As we approach Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8), are you looking to profile women who are making waves in the industry? If so, I’ve compiled a list of notable female leaders including a range of architects, interior designers, construction leads, and business owners (some who wear multiple hats!)
Image Courtesy of : AEC
As a Senior Interior Designer at //3877, Abby Eckard leads interior design efforts across hospitality-focused architecture and design projects. Working at a smaller firm, she wears many hats in a dynamic environment that challenges her to adapt, learn, and grow. As a young professional, continuing to cultivate relationships with other like-minded designers was something Abby was very passionate about, which is what ultimately led her and Shannon English to start the District Design Collaborative (DDC). DDC allows designers to have a casual yet intimate setting to come together and challenge one another, build each other up, and cultivate a young and empowered group of designers in DC.
Yanitza Brongers-Marrero, FAIA, NOMA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, LEED for Homes, Housing Practice Leader at Moody Nolan
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Yanitza believes that architects play a critical role in creating livable cities through thoughtful conversation, collaboration, and design. As Housing Practice Leader, Yanitza supports a rapidly growing practice that includes affordable and market-rate residential, student housing, independent senior living, and large-scale mixed-use developments. She was recognized in 2021 as a Future 50 Leader by Columbus CEO. Today, she is a member of the AIA National Strategic Council and a member of the AIA Housing and Community Development Knowledge Community where she speaks on issues of housing, architectural practice, climate change and social justice. In the world of architecture and beyond, Yanitza makes it her business to open doors so that others may follow––a true champion of creating spaces in which everyone can achieve their fullest potential.
Erla Dögg Minarc Ingjaldsdottir, Principal & Owner of Minarc and ERLA Construction
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Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir is co-founder and Principal of Minarc, alongside her husband Tryggvi Thorsteinsson, and the founder of ERLA Construction, where she redefines the boundaries of architecture and building through sustainable, innovative solutions. Erla brings a holistic approach to design, seamlessly integrating form, function, and environmental responsibility. At ERLA Construction, she focuses on pioneering fire-proof building systems, prefabricated solutions, and resource-efficient construction methods that challenge industry norms. Committed to pushing the future of architecture forward, Erla continues to explore new ways to create spaces that are both purposeful and resilient. With a background in interior architecture and a lifelong passion for problem-solving, Erla has built a practice that prioritizes resource-conscious design and functional, meaningful spaces. She is a firm believer in challenging the status quo, proving that thoughtful, well-executed design can transform the way we live, build, and interact with the environment.
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Shannon English is a Senior Interior Designer at //3877, where she combines her passion for art, business, psychology, and design to create impactful interior spaces. Since joining the firm in 2017, she has specialized in interior architecture, ensuring that each project enhances both the occupant’s experience and the surrounding environment. Committed to fostering professional growth among emerging designers, Shannon co-founded District Design Collaborative (DDC) with Abby Eckard. Through DDC, she provides a space for young designers to network, collaborate, and advance their careers within the design community.
Marissa Dionne Mead, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, Principal and Director of Art Integration
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Marissa Mead is an industry trailblazer driven by the intersection of architecture, art, and human connection. With 15 years of experience at Svigals + Partners, now an FCA company, Marissa leads teams on education, mixed-use and public space projects, and will be expanding the firm’s art integration capabilities across a range of sectors. With a degree in Architecture and Urbanism from the University of Notre Dame and a background in sculpture and furniture design, Marissa combines her artistic vision with a strategic, collaborative approach, infusing architecture with hand-crafted design elements that engage and inspire. With a passion for social responsibility, Marissa will continue using art to nourish the community experience and elevate the built environment.
With a unique biology and public health background, Jackie has over a decade of experience in development and construction in a wide range of industries spanning from commercial projects and healthcare to residential single-family and multifamily development. Jackie has a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from UC Berkeley and has worked in healthcare operations at Kaiser Permanente. Her role at Kaiser involved reviewing and providing input on hospital and medical office renovation plans which led to a 23-year construction career in the Bay Area. A couple of years ago, she transitioned to her current role as Director of construction career in the Bay Area. A couple of years ago, she transitioned to her current role as Director of Construction at Design Draw Build to build more livable homes and communities.
Feature Image Courtesy of: AEC
