Bio:

The Great designer, Julia Weatherspoon is an architectural designer on a mission to create more inclusive spaces in design. She has worked on projects from commercial interiors, aviation, community and civic design, and now Higher Education at SmithGroup in San Francisco. She is an associate member of the AIASF and the secretary for the San Francisco chapter of NOMA. Her passions have moved her to moderate and speak on a number of panels including events for AIASF, IIDA, SF Design Week 2018, and AIGA Pasadena 2019.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

I first learned about architecture when I was 12 years old right on the cusp of high school. I then took a drafting elective classes as well as 3d modeling and sculpture art classes and I was sold. It came to me, almost like a calling.

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What do you do?

I am an architectural designer who aims to always be a champion for change and uses my voice to challenge people to look at design holistically and through an equity lens.

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What excites you in the work you do?

I am excited and committed to pushing the envelope for improvement in diversity, inclusion, and belonging within the design industry and dedicated to increas- ing visibility and representation in design. Design that reflects who we are is essential.

 

Who or what inspires you professionally?

My inspiration is driven by the belief that architecture and design can do more than what we currently settle for. It has the power to change our perspective, ele- vate the human experience, and transform our lives.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

My proudest moment was finishing my first project from start to finish, and actually being able to see what I designed fully realized in the physical realm every time I walked through the SF airport Terminal.

 

Featured Project Name: 

UC Davis Teaching and Learning Complex

 

Featured Project Location: 

Davis, CA

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

Dec 2021 - currently under construction

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Role in Featured Project: 

Designer

 

Featured Project Description:

UC Davis Teaching and Learning Complex is a new classroom building in the center of the University Campus. At 100,000 sqft and 4 stories tall, the building has a series of lecture halls, classrooms and collaboration spaces for students of all backgrounds. Along with formal learning spaces, the project provides informal learning spaces, stadium stair seating, study nooks, as well as gender neutral restrooms, a lactation room and soft seating collaborations area.

 

Photography Credit:

Renderings by Vince Jaramillo

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