Reviewed by: Patience Itson
What these women love about working as architects in Birmingham
Reading time: 7 minutes
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At Birmingham-based firm Williams Blackstock Architects, women are taking on lead roles in many inspiring projects in The Magic City and throughout Alabama.
We spoke with four leaders at this local company to learn why they love their careers. Here’s what we discovered.
Meet 4 women leaders at Williams Blackstock Architects
Founded in 1994, Williams Blackstock Architects is a local architecture firm that has a hand in many impressive projects throughout The Magic City.
Some include the renovations of The Hardwick and the Hood McPherson Building.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a remarkably talented—and fun!—team of professionals who are actively contributing to our community.
Among them is a fantastic group of women who make up 50% of our firm and play a pivotal role in every aspect of our practice, from design and project management to marketing and strategy.
Their presence enriches our identity and culture, serving as a daily source of inspiration for all of us.”
Brittany Foley, Principal, Williams Blackstock Architects
Allison Chang-Roberts — Director of Healthcare
An architect and interior designer, Allison Chang-Roberts has worked on many projects in a wide range of fields since joining the Williams Blackstock Architects team.
“As one of the largest firms in the state we work in several different sectors, such as healthcare, multifamily housing, commercial real estate and higher education.
We’re fortunate to have thought leaders in all sectors of our work, so we’re able to provide our clients with the best, most informed decision with evidence-based design.”
Allison Chang-Robert, Director of Healthcare, Williams Blackstock Architects
While she expertly tackles all projects—such as the new Nature Conservancy headquarters in Birmingham—Allison finds herself drawn to clients in the healthcare sector.
“To me, the most meaningful projects are the ones that improve the lives of hospital patients.
When we’re designing projects for a healthcare client, we know that any upgrades will help improve the quality of care that patients will receive.”
Allison Chang-Roberts, Director of Healthcare, Williams Blackstock Architects
With her strong passion for healthcare design, Allison was recently promoted to Director of Healthcare for Williams Blackstock Architects.
“My advice for anyone considering a career in architecture is to follow your passion.
Get started early with internships and other opportunities and put yourself out there.”
Allison Chang-Roberts, Director of Healthcare, Williams Blackstock Architects
Asia Burgin — Architectural Designer
Architectural Designer Asia Burgin discovered her love for architecture during a history course in high school.
“I found myself captivated by architectural styles like English Gothic. I was drawn to the creativity in the details.
From there, my career in architecture took off.”
Asia Burgin, Architectual Designer, Williams Blackstock Architects
Asia joined Williams Blackstock Architects after graduating from Auburn University and currently serves as graduate architect while pursuing her license. At Williams Blackstock Architects, Asia found a team ready and willing to support her career growth.
“As a Black woman in this profession, you can run into people who don’t respect you or take your opinions seriously.
Luckily, I’ve never had that issue at Williams Blackstock Architects.
Here, employees are afforded respect and opportunities to grow, both professionally and personally.”
Asia Burgin, Architectual Designer, Williams Blackstock Architects
In 2020, Williams Blackstock Architects tapped Asia’s expertise during the renovation of Birmingham’s historic Greyhound Station, an important Civil Rights site.
Although the renovation was completed in 2021, the pandemic temporarily prohibited Asia and her team from seeing their vision take place.
“The renovation of the historic Greyhound Station was very personal to me.
As Lead Project Architect, I was grateful for the opportunity to take a lead role and pay respect to the 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 result of our hard work.”
Asia Burgin, Architectural Designer, Williams Blackstock Architects
Joanne Riddle — Director of Multi-Family Housing
One of the most experienced architects on the team, Joanne Riddle is an Associate Principal at Williams Blackstock Architects.
“As a kid in high school, I got to see different types of architecture during my family’s travels.
I’ve always loved art, art history and the challenge of a good puzzle.
Architecture fits into all of these slots, and it improves people’s daily lives.”
Joanne Riddle, Associate Principal and Director of Multi-Family Housing, Williams Blackstock Architects
Recently promoted to Director of Multi-Family Housing, Joanne regularly leads teams on many of Williams Blackstock Architects’ high-profile residential projects—and consistently delivers successful results.
“The most meaningful part of my job is the interactions I get to have with my coworkers and the clients we work with.
Every project is different and involves new people with unique personalities.
To me, that’s what makes coming into work each day a joy.”
Joanne Riddle, Associate Principal and Director of Multi-Family Housing, Williams Blackstock Architects
With over 20 years of experience at Williams Blackstock Architects, Joanne is a mentor to many young women starting their careers.
“The best piece of advice I would pass on to any woman—not just in architecture—is this:
Whenever you find yourself in a position where you feel fearful of a new challenge or opportunity, that is when you should dive in headfirst.
It is in those moments when you grow the most.”
Joanne Riddle, Associate Principal and Director of Multi-Family Housing, Williams Blackstock Architects
Lauren Gwaltney – Director of Education
Like her coworkers Asia and Joanne, architect Lauren Gwaltney discovered her interest in architecture at a young age.
“In middle school, I took a shop class that had us draw the floorplan to our house.
I used our house’s blueprints to draw it, and I immediately fell in love with the process.
I still have that project framed in my home today.”
Lauren Gwaltney, Director of Education, Williams Blackstock Architects
A graduate of Auburn University’s architecture program, Lauren has worked on several projects at her alma mater.
Some include the Auburn University Mell Classroom building and the Auburn University Harbert College of Business Horton-Hardgrave Hall.
“One of the most meaningful projects I worked on was actually the Mell Classroom building at Auburn University.
It was so rewarding to be part of a project that is integral to the freshman experience.
I still go by to check on the building when I visit Auburn.”
Lauren Gwaltney, Director of Education, Williams Blackstock Architects
Since being named Director of Education, Lauren has led talented teams of architects and designers on many of Williams Blackstock Architects’ education clients, including Auburn University, The University of Alabama and The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
“While I love the projects we get to work on, the people are what make the Williams Blackstock Architects work environment so special.
When architecture is your career—especially as a woman—it’s invaluable to know that everyone has your back.
With a great team, you can turn a stressful situation into an opportunity 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? Visit their “Careers” page to learn more about available internships and opportunities.
Stay up to date on happenings with Williams Blackstock Architects by visiting their website and following them on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.
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