Board of Directors 2025
Info
801 W. 12th St.
Austin, TX 78701
Phone 512 452 4332
Currently operating (in-person + remote)
AIA Austin staff in the office:
M/ Tu/Th 8:30am-6pm
AIA Austin staff working remotely:
W 8:30am-6pm
F 8:30am-Noon
Burton Baldridge, AIA
2025 President
Burton Baldridge, AIA
2025 President
Burton Baldridge is the founder and principal architect of Baldridge Architects, a firm based in Austin, Texas. Born in Texas, Burton spent roughly half his life in Austin, witnessing its evolution over the years.
Before pursuing architecture, Burton earned a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas in 1990. He then obtained a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law in 1993. After practicing as a commercial litigator in New York for four years, he shifted careers, earning a Master of Architecture from Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation in 1999.
Burton's professional experience includes positions at Peter Gluck and Partners Architects, a+i design corp., and Deamer & Phillips. In 2006, he founded Baldridge Architects, which has since completed various projects, including the Arrive Austin hotel, the Gardner Restaurant, the Waller Creek installation, and the firm's own offices.
Nkiru Gelles, AIA
2025 President-Elect
Nkiru Gelles, AIA
2025 President-Elect
Nkiru Nicole Mokwe Gelles, AIA, NOMA, is a Nigerian-born architect based in Austin, Texas. Born in Lagos, she relocated to the United Kingdom in the early 1990s. She earned her undergraduate degree in architecture from University College London (UCL) and later completed her master's at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Her professional journey has taken her through diverse global locales, including New York City and Hong Kong, before settling in Austin with her husband in 2014.
Professionally, Nkiru serves as an Associate at Low Design Office, contributing her expertise to various architectural projects. She also actively participates in the architectural community as the 2025 President-Elect of AIA Austin, reflecting her commitment to advancing the profession locally.
In addition to her architectural practice, Nkiru is deeply involved in community initiatives. She serves as a design commissioner for District 3 in Austin, where she influences urban development and planning decisions. Her engagement with organizations such as AIA Austin's Women in Architecture committee highlights her dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion within the field.
Stephanie Lemmo, Assoc. AIA
Secretary
Stephanie Lemmo, Assoc. AIA
Secretary
Stephanie Lemmo is principal and co-owner of Lemmo Architecture and Design, an award winning architecture office based in Austin, Texas. She received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Rice University. Originally born in Puebla, Mexico, and having grown up on the Texas Mexico border, Stephanie has strong roots with her Hispanic heritage and multicultural background. With over fifteen years of experience, she previously worked for prestigious firms in Boston and New York City where she specialized in institutional projects and developed an interest in both architecture and landscape design. Stephanie has taught a comprehensive design studio at the University of Texas School of Architecture where she is often a design critic. As an advocate for a more equitable future, she has served as the AIA Austin Women In Architecture Chair and was a member of the Texas Society of Architects Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee. In 2023, she was appointed as a Texas Society of Architects Committee Executive Trustee and was also a finalist in Austin under 40 in the AEC category. She is currently serving as Chair for the City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division Art in Public Places Panel and is now serving on the board of AIA Austin as secretary.
David Carroll, AIA
Treasurer
David Carroll, AIA
Treasurer
David Carroll is the Founder and Director of the Multifamily Studio at Urban Foundry Architecture. He has an expertise in the urban environment which has led the Austin City Council to appoint David to the Design Commission for the last ten years, in this capacity, David is currently leading the effort to rewrite the city’s outdated Urban Design Guidelines. In 2019 City Council also appointed David to the Joint Sustainability Committee to oversee the development of the city’s new Climate Equity Plan. David was also appointed to the Downtown Commission in 2024. For his work in advocacy and urban design related issues, David was awarded the AIA Austin President’s Award in 2016 and in 2018 he received the AIA Austin John Nyfeler Award for Community Service for his work with Austin’s Land Development Code Revision. AIA National also recognized David as one of their Citizen Architects in 2021. Throughout his career, David has been a leader in Multifamily Architecture, and Affordable Housing, and to this end, he also serves as the Vice President of the Chestnut Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation (CNRC), a community-based non-profit that develops affordable housing. In 2021, CNRC received the AIA Austin Community Vision Award for their work in bringing affordable for sale homes to east Austin.
