Center for Architecture and Design
AIA Seattle is located at the Center for Architecture & Design (CfAD), a dynamic public space for exhibits, programs, and conversations that explore design’s role in shaping cities.
From 2016-2025, CfAD was a community space for partner organizations Seattle Architecture Foundation, AIA Seattle, Seattle Design Festival, and AIA Washington Council who have worked in concert for programming, advocacy, and community building.
Like all organizations, the partners in the Center have adjusted in the past few years to new ways of collaborating and convening community. After a period of a lack of in person opportunities, we are thrilled to be back to engaging our community in person in addition to virtual opportunities which provide heightened accessibility. We have found new ways to meet our community where they are. However, in recent years and looking ahead, the expense of the shared space has continued to increase disproportionately to its use. As reported originally in September of 2023, The partner organizations have thoughtfully considered the shifting ways our community engages and have decided not to renew the lease on 1010 Western when it expires after 10 years of occupancy in 2025.
When SAF and AIA WA Council shared plans to leave the space in May of 2023, the AIA Seattle Board began a multi-year effort to align plans with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Member leaders, taskforces and the Board have been focused on identifying a space that meets strategic needs for the next 5–10 years.
The AIA Seattle Board reviewed the original Center purpose and goals, the needs of members and staff, the evolving use of the space over time, as well as financials of the organization. The AIA Seattle Board determined staying in the Center with or without partners would inequitably limit the accessibility of membership through member dues increases, or significant assessments to members.
In September of 2023, along with making the original announcement to our community about the eventual move the Board launched a member taskforce to explore options for leaving the space, and received their recommendation to align a new space with AIA Seattle’s mission, vision, and values.
In September of 2024, the Board launched a Real Estate Taskforce to bring forward potential new spaces. The Real Estate Taskforce is currently reviewing potential spaces. High priority considerations for the new space include walkability/access to transit, accessibility, sustainability, natural light, safety, public presence, and qualities that represent the region and our brand.
We are incredibly appreciative of the two taskforces, many members, and the board who have thoughtfully informed these decisions the last few years and are currently working to find AIA Seattle + SDF’s next home. We will continue to keep members and our community updated on plans as they develop. Though all CfAD partners are planning to exit the current space by October 2025, all partners plan to remain in collaboration and encourage you to continue to engage as a valued partner in our community.
