The American Institute of Architect has announced the election to the AIA College of Fellows of five architects nominated by AIA Seattle. Election to the College recognizes achievements of national significance in advancing the profession. Among 81 individuals advanced to the College of Fellows for 2004, a jury selected these five AIA Seattle nominees:
• Karen Braitmayer FAIA
• Bill Karst FAIA
• Tom Kundig FAIA
• Sheri Olson FAIA
• Norman Strong FAIA
Karen Braitmayer FAIA
BA Rice University, MArch University of Houston; owner Studio Pacifica, Seattle
As an architect and a member of the disabled community, Karen Braitmayer has focused her career on advocacy and design for universal accessibility. Her work with local, state, and national building code processes in key appointed and testimonial roles has helped advance successful legislation. Results attributable to her effort include Washington's distinction (in 1994) as the first state accessibility code certified by the US Department of Justice as meeting the standards of the then-new Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. She continues to combine community service with a portfolio of disability consulting projects, on key public and private facilities in and beyond Washington.
In the Seattle Post-Intelligencer 3/8/04, Sheri Olson FAIA reported "An architect with disabilities champions public accessibility for all." AIA Seattle 1990 Medallist Norman J. Johnston FAIA sponsored the nomination.
Bill Karst FAIA
BArch, MArch Clemson University; Chief Executive Officer, Callison Architecture, Seattle
As CEO of one of the largest architecture firms in the US, generating revenues of $65 million in a recent year, Bill Karst has applied a unique entrepreneurial approach to the international expansion of a significant retail design practice based in Seattle, setting new standards for practice around the Pacific Rim. Callison clients including Nordstrom, Inc., Eddie Bauer, Boeing, Hewlett-Packard, Nike, Seibu Department Stores of Japan, Taubman and Westcor Properties. His work with peer companies in the AIA Large Firm Roundtable and other national and international associations has helped advance the standards for successful corporate practice in which the architect serves as a strategic advisor to clients worldwide. Rick Meyer FAIA sponsored the nomination.
Tom Kundig FAIA
BAED magna cum laude, MArch University of Washington; owner and designer, Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen, Seattle
Raised and educated in a tradition of art and fabrication, Tom Kundig has created designs that successfully combine art, craft, and the human experience of space. With Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen since 1986, he has brought inspiration and breadth to the firm's notable design ethic, effectively presented in the recent publication Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen, Architecture, Art, and Craft, as well as numerous regional and national publications. Ed Weinstein FAIA sponsored the nomination.
Sheri Olson FAIA
BArch University of Arizona, MS Advanced Architectural Design, Columbia University; Contributing Editor, Architectural Record; Architectural Columnist, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Early in her architectural career, Sheri Olson turned her observation and expressive skills to writing about architecture - the profession as well as the structures that shape the human experience. A contributor to national publications, including nearly a decade as Architectural Record's NW Correspondent, she has more recently become Architecture Critic for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, offering bright and accessible commentary for public as well as professional consumption, and author of Miller|Hull, Architects of the Pacific Northwest. David Miller FAIA sponsored the nomination.
Norman Strong FAIA
BArch, WSU; Managing Partner, Miller|Hull, Seattle
As a Miller|Hull Partner, Norm Strong has helped shape a practice that embodies the highest aspirations of Northwest design, recognized by the AIA 2003 Architecture Firm Award. He has translated the same idealism and practicality in professional service, including a term as AIA Seattle President 2000-01 and currently as a member of the AIA national Board of Directors representing the AIA Northwest + Pacific Region. His leadership springs from the commitment to excellence that informs the Miller|Hull design ethic. Daniel J. Huberty FAIA sponsored the nomination.
Karen Braitmayer FAIA
Bill Karst FAIA
Tom Kundig FAIA
Sheri Olson FAIA
Norman Strong FAIA
