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At Birmingham-based firm Williams Blackstock Architects, women are playing a leading role in many inspiring projects in the City and throughout Alabama.
We spoke with four leaders at this local company to find out why they love their careers. Here’s what we found.
Meet the 4 leading women at Williams Blackstock Architects
Founded in 1994, Williams Blackstock Architects is a local architecture firm that has been involved in many impressive projects throughout the City.
These include renovations to The Hardwick and Hood McPherson Building.
“We are very fortunate to have an extremely talented and interesting team of professionals who actively contribute to our community.
Among them is a remarkable group of women, who make up 50% of our company staff and play key roles in every aspect of our practice, from design and project management to marketing and strategy.
Their presence enriches our identity and culture and serves as a daily source of inspiration for us all. “
Brittany Foley, Principal, Williams Blackstock Architects
Alison Zhang-Roberts—Health Care Director
Allison Chang-Roberts is an architect and interior designer who has worked on many projects across a variety of disciplines since joining the Williams Blackstock Architects team.
“As one of the largest companies in the state, we operate in many different sectors such as health care, multifamily housing, commercial real estate and higher education.
We are fortunate to have thought leaders in every area we work in, so we are able to provide our clients with the best, most informed decisions through evidence-based design. “
Allison Chang-Robert, Director of Healthcare, Williams Blackstock Architects
While she expertly handles all projects, such as The Nature Conservancy’s new headquarters in Birmingham, Alison finds herself drawn to clients in the healthcare industry.
“For me, the most meaningful projects are those that improve the lives of hospital patients.
When we design projects for our healthcare clients, we know that any upgrades will help improve the quality of care patients receive. “
Allison Chang-Roberts, Director of Healthcare, Williams Blackstock Architects
With a strong passion for healthcare design, Alison was recently promoted to Healthcare Director at Williams Blackstock Architects.
“My advice to anyone considering a career in architecture is to follow your passion.
Set yourself apart by starting early on internships and other opportunities. “
Allison Chang-Roberts, Director of Healthcare, Williams Blackstock Architects
Asia Burgin — Architectural Designer
Architectural designer Asia Burgin discovered her love for architecture in high school history classes.
“I find myself drawn to architectural styles such as English Gothic. I am drawn to the creativity in detail.
From that point on, my construction career took off. “
Asia Burgin, Architect, Williams Blackstock Architects
Asia joined Williams Blackstock Architects after graduating from Auburn University and currently works as a graduate architect while pursuing licensure. At Williams Blackstock Architects, Asia found a team ready and willing to support her career growth.
“As a black woman in this industry, you may encounter people who don’t respect you or take your opinions seriously.
Fortunately, I have never had this problem at Williams Blackstock Architects.
Here, employees are respected and given opportunities to grow professionally and personally. “
Asia Burgin, Architect, Williams Blackstock Architects
In 2020, Williams Blackstock Architects tapped Asian expertise when it renovated Birmingham’s historic Greyhound Station, an important civil rights site.
Although the renovations were completed in 2021, the pandemic temporarily prevented Asia and her team from realizing their vision.
“The renovation of the historic Greyhound Station is very personal to me.
As lead project architect, I am grateful for the opportunity to take a lead role and respect this space and its historical significance to civil rights.
When we were finally able to visit the fully completed station in person, it was so empowering to see the results of our hard work. “
Asia Burgin, Architect, Williams Blackstock Architects
Joanne Riddle — Director of Multifamily Housing
Joanne Riddle is one of the most experienced architects on the team and Deputy Principal at Williams Blackstock Architects.
“As a high school student, I saw different types of architecture during my family’s travels.
I have always loved art, art history, and the challenge of puzzles.
Architecture fits all these niches and improves people’s daily lives. “
Joanne Riddle, Vice Principal and Director of Multifamily, Williams Blackstock Architects
Recently promoted to Director of Multifamily, Joanne regularly leads teams on many of Williams Blackstock Architects’ high-profile residential projects, always achieving successful outcomes.
“The most rewarding part of my job is the interactions with colleagues and clients.
Every project is different and involves new people with unique personalities.
To me, that’s what makes coming to work every day fun. “
Joanne Riddle, Vice Principal and Director of Multifamily, Williams Blackstock Architects
Joanne has over 20 years’ experience at Williams Blackstock Architects and is a mentor to many young women starting their careers.
“The best advice I would give to any woman, not just women in architecture, is this:
Whenever you find yourself feeling fearful about a new challenge or opportunity, That It’s time you dive in head first.
It’s in those moments that you grow the most. “
Joanne Riddle, Vice Principal and Director of Multifamily, Williams Blackstock Architects
Lauren Gwaltney – Director of Education
Like her colleagues Asia and Joanne, architect Lauren Gwaltney discovered her interest in architecture at a young age.
“In middle school, I took a shop class where we had to draw the floor plan of our house.
I used a blueprint of our house to paint it and I instantly fell in love with the process.
I still have that project in my house today. “
Lauren Gwaltney, Director of Education, Williams Blackstock Architects
Lauren graduated from Auburn University with a major in architecture and worked on many projects at her alma mater.
These include Auburn University’s Meyer Building and Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business Horton-Hardgrave Hall.
“One of the most meaningful projects I’ve been involved in is actually the Meier Classroom Building at Auburn University.
It is very rewarding to be a part of a program that is an integral part of the freshman experience.
I still go and see this building when I visit Auburn. “
Lauren Gwaltney, Director of Education, Williams Blackstock Architects
Since being appointed Director of Education, Lauren has led a talented team of architects and designers serving Williams Blackstock Architects’ many education clients, including Auburn University; University of Alabama and University of Alabama at Birmingham.
“While I love the projects we work on, it’s the people that make the working environment at Williams Blackstock Architects so special.
When architecture becomes your career—especially as a woman—knowing that everyone has your back is invaluable.
With a great team, you can turn stressful situations into opportunities to come up with creative solutions. “
Lauren Gwaltney, Director of Education, Williams Blackstock Architects
Explore opportunities with Williams Blackstock Architects
Want to join the Williams Blackstock Architects team? Please visit their Careers page to learn more about available internships and opportunities.
Stay up to date with the latest news from Williams Blackstock Architects by visiting their website and following them on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.
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