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December 14, 2022
After 22 years at The Miller Hull Partnership and 14 years as managing partner, Ron Rochon is retiring Dec. 31. Rochon will pass the leadership role to colleague and friend, Rob Misel.
This transition of leadership marks only the third managing partner at Miller Hull since the firm was founded almost 50 years ago. Rochon became managing partner in 2008. During his time at the helm the firm more than doubled in size.
In a press release Miler Hull said Rochon's greatest achievements can be seen in projects and initiatives that have strengthened the firm's reputation as a leader in sustainable, regenerative design such as the award winning Bullitt Center, Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center, and EMission Zero, the firm's boldest achievement in its effort to stay accountable for carbon emissions.
Following Rochon's retirement, Misel will step into the managing partner role after 21 years at Miller Hull. His repertoire includes large scale projects such as the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry, C Concourse Expansion at Seattle Tacoma International Airport, and the Kitsap County Administration Building.
“One of my primary goals is to continue diversifying our firm. Part of that necessitates giving young staff more opportunities,” Misel said in the press release. “I want to cultivate an environment where anyone with a particular skill set can be a leader, regardless of age, race, or gender.”
Mayor Bruce Harrell in inviting community members to apply for an open position on the International Special Review District Board. The seven-member International Special Review District Board reviews facade alterations, signs, new construction, changes of use, and street improvements, and makes recommendations to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods director for all properties within the International Special Review District. The goals of the board are to maintain architectural character, cultural heritage, social diversity and, through the use of historic preservation, enhance the economic climate in the International Special Review District.
The open position is one of two seats on the board that are filled by mayoral appointment. Individuals who have an architectural background and an interest in historic preservation and/or familiarity with the Chinatown International District are encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants must be Seattle residents. Board members serve without compensation. Those interested in being considered should send a letter of interest and resume by Wednesday, Dec. 28. Letters and resumes should be emailed to rebecca.frestedt@seattle.gov. More information on the position is at https://tinyurl.com/ReviewDistrictBoard
Engineering firm P2S has upgraded its website at http://www.p2sinc.com. In a press release the firm said the site has been redesigned “to create and deliver more dynamic content so that website visitors are transported and become a part of the P2S world.”
New features include video-focused content, a new look, and an upgraded user-experience. P2S said “the new website captures the essence of P2S and expresses not just who they are, but also what they do, how they do it, and why they are a trusted, reliable source you'll want to work with.”
Seattle-headquartered McKinstry recently announced it is deepening its commitment to innovating waste and climate harm out of the built environment by becoming the latest signatory to the Carbon Leadership Forum's MEP 2040 Challenge. As part of the challenge, the company will establish a plan to reduce operational and embodied carbon across MEP systems on all its projects, targeting zero emissions by 2040.
McKinstry joins a growing list of over 50 mechanical, electrical, and plumbing firms across the country that have signed up for the challenge. McKinstry and other participating firms will track and report on progress annually to share lessons learned and best practices.
Other aspects of the MEP 2040 Challenge include requesting low-GWP refrigerant when designing systems to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from refrigerants. McKinstry will also request Environmental Product Declarations in project specifications for MEP system components.
“The built environment generates nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions,” Michael Frank, McKinstry's vice president of engineering and design said in a press release announcing the news. “Joining the MEP 2040 Challenge represents another tangible step towards facing the climate crisis. Together, we can accelerate our decarbonization goals to reduce our environmental impact.”
December 7, 2022
On Dec. 8, the annual Architecture of Drawing exhibit will open at Peter Miller Books at Post Alley, 304 Alaskan Way S. The exhibit features a curated exhibition of 30 drawings submitted by local architects.
The exhibit is opening with a holiday party from 5 – 7 p.m. Members of the public and the architecture and design community are encouraged to attend. Free food and beverages will be offered, including wine.
Eugenia Woo, director of preservation services at Historic Seattle and Docomomo US/WEWA Board President, was recently honored with an Award of Excellence for advocacy at the Docomomo US Annual Modernism in America Awards.
These national awards recognize the people, teams, and organizations that have made significant efforts to preserve and advocate for modern places. The awards ceremony was held in New York City on Nov. 3.
