Shape Pioneer Square's Future

Mayor Bruce Harrell is inviting community members to apply for open positions on the Pioneer Square Preservation Board. Open positions include a property owner position, an at-large position, retail owner position, an attorney position, and a human services position. Individuals who have an interest in historic preservation and/or familiarity with Pioneer Square are encouraged to apply.

The ten-member Pioneer Square Preservation 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 Pioneer Square Preservation District.

In general, board members commit approximately three to six hours per month to board business. Members serve without compensation.

Those interested in being considered should send a letter of interest and resume by Friday June 6, 2025 to genna.nashem@seattle.gov and should reference the Pioneer Square Preservation Board position in the subject line.

More information about the board is at https://tinyurl.com/PSQpreservationdistrict

New opportunity for artists

The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture and Seattle Center are accepting applications for the Artists at the Center 2025-26 program.

Artists at the Center funds individual artists, artist-led collectives, community groups, and organizations to develop and present pop-ups throughout the year at Seattle Center. Artistic genres may include music, dance, theater, demonstrations, and multi-disciplinary work. Pop-ups will be scheduled between November 2025 and September 2026.

Awarded participants will receive either $2,000, $4,000, or $6,000 in funding based on the artist/group size and complexity of scope.

Applications are due by June 17. The application and full guidelines are at https://tinyurl.com/ArtistsAtTheCenter

Artists at the Center is a multi-year collaboration between Seattle Office of Arts & Culture and Seattle Center, with support from Uptown Arts & Culture Coalition and the communities surrounding the Seattle Center campus. This program is made possible by a 10-year community benefit grant from Climate Pledge Arena and Seattle Kraken, announced in 2021.

County, Mercer Island join LEED cohort

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the global developer of the LEED green building program, has announced 16 local governments that will participate in the organization's 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort.

These include Washington's King County and the city of Mercer Island. The cohort program supports efforts from local governments across the country to maximize efficiency, resilience, health and quality of life for residents.

USGBC helps cohort participants build plans and capacity to achieve sustainability goals, including LEED for Cities certification. Through their participation, local governments set goals, collect data and validate performance against standardized sustainability and quality of life metrics in the LEED for Cities rating system.

Using the system, local governments demonstrate their performance in resilience planning, energy efficiency, green spaces, mobility management, public health, responsible procurement, stormwater management and green building policy.

King County is home to approximately 2.2 million people, and roughly 25,000 live on Mercer Island.

The 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort represents a combined population of more than 14 million people.

Deltek A&E study reveals optimism and AI surge

Deltek recently released its 46th annual Clarity Architecture & Engineering Study, which sheds light on key trends in the A&E space.

The findings are based on a comprehensive survey of nearly 700 firms across the United States and Canada.

Deltek says the report offers “critical benchmarks, identifies emerging challenges, and provides insights into future trends shaping the industry.”

Te latest report, covering 2024, found that firm's achieved record profitability, reaching their highest operating profit margins in a decade, even as economic pressures and labor costs persisted. Operating profit on net revenue reached a 10-year high of 21.4%, with net revenue per employee rising 11% year-over-year. Firms are forecasting net revenue growth of 9.6% for 2025, signaling continued optimism in most areas, with some firms expecting a decline.

Other key findings include:

• A surge in AI adoption. The report found that 53% of the interviewed firms are now leveraging AI tools, which is up from 38% last year. However, a gap remains between intent and full integration, as many firms are still heavily reliant on manual processes for core functions like accounting and resource management.

• Business development strategies have shifted from volume to value. Proposal volume dropped 38%, but the value of awarded work grew by 52% year-over-year, and the median win rate increased to 50%. Firms are being more disciplined, focusing on opportunities that best fit their expertise and strategic goals, Deltek concluded.

• Talent remains a critical challenge. While year-over-year headcount growth has slowed, the competition for high-value talent remains fierce: 59% of survey respondents cite the availability of qualified candidates as their top talent acquisition challenge.

“Firms are cautiously optimistic with strong profitability numbers while facing ongoing labor pressures and economic challenges. We're seeing firms make more disciplined decisions – being more strategic in their project pursuits, investing in AI, and focusing on operational excellence to drive lasting results,” Megan Miller, director of product marketing at Deltek, shared in a news release.

Deltek is a global provider of software and solutions for project-based businesses.

The full report is available to download at https://tinyurl.com/DeltekAEstudy

Aetta Architects expands to Tacoma

Aetta Architects is expanding its reach with the opening of a new office in Tacoma. The new office is located at 950 Broadway, Suite M100, and complements the firm's existing main office in Battle Ground, and other locations in Longview and Palmer, Alaska.

Aetta says the new office “underscores (the firm's) ongoing growth and deepens its commitment to providing exceptional architectural services throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, now with a dedicated hub in the burgeoning Tacoma area.”

