approach to explore high-impact decarbonization strategies that nurture our communities and ecosystems. How do we redefine “standard of care” to ensure climate-smart solutions? What does it look like to co-create with community to achieve our…
Code Reload | Elevator Best Practices
This is the second session in the 2023 Code Reload Series presented by AIA Seattle’s Code Committee. This two hour program focuses on elevator technology and design aspects of planning and evaluating elevator systems for all types of buildings. Design, code and “best practice” guidelines are reviewed to enable architects, developers, engineers, and planners to understand vertical transportation impact on the design and construction of a building. Join us online May 17, 2023 (12-2pm) for Code Reload | Elevator Best…
AIA NWW: WSEC-C Code Changes Webinar
Join AIA NWW section and learn about upcoming WSEC-C code changes. Read more
Conversations Toward Resilience: Urban Heat and Air Quality
Join AIA Seattle’s Adaptation and Resilience Committee for a panel discussion on urban heat and air quality in the Puget Sound region. Our panelists will share their latest research, design strategies, and community-based initiatives related to the complexities of equitably addressing urban heat and air quality at a variety of project scales. Audience questions and discussion will follow presentations by each panelist.
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June 2023
Housing Now! Design / Access / Delivery
The Puget Sound Regional Council estimates the Seattle metro area needs 800,000 new homes by the year 2050, and the City of Seattle is preparing for the next Comprehensive Plan Update in 2024. What role will architects play in addressing this? How can we ensure the integration of new design solutions and policy interventions prioritize access, affordability, equity, and livability in rapidly changing neighborhoods? Housing Now! serves as a resonant theme as we address the pressing need for housing at…
September 2023
Culture Change in Practice: A Leadership Cohort 2023 | Workshop 1
This four-part, peer-based learning program was designed by a team of architects and allied professionals to specifically provide architecture and allied firms the tools and community to meet the explicit goals and metrics laid out in NOMA NW’s Call-to-Action. The first workshop of Culture Change in Practice: A Leadership Cohort 2023 is scheduled for Friday, September 15, 9:00am-12:00pm PT, in person at DLR Group (51 University St #600). Workshop 1: Power and Privilege September 15, 9am-12pm PT | In-Person @…
Code Reload | Beyond Single Family
Session 3 of the Code Reload series explore case studies for small scale residential development and commercial projects, looking at code implications when moving beyond single family residential. Read more
October 2023
Culture Change in Practice: A Leadership Cohort 2023 | Workshop 2
This four-part, peer-based learning program was designed by a team of architects and allied professionals to specifically provide architecture and allied firms the tools and community to meet the explicit goals and metrics laid out in NOMA NW’s Call-to-Action. The second workshop of Culture Change in Practice: A Leadership Cohort 2023 is scheduled for Friday, October 6, 9:00am-12:00pm PT, online. Workshop 2: Conflict Transformations October 6, 9am-12pm PT | Online Conflict is often seen as a barrier and obstacle to progress.…
AHC Fall 2023 – Designing for All: Accessibility in Health and Wellness
This year’s AIA AHC Fall Event includes one day of interdisciplinary presentations, design case studies, discussions, and building tours focusing on inclusive and accessible design in the healthcare environment. The Fall event will explore how design solutions and the design process can improve accessibility and inclusion for as many users as possible within the healthcare setting. Read more
Culture Change in Practice: A Leadership Cohort 2023 | Workshop 3
This four-part, peer-based learning program was designed by a team of architects and allied professionals to specifically provide architecture and allied firms the tools and community to meet the explicit goals and metrics laid out in NOMA NW’s Call-to-Action. The third workshop of Culture Change in Practice: A Leadership Cohort 2023 is scheduled for Friday, October 27, 9:00am-12:00pm PT, online. Workshop 3: The Value Case and Business Case for Equity Work October 27, 9am-12pm PT | Online This third workshop will offer…
November 2023
Code Reload | Code 101 & Workshop
