‘WE’ in Architecture: Our Mission

What was once Women In Architecture, a Knowledge Community known colloquially as WIA (pronounced We-A) is now WE-in-Architecture (WE-A)! In the spirit of inclusivity and diversity, AIA San Diego’s Women In Architecture invites all to join us in our mission to diversify the profession - an effort that requires all hands…and voices and faces at the table!

WIA has always been dedicated to empowering, cultivating, and celebrating the contributions of women and minorities in the design community; WE-A aims to bring more leaders to the table to make measurable progress towards representation in the profession.

We Advocate: Elevate, encourage and exemplify cultural shifts towards balance and diversity. 

We Empower: Improve knowledge and expertise through events focused on areas such as leadership, diversity and professional development.

We Mentor: Engage, inspire and support local architectural professionals and the emerging architects of tomorrow.

Leadership

WE-A Chair
Lina Asad, AIA | Associate, Senior Project Designer at Steinberg Hart

WE-A Vice - Chairs

Kristen Tuerk, AIA, DBIA | Senior Design Manager at Balfour Beatty

Bryan Jimenez, PE | Higher Education Practice Director | Associate at Henderson Engineers

Equity Diversity & Inclusion Directors
Barbara Leon, AIA; Dina Gonzalez, AIA

Goals

Advocate: Provide a platform for open conversations about awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion and hear stories from individuals within the design community.

Empowerment: Provide resources and coordinate an event(s) for developing professional skills and knowledge such as salary negotiation, leadership development and more.

Mentorship: Provide more opportunities for mentorship at emerging and continuing professional levels. Create a database of mentors and mentees to help with pairing/networking.

Join Us!

Currently, WE-A meets every other month on Tuesdays at 4:30pm, with a mix of virtual meetings and in- person networking opportunities. Interested in learning more? Fill out the form below so we can get to know you better. All are welcome! Our WE-A leaders will be in touch.

Articles, Announcements & Events

Featured
_WEA_Image Post_A_r.png
JEDI
Introducing our 2024 WE-A Chair
JEDI
JEDI
2023 WE-A Committee Leadership
jedi, JEDI
2023 WE-A Committee Leadership
jedi, JEDI

WIA has always been dedicated to empowering, cultivating, and celebrating the contributions of ALL in the design community. This years leadership represents new perspectives, in hopes of elevating issues that affect the AEC profession. Read more about each committee leader below!

jedi, JEDI
2023 Laura Shinn Diversity In Architecture Scholarship Recipient
JEDI, scholarship
2023 Laura Shinn Diversity In Architecture Scholarship Recipient
JEDI, scholarship

Meet emerging professional Martha Mijangos, recipient of the 2023 Laura Shinn Diversity Scholarship!

JEDI, scholarship
2022 Laura Shinn Diversity Scholarship Recipient
JEDI, scholarship
2022 Laura Shinn Diversity Scholarship Recipient
JEDI, scholarship

Meet emerging professional Samantha Marquez, winner of the 2022 Laura Shinn Diversity Scholarship! In this past year, our scholarship winner has been busy finishing her final year of architectural school at Woodbury University, working and serving as mentor to future emerging professionals. Read about her presentation to our local high school here

JEDI, scholarship
Latinx Leaders
JEDI
Latinx Leaders
JEDI

As Latinx Heritage Month comes to an end, we are highlighting three local architects that have made their mark in our region.

JEDI
Guides for Equitable Practice
JEDI
Guides for Equitable Practice
JEDI

The Guides for Equitable Practice are a vital part of AIA’s long-term commitment to lead efforts that ensure the profession of architecture is as diverse as the nation we serve.

JEDI
Pride in Five: Celebrating San Diego’s Architectural Community
JEDI
Pride in Five: Celebrating San Diego’s Architectural Community
JEDI

In celebration of June PRIDE, AIA San Diego is highlighting five projects pivotal to our local LGBTQ+ community.

JEDI
Elevating Black History Month
JEDI
Elevating Black History Month
JEDI
JEDI
A Message from Jamie Intervalo, AIA
JEDI
A Message from Jamie Intervalo, AIA
JEDI

“We believe our work can and should help foster a more equitable, fair, objective, just and sustainable environment for all.”

JEDI
JEDI
Harassment Prevention Resources
JEDI

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its members are committed to full compliance with all laws and regulations, to maintaining the highest ethical standards in the way we conduct our operations and activities, and to broadening equity, diversity, inclusion, and a culture of belonging to create a stronger profession.

JEDI
 
 
 

Thank you to our annual Sustaining partners

T.B. Penick & Sons, Inc.

CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN-BUILD, INNOVATIVE CONCRETE SYSTEMS

It takes an agile company like T.B. Penick to meet today’s aggressive schedules and tighter budgets, offer cutting-edge methodologies such as BIM, advocate best practices and offer safe and sustainable construction practices.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, CIVIL Engineering & land SURVEYING

BWE is dedicated to providing industry leading engineering and professional services through efficient, cost-effective and sustainable solutions that make positive impacts in our community.

LEADING LIGHTINg and controls manufacturer’s representative

We are a forward-thinking lighting agency that offers an expansive line of lighting and controls products from leading manufacturers. At SDLA, we stand behind our products 100% . We respond to your needs quickly, efficiently and accurately to provide onsite assistance to ensure the job exceeds expectations.

Annual Supporting partners

Architecture and Interior Design

Miller Hull has a passion for creating dynamic and environmentally sensitive buildings. It is the essence of the firm and continues to push our work forward.

 

Architecture is a Shared endeavor

We craft innovative solution which enrich programmatic and sensory intent, engage the greater community and achieve tangible success.

unprecedented performance and exceptional aestheticS

Designed in America and manufactured in Europe, INICIO's products exemplify a fusion of exceptional quality, precision, and innovation for residential applications.


lighting industry with innovative products and best in class service. 

Our team is on the forefront of the latest technologies, trends, and requirements meaning our customers are always one step ahead of their competition. We are result and ROI driven, and are passionate about making lighting more than just an afterthought.

Providing Design Professionals with Confidence in the FutureMake it stand out

We’ve served Design Professionals since 1992, with a focused expertise that gives our architectural, engineering, and construction management clients a critical advantage. As the exclusive broker for two of the top A&E insurance companies, we’re experts at negotiating appropriate coverage and competitive pricing.