Top row (L-R): Matt Hutchins, Melissa Falcetti, Erik Heironimus.
Bottom row (L-R): Tyler Schaffer, Sarah Burk, Uwe Bergk.
Seattle Design Festival (SDF) is pleased to announce our incoming slate of accomplished design leaders who were elected to fill seats on our Board of Directors beginning September 1, 2024. Please join us in welcoming the incoming board members! They will be joining existing board members Carrie Anderson, Heather Pogue, Jenny Jau, Jake Woland, Mark Smedley, Michele Hill, and Mitch Smith.
Matt Hutchins— President
Matt is a founding Principal of CAST architecture with a focus on creative infill housing as the nexus of low carbon living, urban vitality, and social policy. Matt serves as a Director of Public Policy on the AIA Seattle Board of Directors and as the Strategic Councilor for AIA Washington Council. He has co-chaired AIA Seattle’s Housing Task Force and organized many public programs on urban design, housing, and accessory dwelling units. He has been a valuable member of the SDF community, serving on the SDF Board and actively contributing to our mission. In his second year of board service, he is now stepping into the role of President, bringing his passion and leadership to unleash the design thinker in everyone!
Melissa Falcetti— President-Elect
Melissa Falcetti is a passionate advocate for the architecture and construction industry, driven by a deep belief in collaboration and community. With a background in technical writing for architecture, Melissa’s work as a specifier has shown her the impact of design, especially in healthcare settings. Inspired by Seattle’s architectural landscape, she believes in design’s transformative potential when coupled with collective action and stewardship. Melissa envisions a future characterized by collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and sustainability in the AEC industry. Through the Seattle Design Festival, she strives to catalyze positive change and empower others to harness design for societal betterment.
Erik Heironimus— Director of Development
Erik Heironimus, an esteemed architect with over 16 years of experience in the Puget Sound region and beyond, exemplifies a commitment to design excellence and community engagement. Within HOK, he has led the development of numerous festival entries, prioritizing public interaction and enjoyment. Erik’s dedication to inclusivity and collaboration is evident in his local and international projects, where he fosters appreciation for diverse perspectives. As a registered architect in Washington State, Erik is passionate about using design to address urban challenges like growth, homelessness, and equity, believing in its transformative potential to shape Seattle’s future. Actively engaged in advocacy and public dialogue, Erik strives to contribute meaningfully to the city’s design landscape, advocating for a more equitable and sustainable built environment.
Tyler Schaffer— Director of Development
Tyler Schaffer, an active co-chair of the AIA Seattle Urban Design Forum, is deeply involved in the Seattle Design Festival community, having contributed to its planning and partnership efforts for the past two years. With a strong grasp of the festival’s operational dynamics and a fervent commitment to its mission, Tyler aspires to enhance his involvement in a more visionary capacity. Eager to join the board, he aims to inject fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to amplify the festival’s impact. Tyler’s proactive demeanor and strategic acumen position him as a valuable addition to the festival’s leadership, where his dedication to advocacy, design excellence, and community engagement promises to extend the chapter’s influence and relevance.
Sarah Burk— Director of Development
Sarah Burk is a dedicated architect driven by a passion for creating livable and respectful multi-family housing that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings. Initially drawn to AIA Seattle for support during licensure, Sarah’s involvement has evolved into a deep appreciation for the organization’s vast resources and networking opportunities. With a keen interest in advocacy and a belief in the transformative power of design, she aspires to contribute to positive change within the profession and beyond. Inspired by the dynamic urban landscape outside her window, Sarah advocates for equitable access to public spaces that enhance community well-being. Committed to making a difference, she envisions a future where thoughtful design fosters sustainability, social equity, and pride in one’s environment.
Uwe Bergk— Director of SDF Council and Member Advancement Committee
Uwe Bergk is a design professional specializing in architecture, interior design, lighting design, and sustainable practices. He has a passion for adaptive reuse projects and major renovations, developing innovative, award-winning solutions across diverse projects. Uwe’s strengths include conceptual design, ideation, and programming, along with extensive experience in project management, construction administration, and sustainability practices. Known for his collaborative mindset, Uwe values teamwork and has a natural aptitude for mentoring. His expertise spans various project delivery settings, emphasizing the seamless integration of design disciplines.