ABOUT US

IDEA Space is a program of the Seattle Chinatown International Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda). We were created in 2008 as a resource center for residents, business owners, and stakeholders of the Seattle Chinatown International District (CID) to work on community development projects.

Our multilingual staff work with community members to bring their ideas to life. We provide a venue for neighborhood voices to gather and discuss ideas, and back these projects with research, technical assistance, access to resources, and manpower to fully realize these projects.

We focus our support on projects that aim to revitalize the neighborhood and support economic growth. Our impact areas include the surrounding Japantown and Little Saigon neighborhoods. Projects are divided into four program areas, or “labs”, which include business assistance, design, neighborhood safety, and real estate development.

Jamie Lee

Program Manager

Tel: (206) 838-8713
Fax: (206) 467-6376
E-mail: jamiel@SCIDpda.org

Jamie Lee is the IDEA Space Manager at SCIDpda. Jamie manages the funding, reporting, and vision for all IDEA Space projects and initiatives.  Jamie joined the SCIDpda team in the summer of 2014; before that, she worked in the University District with Sanctuary Art Center, an arts organization for homeless youth and young adults.  She has over eight years in fund development and project management, both in her professional and volunteer life.  She holds a Master’s in Social Work and Public Administration from the University of Washington.

An Huynh

Public Space & Community Coordinator

Tel: (206) 838-8715
E-mail: AnH@SCIDpda.org

An Huynh is the Public Space & Community Coordinator at IDEA Space. An manages numerous projects in both the private and public realms in the Chinatown/International District. Recent projects include a parklet, community crosswalks, and façade improvement projects at multiple sites throughout the neighborhood. Prior to coming to SCIDpda, An worked on civic engagement initiatives focused on mobilizing AAPI voters at a community health center and she also coordinated outreach projects for the Campus Sustainability Fund (CSF) at the University of Washington. She graduated from the University of Washington with degrees in Community, Environment & Planning and environmental science. An serves as an at-large citizen representative for the Seattle School Traffic Safety Committee.

MaryKate Ryan 

Preservation Planner

Tel: (206) 838-8238
E-mail: MaryKateR@SCIDpda

MaryKate Ryan is an architectural historian with 13 years of experience in State Historic Preservation Offices in Oregon, North Dakota, and most recently New Hampshire. With a focus on disaster preparedness, she has worked with communities to understand how history and community development are important pieces of plans for sustainability and resilience. She has a graduate degree in art and architectural history from the University of Oregon, and an undergraduate degree in art history and English literature from Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia.

Eliza Chan

Program Supervisor of Hing Hay Coworks

Tel: (206) 962-4032

E-mail: ElizaC@SCIDpda.org

Eliza Chan is the Program Supervisor of Hing Hay Coworks, a program of IDEA Space. She works to manage and operate the coworking space and programs workshops, events, and consultations through the 3-For-Free event series. Eliza also assists with general marketing tasks for SCIDpda. She graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Journalism. Prior to her arrival to SCIDpda, she worked as a Social Media Specialist at a digital marketing agency.

Rachtha Danh

Program Liaison, IDEA Space | HHCoworks

Tel: (206) 962-4032

E-mail: RachthaD@SCIDpda.org

Rachtha Danh is the Program Liaison for IDEA Space & Hing Hay Coworks. Rachtha lives in the International District and his family has called Seattle home for 20+ years. He focuses on operations, events and marketing & promotions for both SCIDpda programs. He graduated from UW with a degree in History.