Women in Design

Mission

Blue Ridge Women in Design (BR WiD) is an extension of AIA Virginia Women in Design and a committee of the AIA Blue Ridge Chapter, dedicated to connecting, supporting, and advancing women across architecture, design, planning, engineering, and the broader built-environment professions in the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia.

We cultivate a trusted, inclusive community where women can share knowledge openly, build meaningful professional relationships, and grow as leaders—together. Through conversation, mentorship, peer support, and collective learning, WID Roanoke empowers women to navigate their careers with confidence, advocate for equity and transparency, and contribute to a more sustainable, humane, and rewarding design profession for the long term.

History

In 2026, BR Women in Design was formed in response to a shared recognition among women working across architecture, interior design, planning, and related fields in Southwest Virginia: while the region is rich in design talent, opportunities for sustained connection, mentorship, and open dialogue among women in the profession were limited.

Inspired by the momentum and leadership of Richmond Women in Design, BR WID emerged as a locally rooted extension of a broader movement advocating for equity, visibility, and leadership for women in the built environment. From the outset, the intention was not to replicate another group, but to create a space shaped by the realities, scale, and culture of practice in the Roanoke region; one grounded in trust, relationships, and shared professional experience.

BR Women in Design is committed to cultivating connection, advocacy, and leadership among women in design. Rooted in the Roanoke Valley and aligned with a broader network, BR WiD exists to support women not only in navigating the profession as it is, but in shaping what it can become.

Programs and Events

BR WiD strives to inspire and support women as active members of the design community. Our programming emphasizes career exploration, leadership development, and meaningful connection through shared professional and life experiences. We plan on hosting a range of activities including networking gatherings, talks by women leaders in the field, panel discussions, skill-building workshops, community service initiatives, and collaborative events with Richmond WiD.

Our Committee Members

Below is a list of our current committee members. Interested in getting involved? Send us an email at widblueridge@gmail.com

BR WiD Mailing List

Sign up to receive calendar invites and updates about upcoming WiD events. We can’t wait to connect with you!