The Northwest Film Forum, at 1515 12th Ave. in Capitol Hill, will host its annual ByDesign Film Festival March 17–19 2023. The festival, which is curated and promoted in close partnership with Seattle Design Festival, is described as a cross-cultural exploration of people, structures, and ideas at the intersection of design and the moving image.
In previous years, films have explored diverse topics and projects such as the use of 3D-printing technology to build indigenous structures in the San Luis Valley of Colorado and the history of the Italian Radical Design movement in the 1960s.
Submissions for the festival are open now through Jan. 30. More information and guidelines are at https://nwfilmforum.org/festivals/bydesign-art-design-architecture-festival/
To meet the growing need for recycling and waste disposal services, and to support regional goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, King County's Solid Waste Division is planning to build a new modern transfer station in northeast King County. The station will replace the aging, nearly 60-years-old, Houghton Transfer Station in Kirkland, which the county says lacks many services.
The division is currently developing its Environmental Impact Statement for the project and undertaking a formal scoping process to determine where it should be built. Community members are invited to provide input. An online and in-person meeting will be held this month for the community to learn more about the project, meet the project team, and make formal comments on site alternatives.
The virtual meeting is being held this evening, Dec. 7 via Zoom from 6-8 p.m.
The in-person meeting will take place Dec. 8 at Brightwater Center at 22505 WA-9 in Woodinville, also from 6-8 p.m.
Community members are also encouraged to visit the project's online open house which will be accessible until Jan. 17. More information is at https://kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp/solid-waste/facilities/northeast.aspx
November 30, 2022
Pioneer Square is starting to look a little different and a lot more festive as the Alliance for Pioneer Square begins its winter lights and holiday tree installation program.
This year's program will adorn more than 100 trees throughout the neighborhood, along with Occidental Square and Pioneer Park. A 20-foot holiday tree, decorated with ornaments, will be installed in Pioneer Park. Both the winter lights and holiday tree will be installed throughout December.
The Mount Baker Home Tour will take place Dec. 3. This community celebration features six historic, restored Mount Baker homes which the public are invited to tour. The event is sponsored by nonprofit the Mount Baker Community Club.
The club was established in 1909 and provides a gathering space for neighbors to come together, get to know each other and build community, as well as hosting community events and programs. Funds raised from the home tour will support the club's programs and help to maintain its clubhouse at 2811 Mt. Rainier Dr. S.
Tour tickets can be purchased and collected at the clubhouse on the day of the event. The ticket table will open from 9:30 am. Tour Houses will open at 10 am. The distance from the north to south houses is approximately 15 blocks (1.7 miles). Free shuttle transportation will be available between tour destinations.
Tickets are $35. Tickets and more information is at https://www.mountbaker.org/home-tour
The American Institute of Architects' latest monthly Architectural Billings Index was released earlier this month and for the first time sine Jan. 2021 showed a decline in overall billings. The index hit 47.7 in October, down from 54.3 the year prior (any score below 50 represents a contraction in billing activity).
“Economic headwinds have been steadily mounting, and finally led to weakening demand for new projects,” AIA chief economist Kermit Baker said in a press release. “Firm backlogs are healthy and will hopefully provide healthy levels of design activity against fewer new projects entering the pipeline should this weakness persist.”
The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture is inviting individuals interested in learning more about public art projects to attend a series of free online workshops called Public Art Boot Camp Workshops.
The first workshop, to be held Dec. 8 from 7 - 8 p.m. will explore how to develop concepts for public art using community feedback, project scopes, budgets and site restrictions. Artists Damon Brown, Erin Shigaki, and Horatio Law will share how they have navigated the challenges of taking their public artworks from call to concept.
Additional workshops will take place Dec. 15 and 22 and will feature staff, artists, and experts in the field. Information shared will highlight the steps needed to navigate through the completion of a public art project successfully. More information and registration is at https://tinyurl.com/PublicArtWorkshops
November 23, 2022
Mayor Bruce Harrell is looking for qualified candidates to fill 22 upcoming openings on the City of Seattle's Design Review Boards which help to shape new buildings in the city. Positions are available on the Central Area, East, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest and West boards.
