Tannia Chavez, International Assoc. AIA

Tannia Chavez, Int’l Assoc. AIA

Chavez’s career began in Quito, Ecuador, where she completed her studies in architecture and established her practice, Unda Chavez Consultants, in 2010. Eager to learn even more about the AEC industry, she moved to New York, her dream city, and encountered the complex process of translating her degrees from Ecuador into the American system. After receiving assistance from the Emerging New York Architects (ENYA), she joined the AIA New York Chapter and assumed leadership roles in her new home. Chavez is also a project manager for Jeffrey Cole Architects in New York, which she joined in 2022.

Chavez collaborated with AIA Brooklyn's efforts to enhance EDI initiatives by co-founding the Brooklyn Women in Architecture Committee (BKWIA), shaping its mission to promote equity, embrace diversity, and empower women designers at all stages of their careers. In its initial meetings, members expressed a desire to develop their leadership skills to establish their own practices. To that end, BKWIA had an opening night event with Andrea Steel, AIA, founder of New York’s Andrea Steel Architects to learn about the journey to becoming a firm owner. Later, committee members expressed interest in increasing the number of women fellows in the chapter, Nicole Gangidino, Associ. AIA, and Chavez envisioned the group’s Paths to Fellowship virtual event, which educated more than 200 attendees nationwide on different approaches to pursuing a fellowship.

Understanding the importance of being a true citizen architect, Chavez joined Queens Community Board 2 (CB2), where she advocated for improved services and vital initiatives in her neighborhood. Throughout her tenure on the board, Chavez was engaged in essential initiatives surrounding affordable housing, the creation of a new bike boulevard to connect Manhattan and Flushing, and increased awareness of ADA regulations. In 2022, she became co-chair of the board’s Engagement and Inclusion Committee, where she helped find ways of establishing a greater connection with the different organizations/lawmakers that directly impact the diverse community she represents.

Chavez’s leadership roles in AIA have also continued to expand. As the 2020 AIA New York State associate director, she assisted emerging architects as they faced unprecedented challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. During her service as the chapter’s regional associate director, she contributed to the chapter’s technology group and hosted panels that featured experts in new design technologies.

Collectively, these roles have helped develop Chavez’s strategic thinking skills and paved the way for her service on the AIA Strategic Council, which began last year. There she has contributed to the Carbon and Equity Group while also strengthening her commitment to support the immigrant community.