David Goujon, AIA
TxA Director
David Goujon, AIA
TxA Director
David Goujon is a Mexican-born architect, developer, and community leader based in Austin, Texas. Born in Mexico and raised in Houston, he earned his B.S. in Construction Management from Colorado State University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Houston.
As the founder of Land & Design, a boutique architecture and development firm, David specializes in bespoke residential and small commercial projects. His approach combines his construction management experience with architectural expertise, emphasizing thoughtful design and community engagement.
Beyond his professional endeavors, David is deeply committed to community service. He currently serves as the chair of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board, leading a $27 million expansion project in collaboration with Miro Rivera Architects and Tatiana Bilbao. This initiative aims to enhance cultural and artistic experiences for the Austin community. David's advocacy extends to addressing urban development challenges, particularly in preserving Latino culture amid East Austin's gentrification. In response to the demolition of the Jumpolin piñata store in 2015, he created public art installations to highlight cultural loss and stimulate community dialogue.
His leadership roles include serving as Treasurer for the Austin Foundation for Architecture and as an Advisory Board Member for ACE Mentor of Austin. He has also chaired the Latinos in Architecture Committee of AIA Austin, working to increase diversity within the architectural field. In 2017, he was honored as the AIA Austin Associate Member of the Year.
Sophia Razzaque, AIA
Past President
Sophia Razzaque, AIA
Past President
Sophia Razzaque is an architect based in Austin, Texas, known for her leadership in both architectural practice and community engagement. She currently serves as a Senior Project Manager at Page, a prominent architecture and engineering firm in Austin.
Sophia's academic credentials include a Master of Architecture from Pratt Institute and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University. Her professional journey features significant roles at esteemed firms such as Lake|Flato Architects in Austin, Cook + Fox Architects in New York, and Zaha Hadid Architects in London.
Beyond her architectural practice, Sophia is deeply committed to advancing diversity and mentorship within the profession. She played a pivotal role in establishing the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Central Texas Chapter, contributing to initiatives like the Empower Speaker Series and Project Pipeline to support underrepresented communities in architecture. In 2024, she served as the President of AIA Austin, furthering her advocacy for inclusivity and professional development.
Blair McKay, AIA
Advocacy & Policies Commissioner
Blair McKay, AIA
Advocacy & Policies Commissioner
Blair McKay serves as the Advocacy & Policies Commissioner for AIA Austin, where he leads initiatives to promote the organization's values and engage with local communities. Professionally, Blair is an architect at Page Southerland Page, Inc. He has actively participated in public forums, advocating for equitable transit-oriented developments and housing policies to address Austin's growth challenges. His commitment extends to chairing the Housing Advocacy Committee, focusing on aligning Austin's development with the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan.
Emily Haydon, Assoc. AIA
Membership/Community Building Commissioner
Emily Haydon, Assoc. AIA
Membership/Community Building Commissioner
Emily Marks Haydon is a Partner at LaRue Architects in Austin, Texas. She joined the firm in 2008 and has been instrumental in various projects, including the historic renovation of a 107-year-old home in Austin's Clarksville neighborhood.
Emily earned both her Bachelor and Master of Architecture degrees from Tulane University in New Orleans, graduating in 2003. Prior to joining LaRue Architects, she worked as a Designer/Intern at BMG Architecture in Tucson, Arizona, from 2004 to 2008.
In addition to her architectural practice, Emily actively contributes to the profession's community. She served as the Chair of the AIA Austin Homes Tour in 2023 and is currently the AIA Membership/Community Building Commissioner for 2025.
Arlene Ellwood, AIA
Outreach Commissioner
Arlene Ellwood, AIA
Outreach Commissioner
Arlene Ellwood is the Design Manager at Mobile Loaves & Fishes, which operates Community First! Village - 51 acres of permanent, supportive, and affordable housing for our formerly homeless neighbors in Austin, TX.
Arlene was chair of the AIA Austin DesignVoice committee in 2024, amplifying voices of underrepresented communities in the design field by working on projects with Magdalene House and Sunrise Homeless Navigation Hub.
She holds an M. Architecture degree and a B.S. Architectural Engineering degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and has work experience in arts-based planning and community engagement.
Arlene is deeply committed to inclusive, community-engaged, and trauma-informed design, and believes that good architecture can promote dignity and change stereotypes.
