AIA National Representatives

AIA Strategic Council

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.

Myer Harrell, AIA

Myer is a trusted industry leader in high performance design, drawing on teaching, research, and volunteer service to inspire commercial design practice. He is a Sr. Regenerative Design Advisor and Sr. Project Manager at Perkins&Will Seattle with a current focus on commercial, life science, and healthcare projects. He is a past president of AIA Seattle and Seattle Design Festival, and a recipient of the AIA 2021 Young Architects Award. Myer earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the University of Maryland and a Master in Architecture and Commercial Real Estate Certificate from the University of Washington.

State/Territory Associates Representative (STAR)

Blanca Cázares Assoc. AIA

Blanca Cázares is a University of Idaho grad with a master’s degree in architecture. Based in Spokane, Washington, she works as a Project Manager at Integrus, where her dedication to design excellence and project coordination shines. Blanca is actively engaged in the architectural community, serving on the Spokane AIA Emerging Professionals Committee and contributing to the Inland Northwest DBIA chapter & NW region. Her involvement reflects her commitment to fostering growth and collaboration within the industry. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her family, painting, and baking. These creative outlets complement her architectural pursuits, allowing her to maintain a balanced and inspired lifestyle. 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.

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 Seattle’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.

Small Firm Exchange (SFx)

AIA National’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, SFx Board

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 d’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 Master’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