William M. Polk FAIA (BArch 1958 Cornell) has practiced architecture in Seattle for the past four decades - in the firm of Waldron, Pomeroy, Polk & Smith and as partner and COO at John Graham and Company, Architects and Engineers, before starting his present firm, William Polk Associates, in 1985. Projects in the portfolio include commercial and institutional projects throughout Washington and beyond – including the just-opened Bon Macy's at Redmond Town Center.

Bill Polk's commitment to public service has also extended to unusual political success and effectiveness. politician. He got his political spirit from his father, who ran for office in New Jersey. Bill Polk began volunteering for political work in the Seattle area in 1966, shortly after serving in the Army at Fort Lewis. In 1971, Dennis Dunn appointed him to fill a vacancy on the House of Representatives for the 41st District. He succeeded in election and reelection for five additional terms, serving his final two years as Speaker of the House 1981-83.

During his twelve years in the legislature, Polk successfully advocated for the use of qualifications-based selection (QBS) for government's hiring of architects and engineers, as the prime sponsor of the law that enacted QBS for state and local governments in Washington.

He held numerous positions of legislative responsibility, and participated in several national legislative organizations. In addition to his legislative activities, he engaged extensively in political party activities, elected by his fellow Republicans as Chairman of County and State Conventions.

In AIA activities, Bill Polk has generously shared his unique experience as a politically active and successful architect, serving as a professional resource in public affairs at both the state and the national level - for instance as a keynote speaker at the AIA Grassroots leadership conference, at the AIA national Conventions and at meetings in several states. He has devoted time and energy to additional community and civic service, and has written and spoken extensively on the subjects of his expertise.

In 2005, AIA Washington Council recognized Bill Polk and his dedication to professional service, with presentation of the Jennie Sue Brown Award. In placing the nomination, AIA Seattle 2004-05 President Peter David Greaves AIA noted: "Bill Polk's heritage of engagement in government affairs merits recognition and emulation by the architects of Washington and beyond. His commitment to public service has extended to unusual political success and effectiveness, and helped establish and nurture an activist tradition among the architects of Washington."

Reference: The AIA Seattle Membership Conference, DESIGN LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC LIFE," a serial program focusing on design professionals seeking and serving in elected roles.

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