Molly Hubbs, AIA
Practice Commissioner
Molly Hubbs, AIA
Practice Commissioner
Molly Hubbs is an Associate at McKinney York Architects in Austin, Texas, where she has been an integral part of the firm’s design team since 2014. In her roles, she leads projects from schematic design through construction, emphasizing detailing, material selection, contract furniture, Revit software management, and full project team management. Her favorite projects are ones that bring communities together, whether with higher education, K-12 schools, faith-based organizations, or neighborhood groups.
Molly holds a Master of Architecture from The University of Texas at Austin. Beyond her professional commitments, she actively engages in her community, including roles in her local neighborhood association, homes tour volunteer opportunities, and various AIS committees. Her personal interests encompass discovering Texas swimming holes, biking, and playing board games like Wingspan.
Laura Bryant, PLA
Public Member
Laura Bryant, PLA
Public Member
Laura Bryant is a Landscape Architect at Word and Carr Design Group, with experience on a broad range of projects, including urban parks, streetscapes, campuses and private residences. Her work is derived from an appreciation of natural processes and a sensitive understanding of human interaction within the environment.
Past projects include the Pease Park Conservancy Master Plan, the Atlanta BeltLine, Congress Avenue pedestrian bridge and 1100 Springs Plaza at the historic Pearl district in San Antonio. Laura continued her involvement with Pease Park Conservancy, serving as board chair in 2020 overseeing transformative change first conceived in the original plan. Recognition includes awards from national ASLA, national ULI, Texas ASLA and Texas APA.
She holds a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Georgia. With a collaborative spirit in investigation and design development, Laura sees design as an opportunity to create meaningful, beautiful places.
Janki DePalma
Public Member
Janki DePalma
Public Member
Janki DePalma is a seasoned business development professional based in Austin, Texas, with over 20 years of experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Since 2006, she has been an integral part of the Austin community, currently serving as the Director of Business Development for W.E. O'Neil Construction.
Originally from San Francisco, Janki began her career in the AEC sector with a marketing agency specializing in law firm marketing. She later transitioned to roles with a civil engineering firm and a large general contractor. After relocating to Austin, she consulted with an architecture firm and led business development efforts for a structural engineering firm's satellite office. In 2024, she joined W.E. O'Neil Construction to expand the company's presence in the Texas market.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Janki is deeply committed to community involvement. She has held leadership positions in organizations such as the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), Urban Land Institute (ULI), Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Notably, she was honored with the 2023 SMPS Chapter President of the Year award for her exceptional leadership of the Austin chapter.
Janki is also a passionate mentor, dedicated to supporting professionals across generations. She believes in making others' paths easier, acknowledging the guidance she has received throughout her career.
Whitney Knight
Public Member
Whitney Knight
Public Member
S.W. “Whitney” Knight is a partner at Allensworth, an Austin-based construction law firm. Her practice focuses on strategically crafting and negotiating large-scale commercial construction contracts. As a native Austinite, she leverages her deep roots in the local business community to draft and negotiate a diverse range of contracts for design professionals, developers, and contractors. Whitney's extensive experience allows her to quickly identify and resolve key contractual issues, enabling her clients to navigate projects efficiently and avoid impasse and delays. She is also recognized for her ability to anticipate potential challenges in negotiations, which fosters innovative solutions that mitigate risks, enhance opportunities, and protect her clients against costly disputes.
In addition to her contract work, Whitney serves as outside counsel for architecture and engineering firms, providing guidance on daily legal matters such as risk avoidance and payment disputes. Her commitment to the Austin community extends beyond her legal practice; she actively participates in various local nonprofits, including her roles as Chair of the Downtown Austin Alliance and Secretary of the Board of Trustees for Good Shepherd Episcopal School. Outside of her professional endeavors, Whitney enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, and discovering new culinary experiences in Austin.
Mikel Bennett, AIA
At Large
Mikel Bennett, AIA
At Large
Mikel received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma in 2001 and joined Chioco Design in 2014. She has international experience working at firms in New York, San Francisco, Chicago and London, including Zaha Hadid Architects. While in New York, Mikel attended Parsons, The New School for Design where she studied and worked in the fashion industry. This experience provided her with a deeper knowledge of materiality and processes of design at any scale. In addition to residential and commercial work, Mikel's experience includes museums and educational facilities.
Mikel was also on the founding board of NOMA of Central Texas and helped form the AIA Austin LGBTQIA+ Alliance. She is currently the JEDI chair and on the publications board of Texas Architect Magazine.
