In The Woman in the Room: A Memoir, published in November 2023, trailblazing University of Washington graduate and Seattle architect L. Jane Hastings, FAIA (1928-2024; U.W. B.Arch. 1952) shared her extraordinary life story. In recognition of Women’s History Month, and to celebrate Jane’s nearly seven-decade career, many achievements, and new publication, the CBE scheduled a “Conversation with Jane Hastings,” hosted by Dean Cheng, for Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Sadly, it was not to be; Jane became ill and passed away on the evening of March 25. We are deeply saddened by her death, but we still applaud what can only be called “a life well lived.”
Lois Jane Hastings was born in Seattle on March 3, 1928. She grew up in West Seattle, and at age 9, announced her intention to become an architect; her parents encouraged her. Many others tried to dissuade her, but she persevered. She began studying architecture at UW in 1946 while working part-time as a drafter at Boeing to pay her way. She graduated with honors in 1952, receiving the Alpha Rho Chi medal for “leadership and service.” She passed the architectural registration exam in 1953, becoming only the eighth woman registered as an architect in Washington State.