Karen Braitmayer, FAIA
Principal
Studio Pacifica
Karen L. Braitmayer, FAIA is the founder and managing principal of Studio Pacifica, a Seattle-based consultancy that focuses on accessibility and inclusion in the built environment. Since 1990, she has deftly combined her lived experience as a member of the disabled community and her professional expertise in architecture to support project partners in the design, development, and construction community in creating beautiful, barrier-free spaces.
For over 30 years, Karen has led Studio Pacifica with the belief that everyone deserves to live a full life. She has championed accessibility and inclusive design across all sectors of the built environment and consults with local governments, institutions, school districts, architects, engineers, companies, and individuals to educate, equip, and empower them with a deeper knowledge of codes, standards, and best practices for inclusion.
As a registered architect, Karen was admitted to the prestigious College of Fellows by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). In 2010, she was appointed by President Barack Obama to the United States Access Board, a policy position that she held until 2023. In 2019, she was awarded the Whitney M. Young Jr. award by the American Institute of Architects in recognition of her leadership in civil rights for people with disabilities, social sustainability, public policy, and universal design. In addition, Karen was named 2019 Person of the Year by New Mobility Magazine. Most recently, she was awarded AIA Seattle’s 2025 Gold Medal Award, honoring her dedication to supporting equity and full inclusion for persons with disabilities in the built environment.
For over 30 years, Karen has led Studio Pacifica with the belief that everyone deserves to live a full life. She has championed accessibility and inclusive design across all sectors of the built environment and consults with local governments, institutions, school districts, architects, engineers, companies, and individuals to educate, equip, and empower them with a deeper knowledge of codes, standards, and best practices for inclusion.
As a registered architect, Karen was admitted to the prestigious College of Fellows by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). In 2010, she was appointed by President Barack Obama to the United States Access Board, a policy position that she held until 2023. In 2019, she was awarded the Whitney M. Young Jr. award by the American Institute of Architects in recognition of her leadership in civil rights for people with disabilities, social sustainability, public policy, and universal design. In addition, Karen was named 2019 Person of the Year by New Mobility Magazine. Most recently, she was awarded AIA Seattle’s 2025 Gold Medal Award, honoring her dedication to supporting equity and full inclusion for persons with disabilities in the built environment.