George Blume, AIA
At Large
George Blume, AIA
At Large
George Blume is a Design Principal at HOK's Austin studio, bringing nearly two decades of experience in architecture. Born in Texas, he moved to Austin in the late 1980s and pursued his undergraduate studies in English at the University of Texas in the 1990s. He later earned a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech University.
Before joining HOK in 2022, George spent 12 years at Gensler, where he served as a Design Director. His portfolio includes award-winning projects across corporate, commercial, mixed-use, and residential sectors, with a focus on placemaking and integrating natural environments.
As a long-time Austin resident, George is committed to designing transformative spaces that enhance the community. He is a registered architect and interior designer, affiliated with organizations such as the American Institute of Architects, International Interior Design Association, and National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
Donna Carter, FAIA
At Large
Donna Carter, FAIA
At Large
Donna Carter, born in Dayton, Ohio, spent her early years in Sudbury, Massachusetts. She pursued higher education at Yale University, joining the second class to include female undergraduates. In the early 1970s, she spent a junior year abroad at the American University in Cairo, Egypt, where she developed an interest in architecture. She later earned her master's degree in architecture from the University of California at Berkeley.
In 1973, Donna relocated to Austin, Texas, where she began her professional career with Brooks Barr Graeber and White, which later became Graeber Simmons and Cowan. In 1985, she founded Carter Design Associates, a multidisciplinary architectural, preservation, and planning firm. The firm has been involved in various projects, including the restoration of the Texas and Pacific Terminal Waiting Room in Fort Worth, Texas, which received the Preservation Texas Award.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Donna has actively contributed to civic and cultural initiatives in Austin. She has served on several planning and development task forces, including the Downtown Revitalization Task Force and the Mueller Commission. She has also been involved with the Texas Historical Commission and participated in the AIA RUDAT.
Milton Hime, FAIA
At Large
Milton Hime, FAIA
At Large
Milton Hime, FAIA, is the founding principal of Studio8 Architects, an Austin-based firm specializing in architecture, interior design, and sustainability consulting. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Milton earned degrees in architecture and engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Before establishing Studio8 in 2003, he gained experience working with notable Austin firms, including those led by Gordon Bohmfalk and L.M. Holder III, and served as a principal at STG Design.
Under Milton's leadership, Studio8 has become renowned for its commitment to community service, collaborating with over 25 nonprofits to address issues such as food insecurity, homelessness, healthcare inequities, education, child development, and social justice. Notable projects include work with organizations like Caritas of Austin, the Central Texas Food Bank, and People's Community Clinic.
Milton's dedication to both the profession and the community has been widely recognized. In 2015, he was elevated to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows, an honor given to architects who have made significant contributions to the field. Additionally, the Texas Society of Architects honored him with the Community Service Award, acknowledging his extensive volunteer work and leadership in various civic organizations.
Bryan Jones, AIA
At Large
Bryan Jones, AIA
At Large
Bryan has spent the last two decades contributing to Austin's evolving landscape, specializing in commercial mixed-use projects that prioritize innovation, functionality, and sustainability. As a design leader, he has guided teams through several significant projects in the city, combining modern architectural solutions with Austin’s cultural identity.
A graduate of The University of Oklahoma, Bryan has a strong belief in collaboration. He values diverse perspectives and enjoys working closely with the skilled craftspeople who bring designs to life. His career with Beck has primarily focused on Design Build projects, offering him a comprehensive understanding of the project process and direct involvement with the teams responsible for their success.
Bryan’s portfolio includes a range of projects, from mixed-use retail spaces to high-rise offices and resort hotels. Beyond his design work, Bryan is committed to mentoring the next generation of architects, helping young professionals navigate the industry while encouraging creativity and success both personally and professionally.
In addition to his work, Bryan is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Austin, where he advocates for design excellence, public policy, and sustainable urban development. He has contributed to several initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration between architects, urban planners, and the local community.
Outside of work, Bryan enjoys Austin's music scene, participating in community projects focused on sustainable growth, and exploring the city's culinary offerings with his family.
Lisa Storer, Assoc. AIA
At Large
Lisa Storer, Assoc. AIA
At Large
Lisa Storer is a sustainability advocate working on large multi-disciplinary projects that transform the public realm. She is the Vice President of Architecture, Urban Design and Sustainability at Austin Transit Partnership, which will bring much-needed transit improvements, including light rail, to Austin. Previously, she was at the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department focused primarily on the Waterloo Greenway program, which is transforming 35 acres of downtown Austin with new public parks, accessible trails, and a restored Waller Creek to connect people to nature in the center of the city.
