WiA Motherhood Panel // The Juggling Act?

The juggling act is one every Mom knows all too well. Come join us for an honest conversation about balance and how we manage.

Friday May 2nd – 12pm-1pm, on Zoom

Please register to receive the Zoom Link

Moderator

Chin Chin Yao, AIA

Chin Chin is a Senior Associate at Saam Architecture and has a broad range of experience in new construction and historic renovation projects for institutional clients with a focus in education and community space work. She joined Saam Architecture while expecting her second child due to the firm’s progressive remote-first office culture with radical flexibility, which has even given her the opportunity to work abroad over the summer, allowing her to spend time with her extended family and her children the chance to experience a different culture.

Relocating from the Northeast to Austin in 2022, she’s found community with AIA Austin WiA and supports the Call to Action subcommittees for college outreach and motherhood initiatives. Chin Chin has also been involved with the ACE Mentor program in Austin as an associate board member with the scholarship committee. Drawing from a science background in molecular biology prior to becoming an Architect, Chin Chin views the world as a series of integrated systems and networks, and this lens has also shaped her view of design and blending of her family and professional life.

Panelists

Christine Sheng, Assoc AIA

Christine Sheng is a proud mom to two children. She brings her architecture and construction expertise to her role as Client Director at RO, where she serves the Austin and San Antonio regions. Known for her strategic approach to logistics, pricing, and team collaboration, Christine is passionate about delivering successful, client-centered projects. Outside of her professional accomplishments, Christine is deeply committed to mentorship through her work with the ACE Mentor Program of Austin, where she currently serves on the advisory board after years as Co-Founder and Chairwoman. Christine’s journey into motherhood has been one of resilience and transformation. She continues to advocate for open conversations about motherhood and career, believing both can coexist with strength and intention.

Nhasala Manandhar, PLA, ASLA

Nhasala Manandhar is a seasoned Landscape Architect with over a decade of experience and formal degrees in both Landscape Architecture and Architecture. She currently serves as a Park Specialist for the City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department, where she is dedicated to crafting sustainable, experiential outdoor spaces that inspire and connect people to nature.

Nhasala is also the founder of NM Landscape Design and Services, a firm focused on residential landscape design and installation. Originally from Nepal, she brings cultural richness and a global perspective to her work, making Austin her second home. A proud mom to Nhuja, who inspires her daily with his creativity and love for animals, Nhasala finds joy and motivation in exploring the world through her child’s eyes. Together with her husband Bikash, they embark on artistic adventures near and far, creating lasting memories. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, biking, hiking, kayaking, and traveling. Nhasala is an active member of Women in Architecture (WiA) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)

Maggie Wylie, AIA

Maggie Wylie is Principal and Owner of Point B Design Group which she founded in 2017. After experience in design-build and construction project management, Maggie launched her firm with a mission to deliver an enjoyable, streamlined client experience by pursuing an effective synergy between design and construction. She seeks design solutions that are founded on candid conversations about the realities of budget, the construction process and client requirements. Maggie is the co-chair of CRAN and enjoys being involved in AIA. In 2024, the Bridle Path Residence was featured on the AIA Homes Tour.

The birth of Maggie’s first and only child, Kane, in 2018 solidified her larger goal to create a practice that supports and encourages the importance of work-life balance. The culture and policies have been designed to balance a successful architecture practice AND protect time away from the office. Maggie practices daily discipline to step between the worlds of motherhood and family and business owner and architect while constantly striving to be present in either. Outside of the office, Kane’s love of competitive mountain biking has shaped weekends and vacations. Instead of relaxing on a beach or exploring cities, Maggie, her husband Chris, and Kane find themselves vacationing in Colorado, Canada and Bentonville Arkansas chasing Kane down a trail or weekends at race events – she wouldn’t have it any other way!