The SMR Architects-AIA Washington Council Diversity Scholarship was created in 2023 with an initial investment from SMR Architects with a goal of providing financial assistance to students early in their architectural education who come from marginalized and underrepresented communities. With the addition of an AIA Component Matching Grant from AIA National, a total of $3000 was given out. Half of each award went directly to the school to go toward tuition and the remaining half could be used for any expenses the students may have.
In 2024 two scholarships were given out: one to a student attending a community or technical college and one to a student attending a Washington university. On December 3 AIAWA 2024 President Dave Buescher AIA presented the first SMR Architects AIAWA Diverse Student Scholarship to Astrid Hatch a student at Spokane Community College, at the AIA Spokane Winter Party. On December 20 AIAWA Past President and Managing Principal of SMR Architects Doug Ito FAIA presented the second scholarship to Johann Castro-Salgado a student at the University of Washington.
Astrid Hatch, a first year student at Spokane Community College, shared that the impact she wants to make as an architect is “to help and give back to the path that has brought me here. Currently I’m the AIAS President at my school….and I’ve seen time and time again members of the AIA show up to events, helping to accommodate students. I want to follow in their footsteps so that I can ensure that future architecture students have a bridge to the professional community, seeing what their future may hold. I’m constantly inspired by the people who take time out of their days to come into our class, tell their stories, provide critiques and overall aid students to having a successful career.”
Johann Castro-Salgado, a third year student at the University of Washington, shared that “I define architecture as the transformation of a space into a place. Through my past experiences, I have learned that it is the people who elevate the significance of a place, and I desire to design a future where communities can grow and have a connection with the built environment. I envision my potential impact as an architect to improve communities through the ability to design spaces that foster community and connection to people whom our designs are ultimately purposed toward.”