On this, the one year anniversary of the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Laura Shinn, we celebrate the legacy of her life.
Image Courtesy of AIA San Diego; Photographer: Joniene Swick
Image Courtesy of Laura & Steve Shinn, c/o AIA San Diego.
About Laura
Laura Venable Shinn | February 23, 1964 - July 20, 2021
Born on Sunday, February 23, 1964, Laura graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1985. Laura completed her Master of Architecture, City, and Regional Planning from Ohio State University in 2002.
For more than 20 years, Laura advanced design in Columbus. She served on the German Village Commission, was a Planner at The Ohio State University, a Director at the Neighborhood Design Center, and was active in AIA Columbus serving on the Board of Directors.
Laura’s Legacy | SDSU
Laura served as the Director of Planning at San Diego State University, where she was responsible for campus strategic and master plan management, capital program development, CEQA Actions, facilities planning, and design, and facilities data and records oversight. Laura also collaborated closely with SDSU’s Office of Parking and Transportation to plan for all modes of transportation to and around the campus.
A registered architect and certified planner, Laura helped lead all aspects of the massive SDSU West development, a prominent capital project for the San Diego region.
“From the Engineering & Interdisciplinary Science Complex to the ongoing development of SDSU Mission Valley, Laura’s creativity and commitment to sustainability was evident in every project she touched…Those projects will forever serve as a physical testament to Laura’s impact both on and off campus.”
The Laura Shinn Memorial Fund for Sustainable Growth supports the development of bicycle facilities at SDSU Mission Valley. Laura’s leadership and vision for sustainable growth was critical to the university’s efforts in planning SDSU Mission Valley as a pedestrian friendly, multi-modal development with a network of multimodal transportation options and amenities.
SDSU Engineering & Interdisciplinary Science Complex
Laura’s Legacy | AIA San Diego
Laura Shinn has made a meaningful contribution to the design and architecture community and her legacy continues. The Laura Shinn Diversity in Architecture Scholarship is an architectural scholarship granted to high school students, community college students, graduate and post-graduate students pursuing degree programs at NAAB accredited schools of architecture. Two students have been awarded the Laura Shinn Diversity in Architecture Scholarship to support their academic success at accredited schools of architecture; funds remain for future recipients.
As President of the San Diego Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in 2021 - following her tenure as Vice President in 2020, and Secretary-Treasurer in 2019 - Laura Shinn championed climate action and equity & diversity in the profession. In the past, she served as the Chair of AIA San Diego’s Urban Design Committee and had been instrumental in that group’s expansion into a think tank comprising various other organizations committed to urban design and the built environment. Laura was also one of the original members of the Women in Architecture knowledge community in San Diego.
Laura is survived by her husband Steven Shinn, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, a tireless advocate for sustainability, livable communities, preservation, health and wellness - in his work at international design firm Gensler, and in his volunteer service to the AEC communities in Ohio and California.
Laura Shinn, AIA and Steven Shinn, FAIA at the 2019 AIA Fellowship Ceremony. Image Courtesy of Mitra Kanaani, FAIA c/o AIA San Diego
Married for 34 years and friends for 40 years, Laura and Steve Shinn exemplified sustainability every day in their personal lives, committing to urban living in walkable areas, and working for organizations which value strategic urban planning and transit-oriented development. Both Shinns were always in motion - and could often be found on any number of alternative transportation modes - from rollerblades, to skateboards, to bicycles, to public transit.
The Architecture, Design, Planning, Engineering & Construction community, here in San Diego, in Ohio, and across the globe misses Laura deeply; we are grateful to have known her.
We miss Laura. We remember Laura. We are better for having known Laura Shinn.
