LGBTQ+ Month: The Amp

For LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Schemata Workshop dedicates this blog to highlighting The AMP: AIDS Memorial Pathway. The AMP holds a special place as it centers  and tells the stories of LGBTQ+  community members in Seattle’s historic Capitol Hill.

The AMP composes four different artworks: andimgonnamisseverybody (Christopher Paul Jordan, We’re Already Here (Civilization), Ribbon of Light (Horatio Hung-Yan Law), and In This Way We Loved One Another (Storme Webber). Situated around the Capitol Hill TOD project completed by Schemata Workshop in 2020.  Schemata was first involvement with the TOD project was as community members - serving on a community stakeholder advisory group, then later as consultants  documenting the community’s vision for the  site, and eventually became the architect for a developer-led response to Sound Transit's RFP.

TOD Charette 2009

Community members identified a desire for the future development to have high quality, sustainable design and construction, and lower parking counts than  other mixed-use development in the neighborhood. They also wanted to see the inclusion of affordable housing, community spaces, and permanent homes for the farmer's market, and performing and visual arts. Also expressed was the desire for an AIDS memorial to be incorporated into the site to acknowledge the impact of AIDS to the community, and the significant loss of lives during the late 80s. The AIDS Memorial Project was born, and later renamed The AIDS Memorial Pathway (AMP).

The Amp Workshop 2 2017

Initially there was discussion of hosting the National AIDS Quilt on-site at a LGBTQ+ Welcome Center. There proved to be no feasible way to do this within the bounds of mixed-use programming and available funding. Schemata looked at leveraging public spaces at the TOD development, and the developer’s desire to incorporate art into the project. The community advisory group then asked Schemata to host a series of workshops to develop the memorial project and identify appropriate artwork and potential locations around the site. This resulted in creation of an arts master plan. Schemata worked with the LGBTQ+ community, the developer Gerding Edlen, and the City's Office of Arts & Culture to select  artists to manage overall effort and produce individual pieces, meeting of challenge of not having a somber expression of memorial, while bringing attention to the AIDS epidemic and ongoing crisis.

Whim W'him Dance Troupe

After the completion of the Capitol Hill TOD project and the AMP, many community events have taken place here, using the X as a backdrop - whether it be dance performances  the weekly farmers market, drag shows, fundraisers, or impromptu roller skate meetups.

The Capitol Hill TOD project was important to the founders of Schemata Workshop –as Capitol Hill is their home—and they were committed to neighborhood improvement, both professionally and personally. They saw the project as an opportunity to uplift marginalized voices who had seen the threat of gentrification in their neighborhood.

Learn more about the Amp: https://theamp.org/

Take Action/Resources: https://theamp.org/take-action/#information

AAPI Heritage Month: Our Team

In the month of May, Schemata is taking the time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have played in our industry from looking at AAPI descents who are making an impact on Seattle's design community to sponsoring and participating in NOMAS UW’s "Making + Taking Up Space: Dismantling the Model Minority Myth".

As we wrap up the end of AAPI Month, Schemata wants to spotlight our own talented architects and designers that represent part of the AAPI community: Alex, Joann, Ye, Grace, Shweta, & Caitlin!

We asked our AAPI team members to share with us how their cultural heritage informs their approach to work or design, and how do the values, traditions, or experiences from their background shape the way they approach projects or problem-solving.

Alex Lin

As a child of Chinese immigrants, my family has always adapted their traditions to the American context. From our living arrangements (housing three generations of my family and all of the family business’ staff under the same roof) to small daily rituals like burning incense for our ancestors, my parents purposed a typical single-family suburban home to create opportunity and community while continuing to practice their cultural traditions. As a designer, both my family’s and my experience navigating the blurring of Chinese and American culture continues to shape the values and ideas that I contribute to our work.

Joann Ware

I am a child of Taiwanese emigrants, who navigated a new culture in the US while raising children and working extremely hard. I watched my parents approach life with curiosity and saw them build community through acts of kindness and nourishing others with food. I carry these values forward in my work as a designer, community activist, and parent.

Ye Sun

Growing up in Shandong, China, I was steeped in the rich traditions of Confucianism, which permeated both my education and social interactions. Central to Confucian teachings is the emphasis on being people-oriented. This ethos compels me to maintain empathy and an open mind towards every team player and project user in all the design phases.

Grace Kim

As someone who immigrated to the U.S. in early 1970s, the Korean culture I was raised in is very collective and interconnected. There were very few Koreans in Seattle at that time. There is a high value for hard work, family, and respect for elders. At a very early age I learned we take care of each other and work together for the benefit of the whole. I think this is why I like working collaboratively to solve problems. And it’s why I like to engage the community in our projects. They have much wisdom- through their lived experiences, and knowing what their strengths and needs are. Also growing up in an America that was socializing the idea of assimilation, I see how I was indoctrinated into a very racist view of myself and my culture. This is informs my desire to have Schemata work towards being an anti-racist design practice. 

Shweta Sinha

I first came to the US for graduate studies, and brought with me influences from Indian culture, spaces, and architecture. I tried very hard to fit in and possibly even underplay those influences. I now celebrate the fact that my life experiences give me a unique perspective and allow me to think differently – aspects of community, intergenerational living and resourcefulness are integral to the architect I am.

