David Hewitt FAIA (BArch cum laude UW 1964, AIA Medal 1964), Senior Principal of Hewitt Architects (formerly Hewitt Daly Isley), has made major contributions to architecture in and around Seattle, in both policy and practice.

The statement of his lifetime achievements at the time of their recognition in the bestowal of AIA Seattle's highest honor, the AIA Seattle Medal, in 2005, notes: "As urban design has professionalized over three decades as a practice shaping Northwest communities, David Hewitt FAIA has pioneered and exemplified the role of the architect in civic life. Beginning with advocacy as one of the 'Gang of Five' that in the early 1980s illuminated urban issues for the then-emerging Seattle Weekly, David Hewitt has raised a quiet but insistent voice for design quality, endeavoring to improve public understanding of and involvement in city-shaping. Through service and leadership on numerous civic boards (Allied Arts of Seattle, Seattle Design Commission, and Seattle Architectural Foundation among others), he has exemplified the architect as guardian of excellence in design and planning."

As one example of his successful assertion that rational design can positively influence public policy, as chair in 1979 of the Seattle Mayor's Planning and Design Advisory Committee he led the Mayor and the City away from a design-build city hall complex located outside the central business district, to a quality master plan for the existing governmental complex which includes the adaptive reuse of a number of historically significant structures.

Since founding (in 1975) the interdisciplinary practice today known as Hewitt Architects, David Hewitt has led the design effort for some of Seattle's most visible projects of the recent era, shaping Seattle's central waterfront "front door" - Harbor Steps East and North, the Port of Seattle's Bell Street Pier, as well as major projects connected with the area's transit systems. All along the way, his broad perspective and quiet leadership have inspired his fellow professionals and public constituencies alike, and profoundly influenced both the form and the civic culture of the greater Seattle urban region.

As AIA Seattle President in 1976, he helped guide his fellow professionals in a time of profound questioning of concepts of professional ethics. His engagement has transcended the practice of architecture, as he has invested his heart and soul into urban design as a way of making change, exemplifying our highest ideals for civic leadership and guidance.

David Wright FAIA sponsored Dave's nomination to the AIA College of Fellows, resulting in his 1994 induction.

We urge Fellows/Honors Council attendees to bring young architects and colleagues as their guests, to share the inspiration and experience of this presentation.

Cordially,

Kristen M. Scott AIA
Rick Zieve FAIA
CoChairs, LifeWorks Series