Equity in Architecture (EIA)
As a committee of AIA Kansas City, Equity in Architecture identifies its “A.C.E.” goals to Advocate, Connect, and Educate membership to improve industry awareness and success on issues around diversity, inclusion, and equitable practice.
Equity In Architecture: Featured Spotlight
Name: Elsa C. Garcia
Educational Background: Architect graduated from University of Santiago of Chile in 2004
Firm Name: Travois
Years of Experience: 20 years
Leadership Roles and Involvement: 2022 Sho-Ping Chin Women's Leadership Summit Grant Recipient
What inspired you to become an architect?
My father. He was an engineer and a brilliant and tenacious person. I grew up around handmade drawings, wood handmade house models, and vintage Rotring stencils and pens. As a kid, he used to take me after school to his own architecture and construction office. I unconsciously fell in love with design and those beautiful homes I saw in the magazines he used to bring me home.
How have you engaged in equity in architecture and in the profession?
In the early years of my career, I worked for a small municipality. I oversaw a team of architects designing community projects such as a public swimming pool, sport center, small community buildings and parks landscaping. These projects really impacted undeveloped areas, and underserved communities. I loved working collaboratively with the communities and seeing some of their dreams come true through architecture.
Has your background regarding ethnicity, gender, or other characteristics that enhance our diversity influenced your career? How have you influenced or been influenced by diversity and equity throughout your career?
I was born and raised in Chile, South America, by parents who were the first generation in their families to have a college degree. I was raised to be confident and an independent woman. That background positively influenced my career back in Chile as I was able to specialize in code and regulations and work for one the biggest shopping center companies in South America. Once I moved to the US in 2016, I was fortunate to join Travois, a firm that works exclusively with Native American communities throughout the US. Equity and diversity are highlighted topics at Travois. They supported my career here as a foreign architect. Now, I work on low-income housing and commercial projects for Tribal clients, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see the direct positive impact of our projects in their communities.
How have you influenced or been influenced by diversity and equity throughout your career?
I believe sharing knowledge is important to influence others, but sharing your own experiences might be the best way to really connect with others. I have felt the most influenced by people who encouraged me through motivation and recognition. People who saw valuable skills in me and made me aware of them. My parents were the first to do that. I believe spreading positivism and mindfulness can help others. A few times in my life, I have told someone that I believed they could do something that they didn’t believe they could. I encourage them to pursue a college degree, apply for scholarships, and just believe they were capable, so they could access more opportunities and just break the cycle of poverty. Two of those people are now an attorney and a construction manager. As a Licensed Architect that had to go through the NCARB Foreign Architect Path to obtain my license, I feel ready to share my experience and encourage others because the process of getting licensed in the US can be extenuating. I have been collaborating with the AIA KC chapter in the ARE study sessions and I am excited to share some good advice. I believe all is about your mindset!
