Women in Architecture SLC (WIA SLC) was organized in 2012. The goal of the organization is gender parity in the professional field of architecture, and seeks to achieve that goal through community, mentorship and advocacy.
Studies show that architecture is a profession that struggles to retain women. Although nationally women graduating with professional degrees in architecture make up nearly 50% of the graduating class, less than 20% go on to get licensed. Women in roles of leadership within a firm are less than 8% nationally. Unfortunately these are national statistics, and the percentages in our local community in Utah are even lower than that.
WIA SLC supports the local community of women architects in a number of different ways, such as holding community events, sponsoring licensing exams for women architectural interns, providing mentoring opportunities and by sponsoring design competitions that benefit the community
2024 WIA Board - Jinnie Lee, Celestia Carson, Jen Dalley, Erin Carraher & Rachel Sittler
Find out a little more about us as board members below!
Celestia Carson, AIA, LEED AP - Principal, VCBO Architecture
When I was ten years old my family moved to Germany, where we lived until I graduated high school and moved back to Utah. It was there that I first discovered my love of buildings and design.
As an architect that focuses on educational facilities, it is especially rewarding to design buildings that excite students to learn and enhance their educational experience.
One of the most rewarding projects I’ve been involved in (aside from WIA of course) was to design the “Wish Room” at the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Together with my then co-worker Pierre Langue, we submitted the design as an artist competition and we were so thrilled to win. I feel so fortunate to have been involved in creating such a special experience for Make-a-Wish children and their families to help them cope with such a difficult time.
Running is my favorite way to decompress. (I must need a lot of stress mitigation as I’ve run twelve marathons.)
Jen Dalley, LEED AP - Project Architect at MHTN
Influenced by contemporary architecture with clean lines and simple forms.
Proud to call the Great Basin region my home, with a little piece of me always belonging to the Pacific Northwest. A study abroad in Denmark solidified my love of all things Scandinavian, and I continue to channel my inner hygge whether its making aebleskivers with my kids or lighting all the candles in my house as soon as the sun sets.
After receiving a Masters at Washington State University (GO COUGS), I spent the first half of my career immersed in Seattle at CallisonRTKL, where I had the opportunity to work on large scale, mixed-use commercial projects. In 2012, I co-founded Parallel Lines, a Salt Lake City-based architecture firm designing exceptional residential, commercial and community-focused projects. My next career adventure just began with MHTN Architects, working on higher education student housing projects.
A love of travel continues to influence my appreciation of vernacular structures and how they integrate with their surrounding environment. I start any project with the question, “What’s the Big Idea?” and search to find a solution that tells a story about context and climate.
Rachel Sittler, AIA, NCARB - Architect, Architectural Nexus
I was born in China and moved to Utah when I was six months old, and have called the Salt Lake Valley home ever since. I received my bachelor’s degree in architecture and urban ecology from the University of Utah, where I also went on to receive my Master of Architecture degree in 2020 (GO UTAH). One of my most memorable experiences was participating in the Design Build Bluff program where I was one of five in an all-women’s team – a first for the program. It was a tough semester, but I am proud of myself and the team for everything we were able to accomplish.
Since 2017, I have been working at Architectural Nexus and have recently completed my architecture licensure in the spring of 2023. I have had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of project types and enjoy being thrown into challenging situations where I can collaborate, develop creative solutions, and establish meaningful designs. I am invested in creating beautiful, usable, and inclusive designs for the communities they serve.
As much as I am able, I love to get out of Salt Lake and see other parts of the world. I love travelling and the challenge of figuring out how to navigate a new city. My favorite destinations have been Barcelona, Tokyo, and the island of Bonaire. I would love to be able to get back and see China – potentially next on my bucket list. When in Salt Lake, I can frequently be found exploring the local restaurant scene trying to find the best burger.
Erin Carraher, AIA, NCARB, LEED - AP - Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, University of Utah School of Architecture
A native West Virginian, I attended Virginia Tech for my B.Arch and Yale for my Masters degree. Education was transformative in elevating my family from poverty to middle class in one generation, so I am deeply aware of the power and privilege my job as an Associate Professor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the School of Architecture entails.
I practiced with BKSK Architects in New York City, working primarily on public libraries and educational projects before moving back into academia full-time. I taught foundation design studios and digital technology courses for two years at Virginia Tech before joining the University of Utah in 2011 where I teach undergraduate studio, communications, and building technology courses.
One of my career highlights has been working with Jörg Rügemer on the community outreach programming for Project: Architecture and the cabins we designed for the Girl Scouts of Utah. It was especially great to have so many Women in Architecture involved throughout the process!!!
Fun fact about me that people don’t already know -- I recently learned that my great-grandfather built an electric car. Fun fact about me that everyone already knows -- I have three of the world’s most adorable nephews!
Jinnie Lee, LEED Green Associate - GSBS Architects
I am originally from South Korea. I came to Utah for my master’s degree. Before I came to Utah, I never tried any type of winter sports, but I love snow more than anything now.
I joined GSBS in 2010 as a job captain in charge of consultant coordination and production. Every project is an exciting experience and I have enjoyed various types of projects through the years. I always consider the overall aesthetics of work down to the smallest detail. I’m passionate about learning new technologies and enjoy sharing knowledge with colleagues.
I won the AIA Utah Graphic Competition in 2015 which represented the goal of the AIA to educate the public about architecture, to advocate for the field, and to serve the public through design. It was about showing a diversity of building types that serve the public in different ways in Salt Lake City, the United States, and abroad.
Outside of the office, you’ll find me on the mountain for camping, hiking, and snowboarding. During the pandemic, I fell in love with stargazing as well as the astronomy photography.