Schemata Workshop celebrates five changemakers of Asian American and Pacific Islander descent who are making an impact in Seattle’s design community.
Renée Cheng
As the American-born child of Chinese immigrants, Cheng holds the esteemed position of Dean of the College of Built Environments at the University of Washington. Renowned for her advocacy for equity within the architecture profession, Cheng is a prominent figure in the American Institute of Architects (AIA). She spearheaded research initiatives for AIA's equitable practice guides and has been instrumental in pioneering studies at the intersection of design and emerging technologies. Through her leadership and research, Cheng continues to drive progress towards a more inclusive future for architecture and the built environment.
Norie Sato
Norie Sato, a Seattle-based artist specializing in public installations, employs a meticulous creative process. She begins by carefully considering the unique context of each site, shaping her ideas accordingly. Then, she selects appropriate forms and materials to fuse well with the built environment with significance and a sense of humanity. Her artwork can be found in various public spaces nationwide, including airports, libraries, and transit centers, earning numerous accolades from the Public Art Network's Year in Review.
Schemata Workshop had the pleasure of collaborating with Sato on the Union Street Pedestrian Bridge (https://www.schemataworkshop.com/union-st-pedestrian-bridge) where her installation of a fern frond arches over the pedestrian crossing to alight on the glassy elevator tower. Creating an Instagram-worthy gateway to the Central waterfront. Additionally, a large gullwing fabricated out of metal provides a rich tactile experience for those traversing the hillclimb from Central Business District to the Central Waterfront.
Ginger Kwan
Ginger Kwan, the Executive Director of Open Doors for Multicultural Families (ODMF), leads an organization dedicated to offering culturally and linguistically tailored support to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families. Inspired by her own experience as a mother of a 26-year-old with autism, Kwan has been a passionate advocate for families in similar situations. To combat the isolation experienced by this community, Kwan created a vision for the Multicultural Village. This extraordinary project, strategically located just steps away from the Kent Des Moines Light rail station, is in direct response to communtiy needs.
The physical and programmatic design will center individuals with developmental disabilities to create an inclusive residential community, with on-site supportive services, where they can thrive. Thanks to Ginger's tireless advocacy, this vital community initiative is poised to become a reality in the next few years. Schemata Workshop has supported Kwan in her advocacy for this project and is proud to be designing both the housing and ODMF’s new Family Resource Center.
Maiko Winkler Chin
Maiko Winkler Chin brings over 25 years of expertise in community development, particularly in economic development, to her role as Director of the City of Seattle’s Office of Housing. Formerly the Executive Director of the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda), she advocated tirelessly for affordable housing solutions within the International District community. In her current position, Winkler Chin continues her dedication to creating and preserving opportunities for affordable housing citywide, ensuring equitable access for all residents of Seattle.
Sergio Max Legon-Talamoni
Sergio Max Legon-Talamoni, Director of Design and Culture at La Union Studio, was raised in South Seattle as a first-generation American of Samoan and Cuban heritage. His diverse upbringing informs his global outlook, driving his passion for community-centered design and amplifying voices within it. Sergio believes that La Union Studio’s most successful projects are ones where the community is represented, their values are reflected, and where the spaces and places they deliver are a product of a shared, collective vision. He collaborates with partners throughout the design process to ensure this vision is realized.
In addition to his role at La Union Studio, Sergio serves on the Governing Council of Cultural Space Agency, a Seattle-based real estate development firm committed to securing affordable cultural spaces in partnership with the community and endorsed by the city. His involvement in the community extends beyond his professional endeavors. As a guest lecturer and adjunct faculty member in Bellevue College’s Interior Design program, Sergio cultivates the next generation of designers. He leads interior design studios focused on exploring how design and design students can play a pivotal role in the creation, activation, and preservation of cultural spaces in the greater Seattle region.