Leslie Tijerina, Assoc. AIA
Leslie Tijerina, Assoc. AIA, knows that working in small communities can generate significant impact. To that end, she has dedicated her young career to leveraging architecture as a means of public service, elevating the architecture of first responder facilities—and the profile of her firm, Dallas-based BRW Architects. Equally committed to the profession and education, she is a member of the National Associates Committee and an important contributor at her alma mater, Texas A&M University.
Leslie Tijerina, Assoc. AIA
Growing up in Laredo on Texas’ border with Mexico, Tijerina was inspired by the mingling of cultures and the sense of belonging she felt in both countries. Since graduating college as a Hispanic first-generation student, Tijerina has aimed to be the role model and mentor she needed when she was a student and emerging professional. Before her nomination to serve as the state associate representative for the Texas Society of Architects, a role she assumed last year, Tijerina was AIA Brazos’ emerging professionals director and helped the chapter expand its roster of young professional members.
She continues to support two of the chapter’s critical outreach initiatives that raise funds for AIAS leadership scholarships and build awareness of architecture in central Texas schools. The first, its Gingerbread Build-Off, was launched in 2019 and invites the region’s professionals to highlight their building skills by creating elaborate gingerbread houses. The successful event has allowed the chapter to contribute to three discrete education programs. Tijerina also coordinates the chapter’s Architecture in Schools program, which places young students in 10- to 12-week courses that encourage them to use their creativity to envision a neighborhood filled with housing and community-focused buildings.
Last year, Tijerina became the 2023–2024 state/territory Associate representative for Texas and joined the Texas Society of Architects’ Board of Directors. Both roles also led to her involvement with the National Associates Committee. As Texas’ representative, she collaborates with the Texas young architect representative and the associate director for all emerging professional initiatives. To better support her colleagues, Tijerina initiated a new newsletter for emerging professionals in Texas and has planned sessions for them at the Texas Society of Architects’ annual conference.
Tijerina joined BRW Architects in 2017 and is currently an associate and project manager. Whether designing for the health and well-being of first responders or focusing on essential functions and spatial efficiency that lead to quicker response times, her work dramatically benefits the communities she serves, from large municipalities to small, rural districts. Within the firm, Tijerina is also a vital part of the Mentor Practice Team and is deeply engaged with team building, new-employee onboarding, and ARE guidance for her peers.
A humble leader in her community and in the profession, Tijerina is singularly focused on ensuring AIA is always prepared to support associates and young architects. Her new ideas and fresh perspective help others engage with the profession and architecture.
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Imani Day, AIA, RVSN Studios, Ithaca, N.Y.
Christopher Elcock, AIA, GWWO Architects, Baltimore
Petrina Gooch, Assoc. AIA, HED, Los Angeles
Rusty Smith, Auburn University, Auburn, Ala.
This award recognizes Associate AIA members who are outstanding leaders, creative thinkers, and who have made significant contributions to their communities and the architecture profession.
Explore the 2024 recipients recognized for their significant contributions to their communities and the architecture profession.