Bio:
The great architect, Yanitza grew up in Puerto Rico and attended what was then the only architecture school on the island. Now she is Director of Housing and Associate Principal at Moody Nolan. Yanitza will be the first Hispanic president of AIA Columbus and the fourth woman president of the Chapter chartered in 1913. As such, she has as one of the Chapter’s strategic goals – to embrace diversity and to ensure that design is inclusive and addresses multiple perspectives.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
As a youth, I was inclined toward architecture and my surrounding neighborhoods. Growing close to Old San Juan, I have been amazed that buildings and urban patterns from the 16th century have stood the test of time and remain relevant.

What do you do?
I currently lead the housing studio for Moody Nolan. I help qualify opportunities for multi-family housing and work on neighborhoods that include affordable and market rate housing and support 12 Moody Nolan offices in the US.

What excites you in the work you do?
Working with members of different neighborhood and listening to the challenges and presenting responsive ideas that can provide better communities. Exploring design and planning ideas that can improve the existing context.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Working with other architects and other professionals that care about their communities. People that volunteer and go beyond what is expected. As a general rule, kindness, empathy and honesty inspires me.
 
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Being the fourth woman and first Hispanic President of AIA Columbus. Being approached as a leader and housing expert at Moody Nolan. I was promoted as a Associate Principal one year ago.

Featured Project Name: 
Poindexter Village Community Redevelopment
 
Featured Project Location: 
Columbus, Ohio
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
March 2020

Role in Featured Project: 
Project Architect / Project Manager 
 
Featured Project Description:
The Poindexter Village redevelopment efforts represent the mixed-income, multi-generational housing component of a comprehensive neighborhood transformation plan that was developed through a community-driven planning process, and received a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Implementation Grant through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development in June 2014. The housing developments are designed to complement the diverse and rich architecture of the surrounding neighborhood.

Photography Credit:
Feinkenopf Photography