Women in Architecture

AIANY Women in Architecture Committee, was honored to host our Fall Leadership Breakfast with Andrea Steele, AIA, Founder of Andrea Steele Architecture (ASA). This series brings our community together to share a meal, connect with peers, and hear directly from leaders shaping the practice of architecture today.

Andrea spoke candidly and passionately about her journey—from early influences to establishing her own practice—and the values that continue to guide her work. She reminded us that an architect’s responsibility extends beyond serving the needs of a client: it also encompasses a profound responsibility to the public. Throughout her projects, she has demonstrated how design can transform conflict and constraint into opportunity, and how architecture can act as a framework for people to create their own meaning rather than prescribing it for them.

One of the most resonant takeaways from her recently completed project L10 Arts and Cultural Center was her perspective on community engagement. Rather than treating engagement as a box to check, Andrea emphasized the importance of building ongoing dialogue—listening, responding, and making space for communities to see themselves within the work. She highlighted how layered, flexible environments allow individuals and organizations to find their place, nurture diversity, and foster cultural resilience.

Her remarks underscored that architecture is not simply about constructing buildings, but about shaping spaces that support human connection, creativity, and shared identity. The conversation left us reminded that our responsibility as architects and designers is both humbling and empowering.

We thank Andrea Steele for her thoughtful reflections, and all who joined us for making this morning a meaningful exchange of ideas and inspiration.

Our September AIANY Women in Architecture Committee meeting explored “The Just City and the Role of Women in Designing Equitable Spaces.” Through thoughtful conversation, guided by our facilitator, Alethea Cheng Fitzpatrick, Principal & Founder of Co-Creating Inclusion, we reflected on what it means to create a Just City within our profession and beyond, and discussed how policies and practices—often unintentionally—perpetuate inequities in architecture, from the path to licensure to workplace culture.

What emerged was a powerful recognition: justice in our field requires reimagining structures that feel like ladders into more inclusive circles of growth and belonging. Participants shared how systems of access, hiring practices, and office dynamics can either hinder or empower us, depending on how they are shaped.

Inspired by The Just City framework developed by urban planner Toni L. Griffin, Toni invited us into dialogue with her reflections: 

“I would invite you each to yourselves in rooms, whether within design fields or outside of them, public, private, nonprofit and philanthropy.  The arc of my career, and I believe part of what has contributed to the small amount of influence I’ve been able to have, is in part due to the many spaces I’ve been able to occupy.  From large Architecture firms at the beginning of my career, to city government, to Harvard GSD to my own private practice. Each pivot and sector has afforded me opportunities among different audiences, resources and platforms to develop, test and attempt to execute the design and development of more just cities. I have not always succeeded to the extent that I would like, but I have always been able to move the ball a little further. 

I would love for the room to propose your own Just City Manifesto for this moment. What are the critical conditions of injustice – either in New York or within the field that must be dismantled.  Who are the champions within and outside of design needed for this work. And what is something you can do in one year or 5 years that advances the cause?

For me it’s writing, exhibiting, training a next generation to see architectural practice as a social art and to pursue projects with clients who recognize that disruption is a necessary part of advancing more just cities.”

The session left us with renewed curiosity and compassion, and a call to continue asking: How can we design not only buildings, but also processes, relationships, and communities that embody equity and inclusion?

On May 29, 2025, AIANY Women in Architecture Committee proudly hosted Celebrating AANHPI Design & Leadership with Mimi Hoang, Co-Founding Partner, nARCHITECTS , as part of our ongoing series highlighting diverse voices shaping the built environment. A deeply thoughtful and inspiring evening, Hoang invited attendees to reconsider how architecture can cultivate civic life, environmental stewardship, and inclusive urban futures—what she terms Civic Natures. Trained at MIT & Harvard, Hoang brought a grounded and provocative perspective to design as a social act.