The Tacoma office will offer Aetta's comprehensive expertise in six primary sectors: community, public safety, education, residential care, industrial needs, and office environments.

SMPS's Reign Awards return June 12

The Society for Marketing Professional Services Seattle Chapter (SMPS) will host its annual Reign Awards on June 12.

This year's event will be held at Stone Way Auto (3621 Stone Way N.) from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are $125 for SMPS members and $150 for guests.

The Reign Awards gala recognizes excellence in marketing communications and outstanding achievements of top marketing professionals serving the A/E/C industries.

Category winners are selected by a panel of judges. Event attendees will vote for their favorite submission for the People's Choice Award, which will be tallied and revealed at the event.

A special award will recognize outstanding marketing efforts by a Small, Minority or Women-Owned, or Disadvantaged firm, and the panel of judges will select one submission for the Best in Show award.

In addition to awards for marketing excellence, individuals will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to their firms, the industry and SMPS Seattle.

More information and tickets are at https://tinyurl.com/2025ReignAwards

MKA CEO receives honorary doctorate

Klemencic

Purdue University will award Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA) chairman and CEO Ron Klemencic an honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the College of Engineering during its spring commencement ceremony on May 16.

Klemencic is a leading expert in high-rise structural engineering. He has played a key role in numerous innovations throughout his career, including performance-based seismic design, the development and successful application of the SpeedCore structural system, and advancements to both performance-based wind and structural fire design.

In addition to serving as MKA's chairman and CEO, Klemencic is a director of the Charles Pankow Foundation, the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations Foundation, and the MKA Foundation, where he champions the research and development of new technologies that further the structural engineering profession.

Klemencic's distinguished career has been marked with numerous honors, including induction into the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Construction. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and serves on its Industry Leaders Council. He is also a recipient of the organization's OPAL award for design and Dennis L. Tewksbury Award for outstanding service to the Structural Engineering Institute. He is an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects and was awarded the Fazlur R. Khan Lifetime Achievement Medal by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.

Klemencic earned a Master of Science in structural engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1986 and a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Purdue University in 1985. He is a member of the UC Berkeley Civil and Environmental Engineering Department's Academy of Distinguished Alumni. He previously received the Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award and the Civil Engineering Alumni Achievement Award from Purdue University.

MKA is headquartered in Seattle and also has an office in Chicago.

SDA Seattle event on AI and A/E/C

The SDA Seattle chapter is hosting “AI in Contracts & Legal Reviews,” on June 12 from noon to 1 p.m.

The virtual event is part two of a four-part series on AI for A/E/C administrative professionals.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how firms in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries manage contracts, legal documents, and compliance. While attorneys may handle the big legal decisions, it's often administrative professionals who are tasked with drafting, reviewing, routing, and tracking contracts — and that's where AI can make a powerful difference.

This session will explore how A/E/C administrative professionals can ensure they are using AI tools safely in tasks including drafting NDAs, subcontractor agreements, COIs and contract routing.

Justin Hoff and Carrie Hubbard will facilitate a roundtable discussion on how AI intersects with contracts, legal review, and administrative workflows. Attendees will explore real-world use cases, practical tools, and the limitations and liabilities of AI in legal tasks.

Tickets are free for SDA Seattle members, $10 for SDA members of other chapters and $20 for non-members.

To register or for more information, contact SDA at sdaseattle@gmail.com, or visit https://sda-seattle.org/event/ai-in-contracts-legal-reviews/.

Architectural billings continue to drop

The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dipped from 45.5 in February to 44.1 in March as even more firms reported a decline in billings from the previous month.

The ABI score is a leading economic indicator of construction activity derived from a monthly survey of American architecture firms that measures the change in the number of services provided to clients. A score above 50 indicates an increase in billings.

The ABI first dropped below 50 in October 2022, following a post-pandemic boom, and billings have declined 27 of the last 30 months.

Inquiries into new work declined for the second month in March, while the value of newly signed design contracts fell for the 13th consecutive month. However, AIA says backlogs at architecture firms remain reasonably healthy at 6.5 months, on average, which means that even though little new work is coming in currently, they still have a decent amount in the pipeline.

Firm billings continued to decline in all regions of the country. Billings were softest at firms located in the Northeast for the sixth consecutive month but also weakened further at firms located in the West and Midwest. Firms located in the South reported the smallest decline in billings. Firms with a multifamily residential specialization continued to report the softest conditions.

AIA Seattle seeks programs coordinator

AIA Seattle and Seattle Design Festival are seeking a programs coordinator to support educational programs and events including design awards and the Seattle Design Festival.

The ideal candidate will be collaborative, detail oriented, and able to efficiently juggle multiple projects and priorities. Applications are due May 16.

