WOMEN IN ARCHITECTURE COMMITTEE 2021
COMMITTEE CHAIR BIOS 2021
Co-Chair
Ashley Richardson, AIA
Ashley Richardson, AIA, LEED AP, a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, has been a key member of EYRC’s team as a seasoned project manager on large complex projects including the Pendry Hotel + Residences. Her ability to manage large teams to ensure seamless documentation and delivery, while building strong client relationships, has made her an indispensable part of the firm’s leadership team. She was elevated to Principal in 2019. Ashley is the former AIALA Design Awards Committee Chair and is currently the Co-Chair of the Women in Architecture Committee. In addition to her internal firm management responsibilities, Ashley is currently EYRC’s senior project manager working closely with design build team members Kitchell, HKS and SWA on the $491 million Theater District Living and Learning Neighborhood at UC San Diego.
Co-Chair
Jennifer Noel Wong, AIA
Jennifer Noel Wong, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, has been with CO Architects since 2018 with the firm’s education group and brings a thoughtful and methodical approach to each project. She possesses unique skillset and a strong emotional intelligence, which has earned her the complete trust of her clients, team and consultants.
She has experience working on both renovations and new construction for a wide range of project types, including K-12 and higher education, civic and retail projects. In her free time, she teaches after-school design workshops in her community.
Vice-Chair
Kristin Akin-Zimmerman, AIA, NOMA
As a Senior Designer at Skidmore Owings and Merrill, Kristin approaches each project with a unique design perspective. She collaborates on a variety of project types including civic projects, mixed-use developments, and SOM legacy project renovations. With all design opportunities, Kristin particularly focuses on improving the urban landscape and public space experiences.
Since graduating Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Kristin has spent her free time contributing to a more equitable and diverse architectural profession by leading efforts like the SOM Women’s Initiative. In collaboration with NOMA, she devotes her energy to mentorship, outreach, and exposing architecture to future designers.
Vice-Chair
Schumetta McLendon, Assoc. AIA
Schumetta McLendon is the Founder and Principal of Schumetta, Inc. She began her design career as a Project Manager at Burdge Architects and went on to work with Scott Halley & Associates Construction to gain hands on experience in the field.
Her company specializes in residential design and partners with developers and real estate professionals to bring their experience with luxury residential projects to the affordable housing market.
Prior to working in architecture, Schumetta enjoyed a successful career in film and television, including corporate alliances, casting and production at The Walt Disney Company.
Schumetta is an avid international football fan, following the Premier League and Champions League.
Past Chair
Chiara Bonsignori, Assoc. AIA
Chiara Bonsignori was born and raised in Rome, Italy, where she earned her architectural license and master’s degree in Architectural Design and Restoration. In Rome she worked on several commercial renovations and urban planning projects. In 2012 she moved to Texas where she earned a Post Professional Master in Sustainable Design from UT Austin while working as a technician in the School Technology Lab.
She joined Corgan Architects in 2014 were she had the opportunity to work on several aviation modernization projects for American Airlines, and Delta Airlines. She is currently involved with various projects of Data Centers facilities.
Chiara is an advocate for sustainability and community involvement, she leads a volunteering committee and contributes to the social responsibility research team within her firm. She spends most of her free time in the ceramics studio of Otis College of Arts in Los Angeles.
Past Chair
Marine Maroukian, Assoc. AIA
Born and raised in Uruguay, South America, Mariné has earned her architectural license and master’s degree in her native country. For the last 14 years, she has been part of the Los Angeles community, working for firms like HMC Architects, Buro Happold, Hatch & Colasuonno, Gensler and DLR Group & volunteering in organizations like AIA LA, USGBC LA, Fuller center for Housing for Armenia, Rose & Alex Pilibos & Homenetmen LA.
Her experience ranges from affordable housing to sports venues, from theme parks to educational facilities.
She has bring to each of the firms she has worked for, the software knowledge of a BIM manager and the construction and documentation knowledge of a PA & PM. Sustainability, Resilience and NetZero projects are her passion and that has make her be part of the USGBC Building Resilience LA Steering Committee for the past few years as well as a sustainability leader for the firms she has worked for.
Her biggest pride are her two kids, Max (11) and Aline (8); with whom she enjoys baking with and going for wall climbing mornings. Marine’s mission is to share with the world how women can have a successful career, a successful family and marriage. She mentors young woman and shares with them how with hard work, perseverance and good attitude all is possible. Currently she is the proud Vice Chair for WiA, AIALA.
