Meet Spencer

I’d like to take a moment to recognize someone— This is Spencer, past president of IIDA’s Northern Pacific Chapter, former professor at Bellevue College, beloved member of Seattle’s design community, and this fellowship’s namesake.

IIDA NPC’s Spencer de Mille Traveling Fellowship is awarded every two years in support of foreign travel undertaken to research new and innovative practices related to the built environment. The fellowship honors Spencer’s dedication to what he was most passionate about: teaching, travel, and design.

Curious about the person behind the fellowship, I reached out to those who knew him. Through conversations with dear friends, colleagues, and students/mentees, I’ve come to get a sense of this truly special human: one with a wicked wit and an expansive heart, who knew no limits, and who knew the value of a good adventure.

Cheers to you, Spencer.

Photo by Amanda Okonek.