More information is at https://aiaseattle.org/job/programs-coordinator-2/

Climate tech firm expands to Seattle

San Francisco firm Quilt, which develops and builds home climate systems and technology, including smart heat pumps, is expanding to three new markets: Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland.

Quilt's all-electric heat pumps are energy star certified as the most efficient 2-zone heat pump on the market and achieve 400% efficiency. Unit finishes can be customized with options including real white oak veneer and paintable covers. Smart technology enables the pumps to learn household patterns and automatically adjust comfort settings in response.

To facilitate the market expansion, Quilt is partnering with local HVAC installation experts. HVAC companies interested in becoming a Quilt installation partner can learn more and apply at http://www.quilt.com/partners.

Terracon turns 60

Provider of environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials consulting engineering services, Terracon, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this month.

The firm was founded in 1965, as a small engineering outfit in Iowa. Today, Terracon has more than 7,000 employees in 180 offices throughout the U.S. including several in Washington state. Washington offices are in Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood and Tacoma.

Terracon began as Soil Testing Services of Iowa, Inc., with Gerald Olson, as founder. In 1980, the company was renamed Terracon Consultants, Inc, and moved to the Kansas City metropolitan area, and became 100 percent employee owned. It passed $1 billion in revenues in 2022.

“This anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the clients who trust us with their business and the terrific team of Terracon engineers, scientists, and technicians who work every day to efficiently navigate the complexities of their projects,” Gayle Packer, Terracon president and CEO, shared in a release.

The firm says employees in offices across the U.S. are celebrating the anniversary with community-focused events.

Jury announced for 2025 Oberlander Prize

The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF), a Washington, D.C.-based education and advocacy nonprofit established in 1998, has announced the curator and jury that will select the 2025 winner of the Cornelia Hahn Oberlander International Landscape Architecture Prize.

TCLF established the biennial Oberlander Prize in 2019, with the principal goal of elevating the art and profession of landscape architecture. The global honor includes a $100,000 award and two years of public engagement activities.

The 2025 Oberlander Prize laureate will be announced on Oct. 14. Choosing that winner will be a seven-member jury made up of architecture, planning and design professionals from around the world. The 2025 Jury is: Jury chair, Claire Agre (United States); Arthur Adeya (Kenya); Kristen Bauer (Australia); Ellen Braae (Denmark); Margarita Jover (Spain, United States); Sameep Padora (India); and Dorothy Tang (Singapore).

Elizabeth Mossop, dean of the University of Technology Sydney School of Design, Architecture and Building in Australia, succeeds John Beardsley as the Oberlander Prize Curator for 2025.

The prize winner is selected from nominated entries. Nominations can be made by individuals, organizations and self-nominations.

Members wanted for landmarks board

Mayor Bruce Harrell is seeking new members to serve on the Landmarks Preservation Board in the following positions: At-Large, Historian, Finance, and Structural Engineer.

Each position is for three years. Board members serve without compensation.

The 12-member Landmarks Preservation Board makes recommendations to the Seattle City Council for landmark designation and reviews proposed alterations to designated features of landmark properties.

The board is composed of two architects; two historians; one structural engineer; one representative each from the fields of urban planning, real estate, and finance; a Get Engaged member (a position for ages 18 to 29); and three members at-large.

All appointments are made by the mayor and subject to City Council confirmation.

Board meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 3:30 p.m.

In general, board members must commit approximately 10 hours per month to board business. Interested applicants must be Seattle area residents.

Those interested may submit a letter of interest and a resume by May 19 to Erin.Doherty@seattle.gov and reference the Landmarks Preservation Board position in the subject line.

Sound Transit seeks public art fabricator(s)

Sound Transit has issued a request for proposals seeking artwork fabrication and installation services. A notice ran in the DJC last week.

The selected firm (or firms) will fabricate and install two sculptures at the forthcoming Kent-Des Moines and Star Lake Stations, which are part of the Federal Way Link Extension set to open next year.

It is anticipated that the artwork delivery and installation will occur after substantial completion of the stations' construction, which is anticipated to be in late 2025 or early 2026.

Sound Transit may award one or up to four contractors for the work. Proposers will be able to propose on one or more schedules of each artwork, be it the fabrication or the installation services, or a combination of all schedules.

Proposals must be submitted by April 29.

Issaquah to display textile art

Starting April 19, the Downtown Issaquah Association (DIA) will be exhibiting “Trees of Memory Future,” a large-scale, 12-panel textile installation by local artist Janice King about the impact of climate change on Pacific Northwest native trees. The installation will be on display at DIA's rotating art gallery at the Historic Shell Station building at 232 Front St. N. in downtown Issaquah.

The 12 panels incorporate textile collage, photography and art crochet and combine new with rescued or repurposed materials.

A self-taught fiber artist, King says she strives to create relatable art that educates.