Caitlin Truong

As a second generation Vietnamese-Chinese American, I have always felt caught between three cultures and worlds, never truly feeling like I belonged; always existing in a gray space. Through design, I hope to create a sense of home and belonging for others as I have learned how to navigate my identity in a world where I do not belong neither here nor there.

Schemata Workshop Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month

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.

AIAS Bloom Conference Recap

The University of Washington hosted this year’s AIAS Quad Conference, attracting students on the architectural track to Seattle. As a sponsor of the event, Schemata Workshop actively engaged with attendees all throughout the conference. Kicking off with words of inspiration, one of our principals, Grace Kim, sat down with Renee Cheng in a captivating keynote conversation at UW’s Architectural Hall. Grace, representing Schemata Workshop, dove into the essence of their office culture, highlighting a profound commitment to fostering community within and beyond their workspace. From cohousing concepts to modular construction, the dialogue resonated with architects eager to innovate and connect.

Grace didn't stop at insights; she offered advice to budding architects, igniting their passion for the profession and preparing them for upcoming firm tours. As the conference unfolded, Schemata principals Mike and Grace provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their office and the captivating Capitol Hill Urban Cohousing project, elevating the experience for attendees.

The engagement didn't end there. Schemata's team actively participated in the conference activities, from hosting a design charrette on the University of Washington campus to connecting with attendees at the Career Fair. Their involvement reflects not only a commitment to architectural excellence but also a genuine enthusiasm for nurturing the next generation of talent.

As the AIAS Bloom Conference continues to unfold, anticipation brews for further insights, connections, and innovations. Schemata stands proud as a sponsor, impressed by the accomplishments of the AIAS UW chapter and eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in the days to come.

Trailblazing Women in Architecture: Pioneers, Advocates, and Visionaries

As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we celebrate not only those who have broken  barriers in the field but also those dedicated to advocating for inclusivity and equality.

The following women exemplify this commitment, each trailblazers in their own right, paving the way for future female architects.

Kimberly Dowdell

Kimberly Dowdell is an award-winning architect who has devoted her entire professional career to laying the foundations for architects to create positive social change on a local, national and global scale.  Dowdell is a Detroit-born architect and a principal at HOK, who  makes history in 2024 as the first Black woman to lead the AIA. Her presidency emphasizes climate change and adapting to architectural technology. Previously, she was president of the National Organization of Minority Architects.  A visionary leader, Dowdell drives innovation and inclusivity in the field.

Katie McCamant

Katie McCamant, co-creator of ‘cohousing’, advocates for community-centered living. In the 1980s, she authored Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves with Charles Durrett.

McCamant promotes cohousing nationwide, facilitating its development and educating communities. She emphasizes its benefits: fostering close-knit communities and enabling sustainable living through collective action.

Recently, she sat down with Neal Collins, host of The Regenerative Real Estate Podcast,  discussing how she coined the term ‘cohousing’ after her first exposure to it as a student studying abroad in Denmark, and how she brought the cohousing concept to the U.S.

To listen to the discussion, visit https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-cohousing-with-katie-mccamant/id1500361677?i=1000600494597

Jeanne Gang

Jeanne Gang, founder of Studio Gang, gained fame for designing Chicago's Aqua Tower, which ranks as the tallest building in the world designed by a woman. She also completed the St. Regis Chicago in 2020. Honored with Le Prix Charlotte Perriand in 2023. Featured in Time's 100 most influential people in 2019, she advocates for gender equality in architecture. Gang notably closed the gender pay gap at her firm in 2018, urging others to follow suit. She’s currently finishing up the MIRA Tower in the Bay area.

Laurie Allison Wilson

Laurie Allison Wilson is a licensed architect who has practiced in Seattle and San Francisco.
She is one of just over 500 Black women architects nationwide and has thrived in the profession. Notably, she founded her own firm in Seattle, practicing there until 2010. She has served as an associate and project manager at Weber Thompson, specializing in affordable housing. Her culturally responsive approach shines in projects like Africatown Plaza, reflecting her dedication to inclusive design.

Mona Johnston

Mona Johnston, a partner at Johnston Architects (JA), champions initiatives to bolster the pipeline of licensed women architects. Inspired by her mother, Mary Johnston, FAIA, who founded the firm in 1991, Mona advocates for work-life balance and gender equality. With JA's exceptional 73% female leadership and ownership, they prioritize mentorship programs, continuing education, and flexible work arrangements to empower women in architecture and increase their licensure rates.

Pascal Sablan

Pascal Sablan is an associate principal at Adjaye Associates New York studio, defies naysayers. Her leadership extends beyond the architectural field , as president of NOMA and the youngest African American inductee of the AIA College of Fellows. Sablan's journey illuminates her dedication to advancing women in architecture, advocating for inclusivity, and inspiring future generations to break barriers in the industry.

In a recent NPR article, Sablan discusses how the challenges she’s faced in her time as student ultimately fuel her passion to achieve what she’s been able to accomplish in the field. Click here to read the full article.