This is the fourth and final session in the 2023 Code Reload Series presented in joint collaboration by AIA Seattle’s Code Committee and the Young Architects Forum (YAF). This in-person seminar will focus on a broad overview of the 2021 IBC to present the basics of how the code is organized and used. The seminar will also include a hands-on workshop focusing on Chapter 5 Allowable Areas and Area Increases, as well as Chapter 10 Means of Egress. Join us…
Culture Change in Practice: A Leadership Cohort 2023 | Workshop 4
This four-part, peer-based learning program was designed by a team of architects and allied professionals to specifically provide architecture and allied firms the tools and community to meet the explicit goals and metrics laid out in NOMA NW’s Call-to-Action. The fourth and final workshop of Culture Change in Practice: A Leadership Cohort 2023 is scheduled for Friday, November 17, 9:00am-12:00pm PT, in person at DLR Group (51 University St #600). Workshop 4: Initiatives and Impact November 17, 9am-12pm PT | In-Person…
March 2024
2024 Safety Assessment Program: WAsafe Building Safety Evaluator
The AIA Seattle Adaptation & Resilience Committee is hosting an online, eight-hour training (split into two half-days) on post-disaster building safety evaluation procedures and WAsafe, Washington State’s program for post-disaster volunteer responders. This program is a must for engineers, architects & building officials committed to using their unique professional skills to assist following a catastrophic event. Read more
Code Mode | Code Flexibility (Alternative Code Approaches)
Join us for an insightful seminar on the International Building Code and Fire Code, delving into innovative solutions for scenarios not explicitly covered by the codes or situations where strict compliance is challenging. Our experts will guide you through the avenues available, such as code modifications, alternative materials and methods, and the use of engineering reports or judgements. Read more
May 2024
Code Mode | Understanding the Seattle Existing Building Code
Join us for a two day seminar on understanding the Seattle Existing Building Code (SEBC). Day 1 delves into the code’s philosophy and explores requirements for building reuse and substantial alterations. Day 2 features case studies to illustrate practical applications and emphasizes key compliance areas such as substantial alterations, building performance, and changes of use within existing structures. Participants will gain insight into critical code compliance areas, including Seattle’s unique substantial alteration definitions and requirements for building reuse. Read more
AHC Spring 2024: Opportunities and Challenges of Healthcare Delivery
Join the Architecture for Health Committee (AHC) for the annual AHC Spring Conference, keynoted by the team from Harborview Medical Center, a Level 1 Trauma Center for the 4-state region, highlighting their work on the Bond Capital Program. Their presentation will focus on the unique service provided by HMC, the relationship between King County and the UW Medicine System, and their upcoming Bond Program Developments. Read more
June 2024
Annual Chapter Meeting
AIA Seattle’s Annual Chapter Meeting is an opportunity for members of our 10-county community to come together virtually to hear about the strategic direction of AIA Seattle and receive updates on engagement opportunities, advocacy efforts, and membership benefits. Read more
Housing: A Stage for Life
Housing: A Stage for Life seeks to respond to the evolving housing landscape and explore how housing can center specific community needs and support people through various life stages. This year’s program will spotlight policy interventions, innovative project case studies, community perspectives, and inspiring design that foreground users while addressing actionable solutions to develop more plentiful, quality, diverse, and sustainable housing options in Seattle and beyond. Read more
September 2024
Submitter Support Office Hours | 2024 Honor Awards
Join the UW Integrated Design Lab and members of the Honor Awards Committee online for Submitter Support Office Hours on Thursday, September 5, 12:00-1:00pm PT. Read more
Code Mode | Introduction to Land Use Code in the Puget Sound Region
Without a doubt, land use codes shape architect’s designs, providing both challenging constraints and existing opportunities. This two day program explores the origin of the policies that impact these codes, starting with the Washington’s Growth Management Act, the subsequent regional policies, and local comprehensive plans. Read more
October 2024
Code Mode | Codes and Guidelines in Healthcare
This is the fourth and final session in the 2024 Code Mode Series presented in joint collaboration by AIA Seattle’s Code Committee and the Architecture for Health Committee (AHC). Healthcare facilities are one of the most technically complex project types that architects design. This in-person session will focus on the various code requirements that are layered onto the IBC including the FGI Guidelines and NFPA 101. Read more