Lisa has over twenty years working in the built environment and enjoys collaborating on integrated projects with strong ecological and community goals that bridge architecture, engineering and landscape architecture. She previously worked at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center developing the SITES Rating System for sustainable land design and development, now administered internationally by GBCI. She currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Location, Transportation, and Planning Technical Advisory Group (LP TAG) for LEED, on the Board of Directors of AIA Austin and the US Green Building Council’s Texas Chapter, and as part of ULI Austin’s Local Climate Council.
Evan Taniguchi, AIA
At Large
Evan Taniguchi, AIA
At Large
Evan Taniguchi, AIA, is the Principal and Owner of Taniguchi Architects, a firm established by his father, Alan Taniguchi, in 1952. Evan assumed leadership of the practice in 1998 and has continued his family's architectural legacy. Under Evan's leadership, the firm has contributed significantly to Austin's architectural landscape, with projects such as the Palmer Events Center, the Norman Hackerman Building at the University of Texas, Welch Hall at UT Austin, and the Blue Hole Regional Park.
Beyond his architectural practice, Evan has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. He has served on the boards of several organizations, including the New School of Music, Planned Parenthood, the Austin History Center, and the Japanese-American National Museum. Notably, he was a chair for the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Task Force from 2009 to 2012, playing a pivotal role in its approval by the City Council.
In recognition of his outstanding service, the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects established the Alan Taniguchi, FAIA Award for Public Architecture, named in honor of his father. This award celebrates significant contributions to public architecture in the Austin area.
Charlton Lewis
University of Texas (UT) Liaison
Charlton Lewis
University of Texas (UT) Liaison
Charlton Lewis is currently in his sixth year as the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture (UTSOA), and is a Margaret McDermott Centennial Teaching Fellow in Architecture. He has taught continuously at UTSOA since the fall of 2006, focusing primarily on studio design courses.
Charlton serves frequently in various service capacities at both The School and university levels and is the faculty liaison for the UTSOA student chapters of AIAS, NOMAS, and Ampersand. He is also currently serving on the board of the Pease Park Conservancy.
Charlton earned his Post-Professional Master and Bachelor of Architecture both from The University of Texas School of Architecture.
Brooklynn Cnare, AIAS
University of Texas (UT) Student Liaison (Spring)
Brooklynn Cnare, AIAS
University of Texas (UT) Student Liaison (Spring)
Brooklynn Cnare is a fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture degree at the University of Texas at Austin. She serves as Vice President of the UT chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), where she enjoys fostering connections between students and the vibrant Austin architecture community.
Brooklynn’s involvement at UT extends beyond architecture. She has participated in Texas 4000 for Cancer, a program that develops student leaders and engages communities in the fight against cancer. This initiative includes an 18-month leadership program culminating in a 4,000-mile bike ride from Austin, TX, to Anchorage, AK. Additionally, she played mellophone and French horn in the Longhorn Band.
Currently, Brooklynn works as an independent contractor, specializing in air barrier and waterproofing installation drawings. Her diverse experiences reflect her dedication to leadership, building community, and continuous learning.
Lana Pei Liang
University of Texas (UT) Student Liaison (Summer, Fall)
Lana Pei Liang
University of Texas (UT) Student Liaison (Summer, Fall)
Lana Pei Liang is a second-year Bachelor of Architecture student at the University of Texas at Austin. She currently serves as the Graphics Co-Chair for the UT Austin chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), contributing to crafting visual content and promoting chapter initiatives.
Ray Santana-Linares, Assoc. AIA
National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Liaison
Ray Santana-Linares, Assoc. AIA
National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Liaison
Ray Santana-Linares is a Project Manager and Associate at Webber + Studio, Architects in Austin, Texas. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Ray earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He currently resides in Austin, where he plays an active role in the architectural community.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Ray is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the architectural profession. In 2023, he served as the Treasurer for the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Central Texas Chapter, contributing to initiatives aimed at supporting underrepresented communities in architecture. He also served as the NOMA Liaison on the Board of Directors for AIA Austin in 2025, furthering his advocacy for inclusivity and professional development.
In recognition of his leadership and dedication to the profession, Ray was honored with the Associate Member of the Year Award by AIA Austin in 2023. He continues to be a passionate advocate for creating inclusive spaces that foster a sense of safety and belonging, aligning with his belief that architects and designers should prioritize these values in their work.
