The charter for "AIA Washington Chapter" dated August 3, 1894, bears the signature of Daniel Burnham, then President of The American Institute of Architects. Today it hangs at AIA Seattle – the successor to the original organization, which in 1961 changed its name to "Seattle Chapter" with the establishment of AIA Washington Council. Since the early 1990s known as "AIA Seattle," the organization ranks as one of the nation's largest and most active AIA components.

AIA in Seattle and Washington 1894-1994
Selected Special Events

1894
The American Institute of Architects issues a charter to "Washington State Chapter AIA," signed by AIA President Daniel Burnham.

1895
Wm. Willcox and A. B. Chamberlin expelled in North Seattle School Competition dispute. The Chapter, at a special meeting on March 7, 1895, determined that the School District's invitation of design submissions contained "indefinite" instructions, and resolved that "all members of the Washington State Chapter AIA decline to enter into the competition under the terms of the present notice." Leading Chapter members G. W. Bullard and Charles Bebb met with the school board a week later to state and detail their objections, but the board did not change its procedures. The boycott reduced the number of designs submitted to just five – a low number considering the significance of this project in the otherwise extremely depressed market for architectural services at that time. Willcox and Chamberlin defied the boycott and submitted designs to the school board, also submitting their resignations to AIA; however, the Chapter rejected the resignations and expelled them.

1896-1900
Dues suspended in "hard times"

1904
Chapter resolves to support competition for municipal building design

1906
Chapter adopts Code of Ethics
The AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, a dynamic document, offers a model for professional behavior often cited by architects in practice and used as a basic document in professional studies.

1907
Preparations begin for Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, at site of present University of Washington campus

1910
AIA elevates first Fellows from Chapter: Chas. Bebb and W. R. B. Willcox

1911
Chapter supports Bogue Plan for Seattle, a vision for the future of the city. Throughout its history, AIA has supported city planning efforts which have shaped many communities throughout Washington.

1914
Lobbying for UW Architecture program successful. Carl Gould named first Chair
AIA has taken an active role in the creation and development of architectural education, continuing to the present day.

1915
Large exhibit of architecture organized at White Building

1919
At Chapter's urging, State adopts law regulating use of title "Architect" Licensure to practice architecture represents a state function to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by asserting standards for competence in practice. Stringent eligibility requirements to sit for the 5-day licensing exam include a lengthy combination of education and practical intern experience.
Since 1985, AIA Seattle sponsors an active program of, by, and for Interns, recognizing the importance of this critical stage of an architect's career.

1927
First local Honor Awards program organized
Now an annual program held each Fall and open to all Washington architects, AIA Seattle's Honor Awards program recognizes professional excellence at a popular annual event, documented in a publication documenting current work.

1930
Elizabeth Ayer first woman licensed to practice architecture in Washington

1938
First local Awards program since onset of Depression

1948
Small House Plans Bureau in operation

1951
"First" annual Honor Awards program.
See "Honor Roll: Projects Cited 1950-2000."

1953
AIA national Convention in Seattle

1954
·Pioneer Square Design Competition
·Seattle Times/AIA Home of the Month program initiated

1957
University of Washington College of Architecture formed. First Dean: Arthur P. Herrman FAIA, succeeded (1963) by Robert Dietz FAIA

1961
AIA reorganization results in change of name to Seattle Chapter AIA -- more recently, following AIA national nomenclature, "AIA Seattle" -- while AIA Washington Council, based in Olympia, supports AIA government affairs advocacy.
In 2004, AIA Seattle, one of sixe local components in Washington, ranks as AIA's fifth largest local component.

1962
"Century 21" Exposition: AIA Booth at World's Fair at Seattle Center

1963
Chapter Members form Allied Arts of Seattle

1967
Robert L. Durham FAIA of Seattle serves as AIA national President

1968
·Chapter organizes ACTION: BETTER CITIES: a major visionary study of urban design potentials in five neighborhoods attracted attention of local and national leaders
·Chapter office located at 311-1/2 Occidental South; Shirley Collins, Executive Secretary

1969
Architectural Secretary's Association -- since renamed Society of Architectural Administrators and later Society of Design Administration -- formed in Seattle

1970
Support organized for "Forward Thrust" program to fund planned metropolitan development in greater Seattle area

1976
AIA Seattle hosts Regional Conference in Finland

1981
·AIA Seattle establishes Seattle Architectural Foundation
·Chapter office located at 1911 First Avenue

1984
Seattle Chapter Medal (later known as the AIA Seattle Medal) first bestowed on Paul Hayden Kirk FAIA and Paul Thiry FAIA

1986
AIA Seattle hosts Regional Conference "Exposition of Architecture: A Celebration of Diversity" in Vancouver, BC

1991
AIA Seattle streetfront space at 1911 First Avenue remodeled to create "Resource Center for Architecture." Opening festivities include the first Honors Gala, celebrated annually since.

1994
"Architecture: Building on 100 Years" celebrates AIA in Seattle and Washington 1894-1994. Observation includes
·AIA Seattle: The First 100 Years: A History of the Profession A review of people and events that have shaped the profession and the built environment in Seattle and Washington since 1894, prepared by Tom Veith and Clair Enlow. Serial publication in Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce beginning January 1994.
· Seattle Times/AIA Home of the Month Turns 40 The popular history of residential architecture of the last four decades, as seen through features from the history of this program. February 15, 1994 retrospective at the Home of the Year event, with exhibit and catalog to follow.
· Blueprints: 100 Years of Seattle Architecture An exhibition at the Museum of History and Industry, Seattle March-November 1994. Presented by The Nesholm Family Foundation and The Seattle Architectural Foundation.
· Shaping Seattle Architecture: A Historical Guide to the Architects Edited by Jeffrey Karl Ochsner AIA, for publication by University of Washington Press July 1994, in cooperation with AIA Seattle and the Seattle Architectural Foundation.
· Architects Month in Washington August 1994
Architects around the state "show their colors" via banners with the 100th anniversary logo, with public Open Houses and historical exhibits.
· Design for Pacific Cultures August 3-7, 1994
AIA Northwest & Pacific Region Conference, hosted by AIA Seattle in cooperation with CSI ProSpec and in collaboration with the Japan Institute of Architects. Featuring a menu of continuing education, international speakers, product exhibits, the creation of exchange relationships among design professionals from throughout the Region and Japan, and highlighting the expertise of local architects in their workplaces.
· 100th Birthday Party
Saturday night August 6.
· Gift to the Community
A community-building project in Seattle's Rainier Corridor. As throughout the 100-year history, architects contribute quality by their participation with fellow citizens in community development projects large and small.

Additional References:
* AIA Seattle Presidents 1894-
* AIA Seattle Honor Awards 1950-
* Excerpt from Shaping Seattle: A Historical Guide to the Architects (Jeffrey Karl Ochsner FAIA, 1994)
* My Years with AIA Seattle 1985-  (Marga Rose Hancock Hon. AIA, 2005)