AIA Strategic Council

Formed in 2015, the Strategic Council advances the architecture profession by informing the Board and other Institute bodies about important professional issues, opportunities, and threats. For more information about the council, see here.

Matt Hutchins AIA CPHD

Matt Hutchins, AIA CPHD co-founded CAST architecture in Seattle and has led the firm for more than two decades. In addition to a diverse practice executing custom residential, multifamily, and civic works, Matt is a longtime public advocate for affordable and abundant housing. He serves on the Seattle Planning Commission and is Co-Chair of the Housing and Neighborhoods Committee. At AIA Seattle, Matt is currently a Director for Public Policy, the former Co-Chair of the Housing Task Force, and has helped mount the Residential Design Forum, Honor Awards, ADU Tours, seminars on urban design, and worked extensively on AIA Seattle’s effort to improve Design Review and the Seattle Comprehensive Plan. He has taught design studios at the University of Washington and Arizona State. He was named one of Seattleā€™s Most Influential People by Seattle Magazine in 2019 for his work passing Seattleā€™s ADU reform, the nationā€™s most progressive regulation on the type.

Young Architects Forum

The Young Architects Forum addresses issues of particular importance to recently licensed architects, providing resources on leadership, mentorship, and fellowship useful to those launching their careers. 

Rio Namiki AIA

Rio is a licensed architect in Washington State with over 10 years of experience across civic, housing, commercial, hospitality, educational, and non-profit sectors, with an emphasis on adaptive reuse and community-centered design. Rooted in sustainable design practices and a strong commitment to social equity, Rio’s approach is centered on creating spaces that foster community, prioritizing environmental responsibility and the unique needs of each project. A skilled collaborator, she holds LEED AP BD+C and Assoc. DBIA credentials, underscoring her expertise in sustainability and alternative project delivery methods.

As an optimistic leader and advocate, Rio is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the AEC industry. Currently serving as co-chair of AIA Seattleā€™s JEDI Steering Committee and Diversity Roundtable, she has championed equitable access to AIA conferences, led multi-chapter discussions on EDI initiatives, and promoted inclusive design. Within firm practice, Rio has implemented equity programs, advocated for BIPOC mentorship, advanced sustainable initiatives, and successfully established a Human Resources department. She also mentors the next generation of architects as a reviewer and volunteer at the University of Washington and through her volunteer work with Sawhorse Revolution.

State/Territory Associates Representative (STAR)

The National Associates Committee represents and advocates for associates, both mainstream and non-traditional, at all components of the AIA. By promoting excellence, providing information and leadership, fostering inclusiveness and encouraging individual, community and professional development, the NAC strives to integrate the growing associates community of the profession into a strong voice within the AIA. More information about the NAC is available here.

Chien-Yi Chu, Assoc. AIA

Chien-Yi Chu, as a Design Professional with a background in landscape architecture, believes in a holistic approach to design, considering both building and landscape. I am passionate about creating meaningful connections between people and their surroundings through comprehensive spatial design. Architecture should be inspired by people and make them feel connected to the spaces they inhabit. I am interested in exploring the possibilities of architecture through hands-on projects, thoughtful research, and embracing new technologies to boost creative energy and thinking.

I believe that architecture has the power to shape our world and improve our lives. By combining my passion for design with my love of making via hands, research, and technology, I hope to create innovative and inspiring spaces that make a positive impact on the world.

Small Firm Exchange (SFx)

AIA Nationalā€™s Small Firm Exchange works to advance the interests of architects practicing in small firms by advocating for the value of small firms; developing and disseminating resources and information; and informing the AIA of current issues facing small firms and areas in which current resources and information are lacking.

Approximately 75% of all firms within the AIA are small firms (10 employees or less), which equates to 14,288 small firms within the organization. SFx exists to leverage that size for collaboration and influence.

More info about SFx is available here.

Thomas Lawrence AIA

Thomas represents Washington on the SFx Board. The Board is currently comprised of 22 representatives. Members serve three-year terms with an optional one-year extension.

Tom has lived and worked in Seattle for almost 40 years, focusing on single-family projects. He worked at architectural firms in the Seattle area, North Carolina, Maryland and Florida prior to starting his own small firm in 1995. Tom has a Master of Architecture from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture from North Carolina State University.

He has been an active member of AIA Seattle. Among other chapter activities, Tom has served on the Board of Directors 2003-2006, as a member of the Small Office Roundtable 1999-2008 (chair 2003-2008), on the Residential Design Forum organizing task force 2002-2008 (Chair 2003-2006) and 2015-2020, as a member of the Future Shack awards program organizing committee 2009-2012, as a member of the Small Practice and Residential Committee 2016-present (co-chair 2017-2020), and a member of the Honor Awards Committee 1989-present (chair 1994).

As the Washington representative for the Small Firm Exchange (SFx), Tom is looking forward to connecting architects in Washington with those in other states and regions.

Email Thomas here: toml@lawrencearchitecture.com

Rex Anderson AIA, SFx State Representative

Rex Anderson, AIA, was born and raised in Coeur dā€™Alene, Idaho, and has a deep-rooted connection to the Pacific Northwest. He graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, a Masterā€™s degree in Architecture, and a minor in Art.

Rex began his architectural career in Seattle, where he spent seven years developing his skills, including five years with the nationally recognized firm Mithun. This experience shaped his approach to innovative and sustainable design. In 2009, he and his wife relocated to Spokane, Washington, where Rex worked with local firms before founding his own practice, Fusion Architecture, in 2013.

With 22 years of professional experience, Rex has worked on a wide range of projects, including various housing types and mission-driven developments that reflect his commitment to creating meaningful spaces.

Outside of work, Rex is passionate about endurance racing, having completed two Ironman races and multiple Half Ironman races. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and their two active daughters, balancing family life with his professional and athletic pursuits.

Email Rex here: rex@fusionarch.com