I am proud to be an architect. I recently spent my lunch hour listening to colleagues who give generously of themselves in their personal mission to make a positive impact in the world.

The topic was “Pro Bono Services – how have you or has your firm benefitted?” We heard from Rachel Minnery who has been associated with the Seattle Chapter of Architects without Borders and lives her personal passion through her work at Environmental Works, a non-profit architectural firm working for at-risk populations. Geoff Piper shared his experience at The Global Studio, working in both Nicaragua and Africa. Four young architects, formerly classmates in a community-service studio at the University of Washington, founded the Global Studio. Their passion became their work! Matt Hutchins of CAST Architecture described his firm’s deliberate and thoughtful goals to support our local community through Pro Bono projects and the success they have achieved from this good work. These three articulate speakers were supported by John DeForest of DeForest Architects, also a strong believer in the value of doing good while doing good business.

I was proud to listen to all their projects and motivated to continue to support my community, local or national, through doing Good as well.