Board members evaluate the design of new buildings based on citywide and neighborhood-specific design guidelines. The boards review large mixed-use developments, multifamily housing, and commercial projects. The available volunteer positions will start on April 4, 2023, when retiring board members' terms expire.
Ideal candidates are professionals in the design and development fields who have proven skills and established careers. The mayor is also seeking community and business leaders interested in civic engagement and shaping new development in their neighborhoods.
To be considered for appointment, please send an application, cover letter, and resume by December 31, 2022 to Erika Ikstrums at erika.ikstrums@seattle.gov. More information on the positions is at https://www.seattle.gov/sdci/about-us/who-we-are/design-review
90 leading architects, designers, materials scientists, and health officials reflect on the influence of COVID-19 on buildings and cities and propose solutions to safeguard the built environment from future pandemics, viruses, and contagious diseases in a new book called The Pandemic Effect: Ninety Experts on Immunizing the Built Environment. The work is edited by architect and educator Blaine Brownell and will be published by Princeton Architectural Press on Jan. 10 2023.
The book investigates a variety of approaches to future-proofing architecture and buildings against widespread diseases and is split into five chapters:
Histories offering an overview of past pandemics and prior architectural approaches.
Inside/Outside addressing the roles of building envelopes and mechanical systems in improving indoor environmental quality.
Interventions consisting of contemporary methods for direct prevention and control.
New Strategies consisting of various architectural analyses and proposals for design changes.
The Public Realm considering the urban landscape and related social questions.
The deadline to apply for the AIA Northwest Washington Section's annual scholarship fund is Nov. 30. This scholarship supports students from Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties who are pursuing architectural studies at the college level.
AIA Northwest Washington Section says the goal of the scholarship fund is to “foster the profession of architecture through financial assistance for the education of local residents who are pursuing a Professional or Master's degree in Architecture.”
The application process is open to all residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan Counties who are enrolled in an accredited school of architecture, regardless of location, and entering their junior year or above.
At least two scholarships of $5,000 will be awarded. The funds are comprised of direct donations from AIA Northwest Washington Section architectural firms and individuals, along with interest earned from the fund's endowment.
For more information and the application visit https://aiaseattle.org/2022-northwest-washington-section-scholarship/
The City of Auburn Parks, Recreation, and Open Space department is seeking community feedback as it works on its latest PROS Plan. The PROS Plan includes a six-year plan and 20-year vision for Auburn's park system. It outlines goals and objectives, implementation strategies, capital improvements, and investment programs for the city's parks, recreation, and open space system. The last plan was updated in 2015.
City residents, patrons, and interested stakeholders are invited to share their insights (via a survey) for the common goal of shaping future parks, programs and recreational facilities. More information and the survey link is at https://tinyurl.com/AuburnPROSplan
November 16, 2022
The Structural Engineers Foundation of Washington will hold its 12th Annual SEFW Fall Forum Nov. 30. The event, which includes a keynote address and panel discussion, will feature prominent figures in the local design and construction sustainability industry.
Kate Simonen, AIA, S.E., chair of the Department of Architecture at the University of Washington and executive director of the Carbon Leadership Forum, is this year's keynote speaker. In addition to the keynote address, Simonen will moderate a panel discussion called “Focus on the Footprint: Making Strides in Building Sustainably,” with panelists Katie Ross, director of sustainability at Microsoft; Stacy Smedley, executive director of Building Transparency; Kjell Anderson, FAIA, director of sustainable design at LMN Architects, and Chris Jesertiz, P.E., S.E., LEED AP, project manager at PCS Structural Solutions and communications leader for the SE2050 Commitment Program. The discussion will address efforts to reduce embodied carbon in all corners of the building design and construction industry, covering topics such as environmental product declarations, construction calculators, net zero goals and current industry initiatives.
The forum is being held in person at Town Hall Seattle and online. Proceedings start at 6 pm. The event is free. Visit http://www.sefw.org to register and indicate attendance in-person or virtual.
The AIA has announced the winners of its annual film challenge. The winning films demonstrate how architects work with residents and civic leaders to design sustainable and equitable communities within a 90-second to three-minute documentary.
