WOMEN IN ARCHITECTURE
Women in Architecture (WIA) supports female participation by providing opportunities for women in architectural careers to support and learn from each other. The goal of WIA is to support diversity in AIA by empowering female architects in all stages of their career to achieve professional and personal growth by providing opportunities to network with potential mentors and connect to resources in an environment that allows sharing of professional experiences and support of one another.
Women in Architecture (WIA) supports female participation in the profession by providing opportunities for women in architectural careers to support and learn from each other. The goal of Women in Architecture is to support diversity in AIA by empowering female architects in all stages of their career to achieve professional and personal growth by providing opportunities to network with potential mentors and connect to resources in an environment that allows sharing of professional experiences and support of one another.
WOMEN IN
ARCHITECTURE
RALEIGH | DURHAM | CHAPEL HILL
WIA Circles is open for registration!
Couldn’t be at the WIA Breakfast and still want to participate in WIA Circles? Register before March 6th!
Join a small group of women for monthly meetings where you can discuss challenges, celebrate wins, and support one another.
- Commitment and attendance is important to the success of these groups. Please only register if you are able to commit to 4 out of the 6 meetings.
- Meetings can be a combination of in-person or virtual. Your group can determine what works best for you.
- There is no hierarchy to these groups. This is not a formal mentoring pod, but rather a peer group of women in the industry. We encourage reverse mentoring and diverse opinions.
- The tone of these groups is positive and supportive. We encourage respect, open discussions, honest feedback, and kindness. Your group is a safe place to talk about wins/struggles/goals and anything else on your mind.
CHAIR
Keerti Javali, Associate AIA:
Keerti Javali is a Project Designer at Bobbitt, a client-focused design-build construction company based in Cary, NC. She combines practical experience with a passion for architecture, branding, and graphic design. Beyond her design work, Keerti plays an active role in the AIAT Women in Architecture (WIA) committee, contributing to strategic initiatives and overseeing the creation of social media graphics and visual communications. Her design approach is grounded in function, creativity, and purpose, striving to create spaces that meaningfully resonate with both clients and communities. Keerti believes that we are stronger and better together—a philosophy that drives her advocacy for inclusive design practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and fostering growth and mentorship within the architectural profession. As an AIAT task force leader, she champions these values through her leadership and work.
What Led Me to My Role Today:
My journey into architecture began in my early teens, when I first realized how deeply our surroundings affect the way we feel, behave, and interact with each other and with the environment. That moment sparked a lifelong curiosity about the built world and a passion for creating impact through design.
After earning my Bachelor of Architecture from GIT in Belgaum, India, I moved to the U.S. to pursue a Master of Architecture at North Carolina State University. To me, architecture is more than just buildings; it’s the fabric of our society. It shapes environments that endure, inspire, and foster cultural identity and narrative. Today, as a designer and Co-Chair at AIAT WIA, I’m driven by purpose—to champion meaningful, community-focused design and to support others on their professional paths. I believe design is most impactful when it listens, adapts, and uplifts—and that belief continues to guide my practice every day.
CO-CHAIR
Monique Kowalik, AIA
Monique Kowalik is a Project Architect at Haven Design|Build, a design-build firm in Durham, NC that is dedicated to increasing the quantity and quality of housing in underserved communities. She enjoys working in collaborative environments and brings enthusiasm, curiosity, and a practical mindset to delivering solutions that improve our communities. She is an alumna of the AIA Triangle Leadership Forum class of 2023-24 and served as a mentor with ACE RDU for four years before joining the WIA committee. She is an includer by nature and is passionate about creating environments where individuals can thrive and succeed in.
What Led Me to My Role Today:
I became a licensed architect in 2022 and although I enjoyed my previous work and the complexity of my projects, I still felt like there was more room for me to make an impact. As I’ve witnessed the Triangle continue to grow, I’ve also witnessed how this growth has excluded certain parts of our community. I decided to make the switch into affordable housing because I wanted to see these underserved communities flourish. I’m grateful to be surrounded by like-minded colleagues who share this same vision. I believe our profession can and should make a positive impact within our communities and I aim to serve that purpose every day.
ADVISOR/TASK FORCE MEMBER
Megan Kaufmann, AIA, NCARB, LEED GA
Meet Megan Kaufmann, AIA, NCARB, LEED GA. She is the owner and Principal of KC Studio Architecture in Raleigh, NC and juggles her business while also being a mom to an energetic 1 year old and 2 pups. Megan is a licensed Architect in 8 states and specializes in commercial and healthcare architecture. When Megan isn’t working or momming, she is volunteering her time to various organizations including Women in Architecture, Barkitecture, ACE RDU, EP/YAF Mentorship Series, and more.
What led you to the role you’re in today?
In my six jobs prior to starting KC Studio, I never had a female boss. I craved a female mentor, and decided to be the role model for others that I wish I had. Since moving to Raleigh, I’ve found many mentors in and outside of the industry and have made mentoring others a priority. I have also built my business around my life, not the other way around. I think women in architecture are getting burnt out and there are so few at the top. I want to play my part in fixing that.
LEARN MORE &
GET INVOLVED
The Women in Architecture Task Force (core team) works collaboratively to plan 8-10 exciting events each year, including a breakfast that has over 200 attendees! We meet virtually each month, and tasks are divided among the core team. The time commitment for each month is typically 1-2 hours plus event attendance, with the breakfast planning requiring the largest time commitment during the year. If you are interested in joining our team and want to help women in architecture and design thrive in our community, contact us today!
