If you’ve ever found yourself completely captivated by the story behind one of Seattle’s historic buildings, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced the magic of Marie Blackburn.

An owner and principal designer at MLB Design Group, Marie has been volunteering as a Seattle Architecture Foundation tour guide for more than a decade. Her passion for architecture is matched only by her love of history—and sharing the stories that connect Seattle’s places with the people who shaped them.

Interestingly, Marie’s journey as a guide began as a tour guest herself. While traveling, she loved exploring cities through walking tours, so she searched for one in Seattle and discovered SAF. After attending her first tour, she spotted an invitation for guide training in an SAF newsletter…and the rest, as they say, is history.

For Marie, every tour is an opportunity to help people see Seattle differently.

“We’re basically storytellers here, and it’s each guide’s unique combination of architecture, culture, and history that brings these stories to life.”

She hopes guests leave with a deeper appreciation for the city’s evolving story and feel inspired to better understand—and help shape—Seattle’s future. As Marie likes to remind us through a favorite quote by William Faulkner: “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”

Thinking about becoming a volunteer guide yourself? Marie has simple advice:

Jump in!

Whether you’re passionate about architecture, fascinated by history, or simply love connecting with people, SAF’s volunteer guides help bring Seattle’s stories to life—one walk, one building, and one conversation at a time.

Thank you, Marie, for your years of dedication, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Volunteers like you are the heart of Seattle Architecture Foundation, helping thousands of people discover what shapes Seattle.

Explore more about our guides