For Seattle‘s AEC professionals, the city’s thriving high-tech industry is both a blessing and a challenge. “The architecture scene in Seattle is red hot and exciting,” said Mic Patterson, vice president of Strategic Development for Enclos.

“The migration of tech and related companies into the area is driving a new wave of architectural expression in which the building skin is playing a role.” Next month, Patterson co-chairs Facades+AM Seattle, a half-day version of the acclaimed Facades+ conference series, with Perkins+Will senior project designer Carsten Stinn.

But while the influx of capital and design-minded entrepreneurs presents an unparalleled opportunity for architectural experimentation, Seattle-area architects, engineers, fabricators, and builders, may have some catching up to do when it comes to the technical side of the building envelope. “There is a long history of great architecture in Seattle, yet the advanced facade systems are relatively new to the area, and there are many in the local design and construction scene unfamiliar with the technology,” observed Patterson. “In fact, the pace of development of facade technology has accelerated to the point that keeping up takes a deliberate effort, even by the experts, or they won’t be experts for long.”

“Our Facades+AM event will throw some of this up for a quick but deep dialogue that will provide equal parts information and inspiration,” promised Patterson. The morning’s agenda is divided into three case study-based presentations punctuated by networking breaks. Jeffrey Vaglio (Enclos) and Joshua Zabel (Kreysler & Associates) will follow Patterson and Stinn’s opening remarks with “Digital Collaborations: Applications, Realities, and Opportunities in the Delivery of Complex Facades.”

The second presentation, by energy strategist consultant Sangeetha Divakar and Morrison Hershfield‘s Stéphane Hoffman, is “Combined Modeling Efforts for the Optimized Facade: Models, Methods, Materials.” The final offering, from Devin Kleiner (Perkins+Will) and Peter Alspach (Arup), is “Aspirations vs. Reality: Analysis of Built Projects.” Additional speakers are being added to the program.

To learn more or join the Seattle dialogue, visit the Facades+AM Seattle website today.