The AIA Seattle Medal, the highest award that AIA Seattle can confer on one of its own Members, recognizes distinguished lifetime achievement in architecture including design and professional practice and service to the profession, the community, education, and the arts, or any combination of these. AIA Seattle first gave the Medal in 1984 to Paul Hayden Kirk FAIA and Paul Thiry FAIA. Then and since, it recognizes architects who have had a substantial influence in shaping and advancing the architecture of the Northwest as it grows in national and international importance.

Jack Sproule designed the original Medal. In 1996, Norman Johnston prepared a new edition. Annually (typically in February), the AIA Seattle Honors Nominating Committee invites AIA Seattle Members to bring forward the names of candidates for this award for the Committee's recommendation to the AIA Seattle Board of Directors. Each year in the weeks following the AIA Convention, AIA Seattle presents this and other AIA Seattle Honors, as well as AIA national recognition, at the AIA Seattle Honors Gala.

1984:
Paul Hayden Kirk FAIA
Paul Thiry FAIA

1985:
Robert L. Durham FAIA
Victor Steinbrueck FAIA

1986: not given

1987:
A. O. Bumgardner FAIA

1988:
Fred Bassetti FAIA
Anthony Callison AIA (posthumous)

1989:
Ibsen Nelsen FAIA

1990:
Norman J. Johnston FAIA

1991:
Roland Terry FAIA

1992: not given

1993:
Wendell Lovett FAIA

1994:
Phillip L. Jacobson FAIA

1995:
L. Jane Hastings FAIA
Henry Klein FAIA

1996:
John Morse FAIA

1997:
William J. Bain Jr., FAIA

1998:
Arne Bystrom FAIA
Note: Arne Bystrom's remarks on receiving the Medal include his story of the origins of the AIA Seattle Medal, around the time of his term as AIA Seattle President, in 1984.

1999:
David McKinley FAIA

2000:
Lee G. Copeland FAIA

2001:
Carolyn D. Geise FAIA

2002:
David Hoedemaker FAIA

2003:
Thomas L. Bosworth FAIA

2004:
John F. Nesholm FAIA