“Trees of Memory Future” will be open to view:

• Fridays 4/18 and 4/25: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Saturdays 4/19 and 4/26: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Sundays 4/20 and 4/27: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

King is a longtime Eastside resident and is the author of Eastside Seattle Walks, a guidebook with routes that explore nature, history and public art within Eastside cities.

“Women of Carbon” film screening

HKP Architects is presenting a public screening of “Women of Carbon,” a documentary highlighting the work of women in sustainable construction, at the Mount Vernon Library Commons Community Room (208 W. Kincaid St.) on April 25.

Directed by Basia and Leonard Myszynski, “Women of Carbon,” showcases the vision these women share in making a better, greener world.

The event will feature a screening of the documentary followed by a panel discussion with local women in construction and design - one of whom, Susan Jones, is featured in the film.

The panelists are:

• Susan Jones, founder and principal architect of atelierjones. Featured in the documentary, Jones and her firm's commitment to sustainability has had a national and international impact, influencing practices and policies for a more transparent and sustainable built environment.

• Jill Boudreau, former Mayor of Mount Vernon.

• Erin McDade, a leading sustainability expert with Architecture 2030.

• Julie Kriegh, an architect with over 20 years of experience in high-performance Passive House building design. Kreigh and her firm, Kriegh Architecture Studios, specialize in high-performance, energy-efficient buildings.

• Julie Blazek, partner at HKP Architects.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcomed and will support the Mount Vernon Library Foundation's sustainability-focused programs and initiatives. Please RSVP to info@hkpa.com.

Mount Vernon Library Commons is an all-electric civic facility and one of the first publicly bid Passive House certified projects in the country. It was designed by HKP Architects.

Volunteers wanted for construction board

Seattle's Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) is looking for three people to join its Construction Codes Advisory Board (CCAB).

Volunteers are wanted for the following seats: Electrical Engineer, Electrical Contractor and General Contractor.

Ideal board members are civic-minded individuals with diverse perspectives and experience with building design, development or construction.

The deadline to apply is end-of-day April 30.

The 13-member CCAB is appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The board provides feedback to the city on important topics impacting development and construction in Seattle including:

• Periodic adoption and update of the city's construction codes

• Requests for review of building official determinations

• Proposed Director's Rules and formal code interpretations

Board members serve 3-year terms.

Interested individuals should fill out an application and attach a resume and letter of interest at the Seattle Boards and Commissions website at https://www.seattle.gov/boards-and-commissions. You can also contact Jenifer Gilliland at Jenifer.gilliland@seattle.gov for more information.

SDF issues 2025 call for proposals

The Seattle Design Festival has announced the theme and issued a call for proposals for its 2025 festival.

The theme is Feedback. Explaining the theme, SDF says “feedback is all about collaboration, courage, and adaptability. It challenges us to listen deeply, iterate boldly, and embrace constructive dialogue as a tool for innovation and stronger communities.”

The call for proposals invites designers, artists, and community organizations to create participatory experiences for the festival. Proposers are encouraged to explore how feedback can shape design, influence change, and amplify diverse voices.

Proposals are due May 28.

The call for proposals is at https://tinyurl.com/SDF2025proposals.

The 2025 festival will take place Aug. 16 through 21. This year's event marks the 15th anniversary of the Seattle Design Festival.

SDA hosting two April events

SDA Seattle Chapter is hosting two events in April for marketing and administrative professionals in the A/E/C industries.

On April 17, the organization will host “Lead with Intention: How Clear Expectations Create Stronger Teams & Better Outcomes.”

Inspired by the insights of Skot Waldron's “Unlocked,” this webinar will explore how small, intentional actions can create massive impact — for yourself, your team, and your firm.

The webinar will challenge attendees to lead with intention by setting clear expectations, defining their leadership brand, and creating an environment where their team can thrive.

The event will run from noon to 1 p.m. Tickets are $0 for SDA Seattle members, $10 for SDA members of other chapters and $20 for non-members.

To register or for more information, contact SDA at sdaseattle@gmail.com, or visit https://sda-seattle.org/event/lead-with-intention/.

On April 23 at 5:30 p.m., SDA Seattle Chapter is hosting “Ask Us Anything – Panel of Experts.”

This free panel is a hybrid event, in-person at Studio Meng Strazzara's office in downtown Seattle, with a Zoom option for virtual attendees. Directions to the meeting location will be emailed to in-person attendees; virtual attendees will receive an email with the link to join.

A panel of experts is being assembled to answer questions about working in an A/E/C office, career paths in administrative roles and SDA as an organization. The Q&A panel is the perfect place to hear from experienced professionals, without feeling embarrassed to ask in front of a big group, SDA Seattle says.

Questions will be moderated and can be submitted via a Google Form by April 18.

To register or for more information, contact SDA at sdaseattle@gmail.com, or visit https://sda-seattle.org/event/ask-us-anything/.