Leadership

LISA RICHMOND

As Executive Director of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Seattle for the past 15 years, Lisa Richmond helped lead the association’s national agenda on climate change mitigation and adaptation. She partnered with Architecture 2030 on the development of the AIA+2030 Professional Series and Materials Matter, professional development programs that sought to transform architectural practice towards zero-carbon buildings.

Under her leadership, AIA Seattle’s Public Policy Board made significant progress on critical policy priorities including building electrification, and was a founding partner of Shift Zero, a green building advocacy consortium. She co-authored the AIA’s national climate plan, and supported development of climate action and education in AIA chapters across the US.

A serial entrepreneur, Lisa founded the Seattle Design Festival to spotlight design as a tool for progress, and developed Seattle’s Center for Architecture & Design, an exhibit and event space.  She received her BA from University of Virginia and an MA from University of Wisconsin, and was a Loeb Fellow at Harvard University Graduate School of Design.  She is a certified leader and mentor with Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project. 

Lisa is currently taking a sabbatical, using her time to accelerate her leadership on climate change and find inspiration in nature. She recently completed a 3-week solo bike trip down the coast of Oregon and California.