For hundreds of years, architects who are Black or African American have faced persistent barriers: to entry into the profession, to advancement within firms, and to access to clients and leadership opportunities. Over time, AIA, often in partnership with NOMA, has launched multiple waves of initiatives aimed at expanding career pathways, increasing recognition, and reducing structural barriers. Most recently, this work has included the development of new strategies, tools, and programs beginning in 2016.
So where are we now, at this critical moment in history? Where are you?
This Architecture, Belonging, and Connection (ABC) discussion is intended to be an open, honest, and candid conversation among members of the profession. This is a space to share experiences, observations, questions, and reflections—without judgment and without recording—so that voices can be heard authentically.
We look forward to learning from one another and holding space for dialogue that reflects both where we’ve been and where we still need to go.
Julia Weatherspoon, AIA, NOMA – Gensler, California Architectural Foundation
Craig Atkinson, AIA, NOMA – Director of Higher Education, Carrier Johnson + Culture
Click the photos to read the bios.
Craig Atkinson, AIA, NOMA, DBIA, LEED AP
Managing Director LA Office | Director of Higher Education
Carrier Johnson + Culture
Craig Atkinson is the Managing Director of the Los Angeles Office and Director of Higher Education at Carrier Johnson + Culture, where he leads the development of growth in the higher education sector in Southern California and Seattle. With 35+ years of experience delivering complex public-sector and institutional projects, Craig brings a deep understanding of how architecture intersects with policy, organizational culture, and access.
Craig currently serves as West Region Vice President of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). In this role, he partners with ten chapters across the West Region to support leadership development, chapter sustainability, and regional growth consistent with NOMA’s mission to champion diversity and inclusion in the architecture profession, its vision of a profession that fully reflects the communities it serves, and its values of equity, advocacy, leadership, and collective responsibility. His work focuses on strengthening inter-chapter collaboration, advancing advocacy, and expanding pathways into the profession for underrepresented communities.
Previously, Craig served as President of SoCal NOMA, where he helped expand the chapter’s geographic reach, elevate its advocacy voice, and establish long-range strategic planning efforts. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at BFGC and IBI Group (now Arcadis), where he led the California Public Practice and served as an executive sponsor for firmwide Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives.
Craig is known for convening thoughtful, candid conversations grounded in lived experience, professional accountability, and mutual respect. He approaches dialogue not as debate, but as shared inquiry—centered on listening, reflection, and collective responsibility at a critical moment for the profession.
Craig Atkinson, AIA, NOMA, DBIA, LEED AP
Julia Weatherspoon, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP
Associate, Gensler; Regent, California Architectural Foundation
Julia Weatherspoon is a licensed architect and associate at Gensler San Francisco dedicated to crafting spaces that not only creatively address design challenges, but also inspire, resonate, and build connections among people.
She brings experience across a range of architecture projects at multiple scales, project deliveries, and building typologies from workplace, aviation, civic design, and most recently academic higher education projects that focus on elevating experience through living and learning communities. Throughout her career, she has championed sustainable design, weaving environmental consciousness and equitable design solutions into the fabric of her projects.
When she's not working, Julia continues to invest her time in creating broader impact beyond the project.
She currently serves as Secretary on the National Board of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and brings over a decade of deep commitment to the organization. She previously served as President of SFNOMA from 2021–2024, as well as SFNOMA Project Pipeline Camp Director for three years, advancing early exposure to architecture and design. She is also a Co-Chair of the NOMA Conference Seminar Selection Committee, serves on the Board of Directors for AIA San Francisco, serves as a Board Regent and Programs Chair for the California Architecture Foundation, and volunteers on the AIA National Secretary Advisory Committee.
As one of only roughly 600 Black women architects in the U.S., her leadership is rooted in mentorship, inclusion, and design excellence.
She challenges people to look at design holistically and through an equity lens. Her inspiration is driven by the belief that architecture and design can do more for all of us. Her passion has brought her to moderate and speak at several institutions and events including Smithsonian Affiliate Rockwell Museum, Archi + City Fest, IIDA Northern California, SPUR, UC Berkeley, San Francisco Design Week, and AIGA Pasadena.
When she is not serving her community Julia likes traveling, running, and walking around Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA.
Julia Weatherspoon, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP
