Today, I am honored to announce that Rico Quirindongo, Director of Seattle's Office of Planning & Community Development, has joined the Board of Directors for MASSTAC, the Washington Mass Timber Accelerator!

Rico has over 30 years of experience revitalizing historic landmarks and reimagining neighborhoods in Seattle. His passion for architecture, civic engagement, and sustainable design has positioned him at the forefront of projects that align urban growth with community values and environmental stewardship. As a founding member of the Northwest Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, he promotes diversity in the field and contributed to the AIA+2030 National Steering Committee, advancing carbon-neutral design education in 24 cities. Rico has held influential roles, including chairing the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority Council and serving as AIA Seattle President in 2012. He gained recognition as a “Citizen Architect” by the AIA and delivered a TED Talk in 2020. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Commercial Real Estate Leadership Award and the AIA Washington Jennie Sue Brown Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2025, he was named one of Seattle’s Most Influential by Seattle Magazine.

Last week, Rico and I had a moment to connect on his vision for mass timber. Here's what he shared:

[Erica] Why do you believe mass timber is important for Seattle? For Washington?

[RQ] The City of Seattle is a timber city. Washington is a timber state. It is a part of our history, our legacy, our economic foundation. Washington should be leading the charge related to the mass timber industry as a State that is an innovator in sustainability initiatives, policies, and technology innovations.

[Erica] What do you appreciate about mass timber buildings?

[RQ] Mass timber buildings allow us to have the best of all worlds; quality construction, low carbon footprint, efficient use of materials, leveraging of a blue- and white-collar workforce, and integration of natural structural beauty in design.

[Erica] What types of buildings would you like to see Seattle build with mass timber?

[RQ] The City of Seattle and the design community here should be taking advantage of the utility of mass timber design and construction to build 18 story residential towers in our urban core, in our Regional Centers, and in our transit-oriented developments. This is an untapped opportunity in the construction industry that we need to take advantage of as we continue to reinvent what placemaking looks like in our urban neighborhoods and as we think about what the future of cities looks like. Mass timber towers are as beautiful as they are practical and are a critical component of our carbon neutral future.

Excited to have you on board, Rico!