I Am AIA:

Dan Say

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A Seattle native, I was born at Cabrini Hospital (no longer in existence), grew up on Beacon Hill, attended O’Dea High School, and obtained a BS in Civil Engineering in 1981 from Seattle University. In 1995, Gary Swenson, Paul Faget and I started Swenson Say Fagét. For the past 20 years, I have provided structural engineering solutions as well as led the firm’s business development efforts for a wide variety of clients and projects.

Why did you join AIA Seattle?

I love architecture and the built environment. I love the collaboration with architects that I achieve through my involvement with AIA Seattle.

Building relationships is key to the success of a sub-consultant engineering firm. What better way to meet and get to know my architectural clients than to work side-by-side with them on the board? I obtained an even broader respect for what architects do and how they impact day-to-day life through their design and conviction.

What is the value of AIA to you?

It allows me to see and understand, firsthand, key issues in our community through a different lens. Architects are leaders in our community. Working alongside them in this organization has opened my eyes to the true value of design.

What relationships have you created?

I have developed lifelong relationships with some of the most inspirational architects in our community. They are in big firms, smaller firms, or sole practitioners. I have also had the opportunity to connect with our elected officials. Priceless!

What project are you working on now?

Swenson Say Fagét’s success stems from providing unique structural engineering solutions for a very wide variety of project types, from commercial, public, educational, and historic to multi-family to single-family residential. Current or recently completed projects include the UW Haring Center Design-Build Renovation, Sunset Gardens Design-Build Senior Housing in Renton, Point Ruston Multi-family Apartments, Historic 419 Occidental (FX McRory’s)/Railspur Renovation, Green Lake Library Historic Renovation and Seismic Upgrade, 2607 Second Avenue Office Building Seismic Upgrade and Renovation, Port Angeles Field Arts and Events Center, Lummi Tribe Training and Tech Center, multiple projects with University Prep, Bouldering Projects in multiple US cities, and various tech company tenant improvement projects.

How do you explain what you do for a living?

Simply stated, I make sure buildings don’t fall down. However, I think we are more than that. We are an essential component of a team of professionals that ensures that buildings are safe for the public. We must look at “What happens if…”. When it comes to renovating old buildings, I like to think that when the job is done nobody knows we were there…our “Leave No Trace” philosophy.

What inspired you today?

Our clients and our team. We team with some of the most talented architects, contractors, and developers in the Northwest. We work hard to build and maintain those relationships. In conjunction with that, we have an amazing and unique group of engineers that are responsive and creative. I am inspired every morning by my colleagues.

Has your career taken you anywhere you didn’t expect?

Yes, when you have been in this business long enough, you get a lot of interesting requests. Engineering affects so much. I have designed camp stools, art installations, and the occasional doghouse… some of them pretty complex.

Where is the field of architecture, engineering or construction headed?

AEC team collaboration is stronger than ever. I see the influence of the contractor growing, and along with that more projects using the design-build delivery method. Our collective disciplines have matured and the role of technology has brought us closer together. I look forward to what this will bring in the future. Can design save the world? I hope so.

What do you hope to contribute from your work?

In addition to serving on the AIA and DIP Boards, I served on the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Board of Directors for 6 years. From my initial induction into engineering, I have always been involved with the renovation and adaptive reuse of existing structures. I truly enjoy being a part of these projects that help to retain the historic fabric of our cities and neighborhoods. I hope we can save treasured places or repurpose them for current times. I love buildings, all of them.

What is your favorite Seattle-area structure?

My favorite building is the Pacific Medical Center on Beacon Hill. I grew up on Beacon Hill. Right around Thanksgiving every year a glowing star is mounted on top of the building to celebrate Christmas. I remember that from my childhood and it made that building so memorable for me. I worked on the building twice in my career and it is something I will carry with me forever. My wife and children hear this story every time we see Pac Med.