About

DISCOVER THE INFLUENCE OF DESIGN

We design the built environment that shapes the places, spaces, and landscapes where we live, work, and play. This environment in turn shapes our lives.

The responsive and proactive design of the built environment is fundamental to critical issues facing our communities today, including our quality of life, economic development, sustainability, social equity, affordable housing, and public safety.

Our Mission

It is the mission of the Seattle Architecture Foundation to enhance the public’s awareness of and engagement with the built environment through educational programs and collaboration with community partners.

Our Vision

We envision a public that understands the important role the city’s built environment plays in the lives of Seattle residents and visitors and is empowered to engage with and improve our beautiful city.

Miner's Landing and the Great Seattle Wheel on the waterfront
© Alessandra Brescia

Our Core Values

EDUCATION:

Through our educational programs and events, SAF engages youth and adults with the built environment. We explore architecture as a visual record of our collective history, a force that shapes our daily lives, and a blueprint for our future.

EMPOWERMENT:

Connecting the community with its architecture and design instills a lifelong commitment to and responsibility for the built environment. SAF believes an architecturally informed population is better equipped to advocate for design choices that best serve their community.

EXCELLENCE:

SAF provides an opportunity for people to enhance their design knowledge, allowing them to seek and recognize excellence according to their own values and experience. SAF offers the highest quality programs and events, and serves as a community resource for information on the built environment.

COMMUNITY:

The architecture of our communities reflects who we are and who we want to be. Through collaboration with community organizations and our volunteer‐driven programs, SAF facilitates connections and open dialogues between the many diverse voices of our city.

EQUITY:

SAF is committed to racial and social justice, by providing equitable access to our programs, fostering a diverse volunteer corps, offering resources for civic engagement, and creating programs that represent diverse viewpoints within the city of Seattle.

VOLUNTEERISM:

In collaboration with SAF staff, much of our programming is developed and delivered by volunteers. Volunteering with SAF offers opportunities for professional development, leadership, and deeper engagement with Seattle’s architectural community. Learn more about SAF's volunteer opportunities here.

INTEGRITY:

The architecture of our communities reflects who we are and who we want to be. Through collaboration with community organizations and our volunteer‐driven programs, SAF facilitates connections and open dialogues between the many diverse voices of our city.