WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE? I’ve been a member of the AIA since 1987 and support AIA Seattle because this strong, dynamic chapter of Architect’s best professional organization is moving the industry forward every day. WHAT IS THE VALUE…

WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE? I think it’s important to support organizations that are out there promoting our industry. As an engineer, I feel that I should play a part in supporting architects. AIA brings important subjects into focus…

Matthew Copus is a Senior vice president for AssuredPartners, an insurance brokerage firm that specializes in helping design professionals protect and improve their bottom line. Read more

A native of upstate New York, Laura is an Architect working as a Project Manager with GLY Construction. She has a combined 11 years of experience in architecture/design and construction management. The transition from design to construction management happened organically…

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF AIA TO YOU? The connection with fellow architects and non-architects who share a passion for enhancing Seattle as a connected, accessible, and diverse city. The chance connection and cross-pollination of ideas that has shaped my…

Kara Weaver is a landscape architect with nearly 20 years of experience designing and documenting public projects. She brings clarity to projects that pose complex challenges, require intensive coordination between disciplines, and provide opportunities for innovative and elegant problem solving.…

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF AIA TO YOU? AIA advances the profession of architecture holistically for an individual architect, small practice, or the industry. The sharing of resources and advocacy efforts that promote the highest standards of design and ethics…

WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE? I was introduced to the AIA through my university’s AIAS chapter. As an active committee member of the University of Oregon AIAS, I saw firsthand how the AIA could foster community and provide mentorship…

WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE? After living and working overseas for several years, I felt disconnected from other professionals in the field. Joining AIA Seattle afforded me a great opportunity to meet and connect with professionals within the greater…

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

Katie is an expert in capital project planning for arts & culture with twenty years’ experience in planning, decision making, and economic analysis for nonprofit and public sector clients. Katie spent a decade as a theatre planning consultant prior to shifting her focus to cultural economics and its intersection with design, working to help clients and design teams make informed decisions about investment in cultural infrastructure. Katie holds a B.A. in Architecture from Princeton University and an M. Phil. in Public History and Cultural Heritage from Trinity College Dublin. Read more

Amarpreet Sethi is a Principal and Energy & Sustainability leader at tk1sc. Her knowledge of climate-responsive design, daylighting, HVAC systems enable her to assist in sustainability. Amarpreet has worked in multiple market sectors to assist in meeting goals of decarbonization and Net Zero. Amarpreet’s focus on sustainable design first began while completing her Architecture degree in 2001. She went on to achieve a Master of Science in 2003 and worked as part of Mechanical Engineering teams for 15 years prior to joining tk1sc in 2019 Read more

Whitney is an East Coast native who’s called the West Coast home for the last 10 years and Washington state the last 5. Currently, Whitney volunteers as one of the co-chair’s of AIA Seattle’s Diversity Roundtable where she is working to promote the committee locally and at a national level. Whitney is finishing a 3 year term as a member of the Membership Steering Committee. Whitney has been working at GGLO within their affordable housing group for the last year and a half. In and outside of work she seeks to make connections to encourage and promote diversity and equity in architecture and the built environment. Read more

Carrie has eighteen years of experience in custom residential architecture in the Puget Sound region. She received her bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee in 2002 and graduate degree from University of Washington in 2006. She has been a passionate advocate for sustainability as an active member of the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild and International Living Future Institute. Carrie has presented at the Northwest Green Building Slam & Summit as well as the Northwest Green Home Tour. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Seattle Times, Luxe Magazine and other publications. Read more

Born and raised in rural West Virginia, Michael relocated to the Northwest in 1999. He has over 20 years of experience in architecture and planning. He has been involved in a variety of projects including public, retail/mixed-use, education, residential, and civic projects. Michael earned a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania, with a planning focus, augmenting a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Kentucky. Additionally, Michael has served on the City of Marysville City Council since 2010, providing a unique perspective on the impacts of public policy on the built environment. Read more

Charlie was born and raised outside Portland, OR, and studied architecture at the University of Oregon. In 2017, he graduated a Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in Business Administration and Planning, Public Policy and Management. Following graduation, he moved to Seattle to start a job as an architectural designer with MG2. Charlie is a co-chair of the Young Architects Forum and is involved in the ARE Workshop Subcommittee. Although studying and AIA activities keep him busy outside of the office, he tries to find time to get outside as much as possible on a hike, snowshoe, or simply any outdoor patio around the city. Read more

WHY DID YOU JOIN AIA SEATTLE? In my  15 years in Miami, I was part of a great community of architects, interior designers and hospitality clients and friends.  My desire to continue to be involved and grow in the Seattle…

Jay is a Senior Principal at MKA and the leader of the firm’s Cultural, Civic, and Education Specialist Groups. He moved to Seattle in 1976 to attend the University of Washington where he graduated from the College of Architecture in 1980 with his B. A. in Environment Design. Over the last 22 years at MKA, he has been responsible for projects in 11 countries and 25 states. Jay has served on Seattle Design Commission (1992-1996), was an AIA Seattle Board Member (2002-2004), Co-Chair of the Seattle AIA Honor Awards (2007), and became an Honorary Member of AIA Seattle (2008). Read more