If you’re like some design field professionals, you’ve probably not given much thought to how building codes are created, or why civic buildings in a given jurisdiction must meet certain LEED certification levels, or how it’s decided how many CE credits a design professional needs to be licensed in a particular state.  All of these issues, plus many, many more, are on the radar of those design professionals who advocate for business- and values-based issues at the local, state, and national levels.  Come learn from prominent advocacy representatives Peg Staeheli, Walter Schacht, and David Walsh why and how they volunteer countless hours to helping improve environments for our industry and communities.

Walter Schacht, FAIA, of Schacht Aslani Architects

Walter Schacht has practiced architecture for almost thirty years, with a central focus on Washington State’s public institutions. He has devoted his career to projects for universities, community colleges, libraries, fire stations, public utilities and other community facilities. He has a comprehensive understanding of public works contracting procedures. In 2013, Walter received national recognition when he was inducted into the American Institute of Architects’ College of Fellows (FAIA) for his achievements in public architecture and his advocacy for policies that promote the quality of public works.

Peg Staeheli, FASLA, PLA, LEED AP, of SvR Design Company

With over 36 years of practice, Peg has focused in the public realm where landscape design meets engineering. Her work includes green infrastructure, complete streets, accessibility, utility systems, urban forestry, parks and site design. She encourages her coworkers in consistently pushing the local and national agenda to improve urban conditions.  Peg brings a comprehensive understanding of the issues large infrastructure projects present: site conditions, feasibility, construction sequencing, maintenance and operations. Her thoughtful insights and approach – collaborating with clients and agency staff, understanding regulations, working with the community, and maintaining a deep commitment to the environment – allows her to envision integrated solutions where balance is brought to site infrastructure.

Peg knows how to hustle—she can often be seen commuting by bus and bike to and from West Seattle—and fosters an environment where innovation is matched with attention to human-centered design.

Dave Walsh, of Sellen Construction

David Walsh is a Registered Architect and the Preconstruction Sustainability Manager for Sellen Construction where he manages sustainability and LEED efforts on a variety of deep green projects including the new State Of Washington Block 1063 Office Building, Federal Center South, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Museum of Flight and a new corporate headquarters for a Seattle-based technology company. Informed by his dual experience in both architectural design and construction delivery, David works with the owner, architects and engineers to identify, measure and achieve sustainability performance goals and realize them during construction.

David currently serves on the AIA Seattle Public Policy Board and the AIA Washington Council Government Affairs Committee and was a Board Member of both AIA Seattle and the Seattle 2030 District. David has authored sustainability curriculum for a University of Washington’s Facility Managers course and has spoken at the International Living Building Institute’s Living Future conference, the United States Green Building Council’s GreenBuild Conference and at the American Institute of Architect’s National Conference. David received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Kansas and completed post-graduate architectural studies at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich.

No shows and cancellations after November 15 will not be refunded. SDA continuing education credit pending. Breakfast is included.