She challenged the audience to rethink representation in architecture—not just through identity, but through place, context, and public use. From embedding greenery into, onto, and underneath buildings, to advocating for urban woodlands and protective landscapes, her work elevates nature as both a design element and a civic responsibility. “We know the ground is solid,” she said, “because we benefit from spaces like the AIA.” Yet, she pushed us to recognize the “illegality” of existing foundations that exclude, ignore, or marginalize. Her projects advocate for users’ needs in public spaces—spaces that go beyond benches and bathrooms—to actively support equity, environmental resilience, STEM learning, and community wellbeing.

The event concluded with a moderated conversation by Ming Thompson, Principal, Atelier Cho Thompson and Co-Founder, A Rising Tide, focused on design leadership, social connection, and building community reliance. Hoang emphasized that architecture is physical, tangible, and deeply personal—rooted in the rooms we choose to be in and the energy we dedicate to our work. She reminded us that leadership isn’t always loud or dominant; sometimes it’s quiet, grounded, and guided by the work itself. “Ask for design leadership,” she urged. “It’s your work.” Her reflections encouraged all of us to stay agile, build for the communities we serve—especially New York—and keep bending our big ideas into tangible realities.

On Thursday, May 15, AIANY Women in Architecture Committee (WIA) gathered for our much-anticipated Annual Roundtable Dinner, a highlight event as chosen by our members. Kicking off at the Center for Architecture with a packed house, we began the evening with community announcements and a preview of upcoming WIA events. After which, we made our way to nearby restaurants for an evening of thought-provoking conversation and meaningful connection.

Over shared meals and spirited discussions, groups of four explored a range of topics spanning WIA’s four core pillars: Design & Leadership, Professional Practice & Development, Workplace Culture, and Advocacy & Activism. Questions such as “How do we shift a culture of excessive overtime?”, “What makes a winning team?”, and “How do we negotiate on our own behalf?” sparked rich, candid exchanges among women across the AEC community. These intimate dinners served as a space to share personal stories, seek advice, and collectively imagine a more equitable and empowering future for women in architecture and the allied industries.

This annual event not only reaffirmed our commitment to advocacy and leadership within the profession it also strengthened our bonds as a community. Thank you to all who joined us in making this a truly memorable evening. We look forward to continuing these vital conversations—and to seeing you at future WIA events!

At the April 2025 AIANY Women in Architecture Committee Meeting, we had the privilege of spotlighting the 2024 Common Bond Scholarship recipients: Liberty Chapman, Master of Architecture Candidate, Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation; Chana Rhodes, Bachelor of Architecture Candidate, Pratt Institute; and Catherine Moreno, Bachelor of Architecture Candidate, New York Institute of Technology. These remarkable women shared their academic journeys, creative explorations, and visions for a more inclusive, community-driven architectural future. Each recipient drew inspiration from unique sources. Liberty was particularly influenced by set design and the power of storytelling in shaping her creative vision. Catherine reflected on her volunteer work, emphasizing that “design can be a form of advocacy,” highlighting the social impact of thoughtful design. Chana shared insights into her project, noting the importance of incorporating multiple layers of living into the design. From adaptive reuse and stage design to advocacy for children’s rights, their presentations offered powerful insights and left the audience deeply inspired.

The evening also featured updates on several exciting upcoming events. We’re thrilled for the return of the WIA Dinner Roundtables on May 15—an annual favorite where members gather in small groups to connect over dinner and discuss topics related to design, leadership, advocacy, and mentorship. Later this month, on May 29, we’ll host Celebrating AAPI Design and Leadership with Mimi Hoang of nARCHITECTS. Additionally, Kim Holden joined us via Zoom to introduce an initiative advocating for the integration of birth centers into NYC’s public building portfolio—an effort aimed at addressing maternal health disparities, especially for women of color. We’re also excited to share that all volunteer spots are filled for Girls Build 2025 on May 29, where WIA members will mentor middle school students through neighborhood design activities. Thank you to all who joined us, both in person and online—we look forward to continuing to build an empowered and inclusive community together.