JULIA WEATHERSPOON

Julia Weatherspoon is an architectural designer on a mission to create more inclusive spaces, increase visibility and representation for people of various backgrounds, and push the envelope for improvement in diversity, inclusion, and belonging within the design industry. She is the President of the San Francisco Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects and is an associate member of the American Institute of Architects San Francisco. Julia is a champion for change and uses her voice to challenge others to look at design holistically and through an equity lens. Her inspiration is driven by the belief that architecture and design can do more. It has the power to change our perspective, elevate the human experience, and transform our lives.

Design Justice Summit, New Orleans, 2018.

Championing Change for All

What is your favorite dish?

Outside of soul food, I love seafood paella and Thai Food.

What is your favorite song by a Black artist?

It’s probably anything from Beyonce. To name two, Formation or Brown Skinned Girl.

Three additional fun facts about Julia:

I have over 25 plants #plantmom
I love traveling. I can’t wait until it is safe to do so again
I have somewhat of a photographic memory

What inspired you to study architecture?

Architecture Sketches. Image courtesy of Julia Weatherspoon.

I don’t think it was a specific person or thing that inspired me to study architecture. I have always been drawn to design, even as a child, and architecture really came to me. I was blessed that I attended a high school that had a lot of art electives to explore art and design. I did some sculpture and three drafting classes in high school and I found that I really liked it. I loved to draw floor plans. I was really spatially aware and was really pretty good at my assignments.

My family also moved during high school from one home to a new one in the same city and I was able to watch it go up from the foundation, to framing to finishes. Also, I did my senior project on becoming an architect and still have the trifold presentation board. So it was less of a particular building or famous architect that sparked my interest, but more so my own life and exposure to the basics of design. The game The Sims Deluxe Edition was a huge spark too because it was so fun to design homes in that axonometric view. And I obviously used the rosebud code. If you know, you know.

Name a Black architect/artist who influenced you as an emerging professional?

Hands down Pascale Sablan. I find it hard to believe that anyone doesn’t know her by now, but if you don’t, please Google her. Not only is she a friend of mine, but she continues to advocate for representation and equity for people from diverse backgrounds in the field of architecture and design. Amongst her endless accolades including becoming an FAIA this year, she is the founder of Beyond the Built Environment and the Say it Loud Exhibition. She is such a light to the professionmand as a human, she is very encouraging and compassionate. I could go on and on.

Julia at the Highline in New York next to the Zaha Hadid Building. Image courtesy of Julia Weatherspoon.

Name a favorite project completed by a Black Architect. Why is it your favorite?

Outside of probably the most prominent and obvious choice, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, one of my favorite projects is another smaller museum, the Museum of African Diaspora here in San Francisco. It is also designed by Phil Freelon and a great place for exhibitions and cultural keeping. There have been a number of exhibitions there that positively contributed to our history, art, and culture. Creating an African American cultural presence in Downtown San Francisco was definitely refreshing.

Julia at NMAAHC for Shifting Landscapes Symposium, 2018. Image courtesy of Julia Weatherspoon.

How does your culture affect your studies and the way you design?

I think my background and lived experience help me understand design through different lenses. Design is not a size fits all and being able to use that truth to idealize how to create space that is inclusive of those who are often not considered is how I like to operate. Being a black person impacts the way I view inclusion and belonging as oftentimes we have to adapt and fit into a place that is not meant for us.

Julia at Warriors Stadium Site Tour. Image courtesy of Julia Weatherspoon.

At the same time, understanding that feeling allows me to feel great empathy for others of similar or other intersectional identities who may feel the same way. Design can delight the human experience if we can be responsive to the needs and desires of us all.

Julia at Black Women in Architecture Brunch, 2018. Image courtesy of Julia Weatherspoon.

Are there any organizations that helped you grow in architecture? How did they help you grow?

To begin, AIA in San Francisco was a great way for me to begin to network meet others, and participate in design topics and programming at a professional level. Still, the lack of diversity in architecture is still very visible, and it is even more so depending on what city or region you live in. And so NOMA, the National Organization of Minority Architects has been a great resource to connect to more people who have a similar goal and or passion in life regarding design.

Julia Moderating at AIA-NOMA joint event - Design Narratives for Emerging Professionals. Image courtesy of Julia Weatherspoon.

I have been involved for close to 6 years now and I have met many members from all over the country. I did not have a NOMAS chapter at my university or NOMA professional chapter in my city during school, so when I became a professional, joining NOMA was one of the best decisions I ever made. And now this year I am the president.

Julia and mural art. Image courtesy of Julia Weatherspoon.

As an architectural designer and advocate for inclusive spaces, tell us about a moment when you had to use your voice to persuade people to look from an equity perspective? How do you continue to champion change through different roles and organizations that you participate in?

Julia Moderating a panel Diversity Belong Lip Service- Inclusion in Design for SF Design Week, 2018. Image courtesy of Julia Weatherspoon.

I like to think I champion change in a number of ways. It could be participating in a various panel discussion on race, place, belonging and the built environment, inclusive frameworks for current or future projects, pushing the equity diversity and inclusion efforts in my own office, elevating other designers and advocates, or helping the next generation of architects through design crits and portfolio reviews, and scholarship selections.

If I see an opportunity to have a conversation or discussion about the integration of equitable practice in my office or through the organizations I am involved in, I will do so.

Julia Moderating Panel - AIASF - High Performing Mentorship Groups. Image courtesy of Julia Weatherspoon.

If you were able to talk to your younger self, what would you say?

If I were able to talk to my younger self, I would say that you are doing ok, don’t stress as much. You will work hard so it is important to take breaks. Be intentional about your time, energy, and effort. You will often be the only one in the room, but you deserve to be there. Don’t stop being creative. Don’t stop being you.

Julia Speaking at On Tack event for Students. Image courtesy of Julia Weatherspoon.

What would you want to say to the next generation of aspiring Black women architects?

I would say something similar, but also add that crafting your own narrative and what you want to do in life as a full human being is important. Even if you don’t know the answer all the time or it changes over time, it is still good to ask yourself to recalibrate or gain clarity on your direction. In life and design, choose what you subscribe to and what you don’t and go from there. Sometimes we get into the minutia and stay there too long. It is good to also take a step back and look at the big picture ever so often.

Julia speaking at AIGA Pasadena, 2019. Image courtesy of Julia Weatherspoon.

Start networking early and find your tribe of people that can be a support system and a sounding board for you. Also find one or more mentors if you can. Navigating this career can be challenging and a bit tricky. Lastly, you can’t wear your crown with your head down so keep shining bright. You are the future, and I can’t wait for the world to see you.

Julia giving students a tour of an architecture office. Image courtesy of Julia Weatherspoon.

JULIA WEATHERSPOON

Championing Change for All

SANTASHA HART

OFÉ CLARKE