WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE? I first joined AIA Seattle after graduate school to make professional and non-professional connections in a new city. As my AIA friendships and mentors grew, my passion for affecting change blossomed as well. I…

WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE? I initially joined AIA Seattle so I could meet like-minded peers and gain support during the licensure progress. While in school, I was a part of the AIAS and served on the chapter board…

WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THE AIA SEATTLE BOARD OF DIRECTORS? As cheesy as it sounds, volunteering for industry organizations has truly enriched not just my career but also my life. We’re in a small and collaborative industry…

I started my interactions with AIA when I was a Freshman at Bartlett-Begich Secondary School in Anchorage and my drafting teacher (Mr. Monaco) had us enter an AIA Student Design Competition each year. Then I did an internship at CCC…

WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE? AIA Seattle allows me to meet with and learn from members with a shared interest in design and sustainability. It provides a venue to grow these relationships through engaging conversations around the challenges facing…

Mark’s work in fire protection, code consulting, and code development spans four decades. Mark’s work with architects, engineers, construction managers, general contractors, and building owners focuses on solving complex problems arising from the intersection between building regulations, innovative design, and…

Jim joined Milbrandt Architects in 2013. He has managed projects ranging from mixed-use buildings, retail, multi-family, podium buildings, and government projects. He is our go to code person from software code to the International Residential Code. EDUCATION: Bachelor of Architecture & -Washington State University REGISTRATIONS: Architect – Washington, California Read more

WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE? I was introduced to AIA Seattle through the Young Architects Forum (YAF) and Women in Design Committees while in graduate school at the University of Washington. Like many students, I was lured in by…

After working in construction for over 12 years doing everything from foundation work to finish carpentry, David decided to broaden his knowledge further by attending Washington State University where in 2001 he received both a Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree. David joined Milbrandt Architects in 2011 as a Project Manager and since that time has worked his way up to a Principal and Owner. His professional years in the field of architecture have involved a broad range of project types, including high end custom residential, institutional, commercial, podium buildings, public projects, and mixed use multi-family projects. David’s experience brings a unique combination of thoughtful and elegant design backed by the reassurance of knowing how it should be built. His working knowledge of construction minimizes miscommunication with local jurisdictions, consultants, and contractors. David’s abilities and experience include design, construction document preparation, specification review and preparation, addressing RFIs, ASIs, CCDs, attending design and construction meetings, construction observation, shop drawing review, managing multiple project teams, scheduling, and all aspects of firm ownership. David has a history of being both an artistic problem solver and a time efficient manager with a dedicated work ethic. He has a proven record of meeting deadlines, working closely with jurisdictions to meet client needs, and providing fast and effective resolution in the field.
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WHAT IS THE VALUE OF AIA TO YOU? I value the ability to connect with other like-minded professionals in the region to work together toward positive change in our profession and the built environment. I am continually impressed by the…

WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE? To find resources and inspirational programming. HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING?  I walk clients through a very daunting task, line by line, conversation by conversation, starting from a concept…

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF AIA TO YOU? Architecture is never easy, and having the support of a peer group of professionals makes the journey more fulfilling. A few years ago, I started having a more active role in AIA…

Anna is a licensed architect with 10+ years of experience. She is an associate principal at CallisonRTKL in Seattle where she leads project teams to deliver retail environments both nationally and internationally for major and emerging brands, specializing in the implementation of new brand concepts and the creation of scalable prototype designs for roll out. Read more

WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE? We had been involved with the AIA Portland as code educators, board members, and diversity initiative supporters since we moved to Portland in 1992. When we opened an office in Seattle it was a…

WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE? I’ve been working with architecture firms in the Seattle market for awhile now. I joined the AIA to help me keep on top of local trends, to make additional connections in the area, and…

Matthew Coates (AIA, LEED AP, NCARB) is President of Coates Architects, an 18-person firm on Bainbridge Island, launched in 2005. He is published in over 50 respected publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Seattle Times, Dwell, Ville E Case Prefabricate and Men’s Journal. His work is elegant and future-focused, authentically concerned with fulfilling architecture’s capacity to inspire well-being.

Coates designed the first new LEED Gold Art Museum in the Country, The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, and the first LEED Platinum residence in the State. His leadership on the Grays Harbor Gateway Center spurred a sense of pride and increased economic stability in the region. His belief that architecture can bind our community together is embodied in the recent launch of the “rehome” project, a non-profit entity that seeks to dramatically reduce construction waste, keep materials out of our landfills and provide affordable housing for those in need.
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Alexandra leads projects across all Rushing’s disciplines and directs the Sustainability, Energy, and Commissioning Studios. Drawing from her multi-disciplinary background of both science and architecture, Alexandra approaches projects holistically and harnesses the expertise and ideas of all the team members at the table. Her passion lies in working with building owners to realize their visions in a wide range of project types, from multifamily high rises to fire stations to core and shell office buildings. With more than 20 years of experience in guiding project teams toward cost-smart, project appropriate sustainability solutions, Alexandra has been pivotal in integrating sustainability into projects, design processes, the culture and operations at Rushing. Read more

Brian entered the A/E/C Industry with PCS Structural Solutions in 1994. His double major in Architecture and Structural Engineering is instrumental in the collaborative process of Structural Solutions for owners, designers, and contractors. Today Brian leverages his vision for the company and continues to push improved collaboration in our industry. He has sat on numerous national planning committees and served as an AIA (SWW) board member. Brian continually preaches internally that “PCS Structural Solutions’ unique deliverables, collaborative service, expertise, and enthusiasm must be noticed and valued.” Read more

Otmane Riad is a Tax Manager at Berntson Porter & Company, PLLC. Otmane’s experience encompasses a broad range of business and individual tax return preparation, review and planning. Mr. Riad’s industries of expertise include Professional Services, Construction, Real Estate Development and Management, Distribution and Manufacturing and high net worth individuals. Otmane serves on the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Board through the city of Lynnwood WA. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family. Read more