November 2024
AHC Fall 2024 | Opportunities & Challenges in Healthcare Delivery
Join the Architecture for Health Committee (AHC) for the annual AHC Fall Conference, exploring a myriad of design hurdles and considerations to make when planning significant new facilities in rural areas. The conference will cover financing and strategic planning aspects, bond/USDA financing program management, master planning, and multi-use facilities in rural areas. Throughout the day, we will also look at specific caregiver design considerations as well as construction challenges. This program is presented by AIA Seattle’s Architecture for Health Committee.…
February 2025
Young Architects Forum – Licensing Workshops Registration Deadline
The Young Architects Forum is excited to announce the return of our licensing workshop series for 2025! The mission of the YAF Licensing Workshops is to create a community of emerging professionals who are passionate about developing their skillset. Whether you are exploring the possibility of licensure, actively testing, or recently licensed we believe that this series will help you grow no matter your experience level. Workshops will connect participants with NCARB licensing advisors and include interactive study sessions, study…
March 2025
2025 WAsafe Building Safety Evaluator Training
The AIA Seattle Adaptation & Resilience Committee is hosting an eight-hour, in-person training on post-disaster building safety evaluation procedures and WAsafe, Washington State’s program for post-disaster volunteer responders. This program is a must for engineers, architects & building officials committed to using their unique professional skills to assist following a catastrophic event. Read more
Code Download | Understanding Unreinforced Masonry (URM): Navigating Codes, Regulations, Cost and Incentives
This is the first session in the 2025 Code Download Series presented by AIA Seattle’s Code Committee. More than one thousand Unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings in Seattle are vulnerable to damage or collapse during an earthquake if not seismically retrofitted. This two-part session will delve into the evolving landscape of URM seismic retrofit requirements, with a Seattle focus, covering the recent adoption Seattle’s code for recognition of URM retrofits, the new alternate method for retrofit, and updates to the city’s…
May 2025
Fostering Our Ecosystems: Co-existence & Climate Resiliency
Architects and allied professionals have an important role to play in stewarding environmental well-being at local, national, and global scales. How do we help foster climate resiliency for communities and ecosystems in the face of rapid environmental change? Who should we be learning from, collaborating with, and centering in this work as we consider the impacts? And what would it mean to design not just for humans, but for entire ecosystems? Read more
SIAF’s Spring 2025 Forum – Making Through Technology!
This in-person-only event, titled “Making Through Technology: How Digital Tools Transform Architectural Fabrication,” will explore how computational design, interoperability, and digital-to-physical workflows are reshaping fabrication and construction in architecture—both locally and overseas. Read more
June 2025
Transformative Housing: From Policy to Practice
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…
2025 Annual Chapter Meeting
AIA Seattle’s Annual Chapter Meeting is an opportunity for members of our 10-county community to come together virtually to hear about engagement opportunities, advocacy efforts, AIA Seattle’s 2025 – 2030 strategic plan, and updates on AIA Seattle’s new location. The virtual gathering is open to all current members of AIA Seattle, including Architects, Associates, Students, Emeritus, Allied Professionals, staff of Firm Network members, and Corporate Allied Partners. Register for Zoom Access to the AIA Seattle Annual Chapter Meeting. Read more
July 2025
Code Download | Deep Dive: IBC Chapter 7
This is the second session in the 2025 Code Download Series presented by AIA Seattle’s Code Committee. Fire and smoke protection features described in Chapter 7 of the International Building Code establish minimum requirements for passive fire protection. These features seek to limit the impact of fires on occupants and the structure by preventing the spread of fire and smoke within and between buildings. Fire and smoke spread within a building can expose adjacent areas that have different hazards, occupancies/uses,…
