It’s never easy to step into something that’s already underway. Whether it’s starting a new school halfway through the academic year or picking up a project launched under prior leadership, big transitions are sure to ignite a flurry of emotions. Stepping into the editor-in-chief role at Seattle magazine felt a little bit like all of the above, complete with “Will my coworkers like me?” first-day jitters. When I started, the September/October issue was already underway, and I had to balance finishing a production cycle with finding my footing in a brand-new workplace.

Lucky for me, my colleagues are incredibly kind, patient, and helpful—they took me into the fold immediately, and within the first week, it felt like I had been there for years. Part of that could be my familiarity with the magazine, which I have freelanced for since 2022. But my love for Seattle goes back even further to high school and college, when I would thumb through issues while waiting in line at the grocery store or studying at Barnes & Noble, interested in the stories happening in the city where my family has deep roots. (Both of my parents grew up in Seattle, as did three of my late grandparents.)

The point is, I love this city, and I am a Northwesterner through and through. I care intensely about Seattle—it is full of amazing people doing amazing things in all sectors, from tech and the arts to food, science, architecture, and philanthropy. To become a steward of this title is an honor, and I hope I am able to uphold its legacy while also pushing it forward, taking editorial risks, and shaping it into a print publication for the current times.

When I heard that this would be our Travel & Design issue, I was thrilled. Travel and design are two of my life’s biggest passions. I built my career on writing about interiors and architecture, and that career opened the world for me, quite literally. From my first international trip to Mexico City for its wildly popular design week to Iceland, Hong Kong, Italy, France, Greece, and beyond, travel has profoundly impacted me. It’s made me more patient, empathetic, and curious. Whether it’s a quick jaunt to California or a long-haul flight to Europe, there’s nothing quite like arriving home after a trip. I appreciate our gorgeous city with a renewed passion each time the plane starts to descend into SeaTac.

It’s a feeling that Natalie Compagno and Greg Freitas talk about in this. issue, as they take us on a journey to four wildly different places—Los Angeles, Bergen, Santa Fe, and Missoula—where they report on the culture, food, and hospitality of each, highlighting the unique spirit that draws locals and tourists alike. Over the summer, I hopped in my car and drove four hours south to Washington’s newest outdoor resort, Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge, for my first glamping experience, which I reflect on as a self-proclaimed “indoor person.” Looking closer to home, we feature three design projects: two residences—including SHED Architecture & Design’s remodel for Quynh-Vy Pham, a member of Seattle’s “first family of pho”—and the full rehabilitation of the Metropole building, now among the most eco-friendly commercial projects in the city. Aside from design and travel, you’ll find a deep dive into Single Shot as it approaches its 11th year, a roundup of seasonal arts happenings, and a lovely piece from writer David Gladish about what he learned staying the night at Whidbey Island’s Organic Farm School with his family.

I hope you take something away from this issue; this is your magazine, after all, and as we move forward, I invite you to share your stories with me—the fun ones, the sad ones, the ones that make you think—because what is Seattle, both the city and the publication, without the brilliant, wonderful, and wacky people who live here?

Hope to see you out there.