Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Design Community

Julia Weatherspoon is an architectural designer at SmithGroup and current president of the San Francisco Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, (SF NOMA). With a mission to to create more inclusive spaces within design, her projects range from workplace commercial interiors, aviation, community and civic design, and now Higher Education. Julia holds a Bachelors of Architecture from the University of Arizona.

Hao Ko is a Managing Director, Principal and architect at Gensler’s San Francisco office. His internationally recognized projects include The Tower at PNC Plaza and NVIDIA Headquarters. He is an alumnus of UC Berkeley and the Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

Lisa Cholmondeley is a Principal and architect at Gensler’s San Francisco office.  Currently, she is the Project Manager and Senior Architect for the design and execution of Related’s 240-acre, 10+ million square foot mixed-use development in Santa Clara. Prior to joining the San Francisco office, Lisa’s career at Gensler included experience in London, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. Lisa is an alumnus of Cornell University, and holds a Master of Arts degree in History and Theory of Architecture from The Architectural Association.

Lisa and Hao are active leaders on Gensler’s regional and firm-wide Global Race & Diversity Committees.