This year's competition grossed 65 submissions, of which 32 qualified, and ten finalists were selected. The panel of judges — made up of architects and film professionals - selected the Grand Prize Winner, Runner Up, and Third Place Winner. Public voting selected a People's Choice Award winner.
The Grand Prize Winner was “a dream starts here” by filmmakers Jordan Gray and Nick Rossitch of architectural firm Hanbury. This film takes viewers to Calhoun Falls, S.C., “a small, overlooked town of 1,800, that has been hopeful for change.” Years following a devastating population decline, LaSean Tutt, founder of Dreams with Open Arms and owner of a dilapidating downtown building, partnered with Hanbury and the Clemson School of Architecture to develop a plan to reimagine her space into a community center that catalyzes and radiates change throughout Calhoun Falls.
One of the judges described the film as “an amazing story of a partnership with architects and students in architecture.” “[This film] demonstrates the need and potential for this project and leaves me hopeful that it will be realized someday.”
The People's Choice award went to “The Change We Seek,” which received more than eight thousand votes. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, and submitted by Darguin Fortuna, “The Change We Seek” opens by honing the disturbing reality of a homogeneous profession. To address this concern, Principals of Flow Design Inc. examined the pipeline to licensure and intervened by engaging middle, high school, and college students, exposing them to career paths, and outlining the support available to those interested in architecture.
In a press release AIA said that “the themes woven into the (winning) productions are not merely in step with the values and mission of AIA but propound the need for architectural projects that help the planet and improve life for all people. The narratives promote the benefits of repurposing old buildings, center the experiences of impacted communities, and stress the significance of history and storytelling by diverse communities.”
All of the winning films can be viewed at https://aiafilmchallenge.org.
As first reported by The Center Square, Spokane County has dedicated $12.1 million of American Rescue Plan dollars to organizations that develop recreational and fitness opportunities for residents and athletes. The awarded organizations and projects are:
Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf which will receive an amount not to exceed $11 million for two projects; Plante's Ferry Park and Sports Complex improvements and development of a new park in the West Plains.
HUB Sports Center was awarded up to $990,000 for a new public outdoor sports complex.
Family Promise of Spokane was given up to $143,500 for a new playscape and greenspace open to the public.
“I'm excited that my fellow commissioners have joined me in supporting funding for a long overdue park in the West Plains,” Spokane County Parks commissioner, Al French, said in a press release. “Park staff are currently exploring a couple options for acquisition. This future park will accommodate many opportunities for West Plains residents for generations to come. The park will be one of several amenities to be added that will enhance the quality of life for the residents.”
Commissioner Josh Kerns added, “The county is using these ARP dollars to invest in important regional assets such as Plante's Ferry which will allow us to better serve athletes of all ages in our community. I'm excited to see Plante's Ferry play a more significant role in bringing large tournament events to Spokane County.”
The $12.1 millon comes from $101 million in ARP funds which Spokane County received for economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Individuals are needed to fill three upcoming vacancies on the Seattle Design Commission. The positions are for a licensed architect, a landscape architect, and a transportation planner. All positions are volunteer roles and will start a two-year term beginning in March 2023.
Established in 1968, the Seattle Design Commission advises city officials on design excellence in city funded capital improvement projects, in the city right-of-way or constructed with city funds. The commission also advises the Mayor, City Council, and city departments on projects or policies that impact Seattle's public realm.
More information on the position and how to apply is at https://tinyurl.com/SeattleDC2023
November 9, 2022
Architect Simon Jacobsen of Jacobsen Architects will present a short book talk and host a signing at The Shop at Peter Miller Books on Sat. Nov. 12
Jacobsen Architects was started by Jacobsen and his late father, Hugh Newell Jacobsen, who passed away last year. Hugh Newell Jacobsen's notable works include Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' home in Martha's Vineyard, which he designed in the 1980s.
Jacobsen's new book is called American Modern Home and features the work of the firm, whose style of architecture and interiors might best be described as American modern vernacular. The event is free and starts at 4 pm. The Shop at Peter Miller Books is located at Post Alley, 304 Alaskan Way S.