Britt Lindberg (SJ), FAIA, is a Senior Associate and Technical Director in Gensler’s San Jose, CA office. She has a broad portfolio of workplace project types. From master planning, to design, construction and close out, Britt drives and leads project implementation with exceptional leadership. She is active in the AIA at the national, state, and local levels. She was the 2018 President of AIA California, the 2014 President of AIA Silicon Valley, and is serving as a 2020-2022 AIA National Board At-Large Director. In these roles she advances the impact of design through enhancing AIA outreach and communications; prioritizing climate action, equity and forward-looking perspective; and creating innovative knowledge resources for AIA members and the public. Her leadership in these efforts has also been recognized through receipt of the 2016 Silicon Valley Business Journal’s ‘Women of Influence’ award, and 2013 AIA California Council’s Academy of Emerging Professionals Young Architect Award. Britt graduated with a Master of Architecture degree from the University of California, Berkeley.
Why did you choose a profession in the architecture industry?
I am a late bloomer who studied chemistry as an undergraduate, and made the change to architecture in graduate school, after a couple of years working in labs, seeking a change, and fondly remembering how much I’d enjoyed an architectural history class as an elective. It was a random path, but a perfect fit as architecture is a wonderful mix of art and science. Creativity, problem-solving and collaboration with others every day; while working within the real constraints of natural forces, materials performance, codes, schedules, budgets, and more. Every project is different, every day at work is different. It is never boring, and we get to create real places to help real people live, work, play, learn, and heal, better. While there are many challenges to overcome in the profession and society at large, I truly feel so fortunate every day to do what I do.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
This is tough as several come to mind for different reasons. Licensure, Fellowship, joining Gensler, serving as AIASCV 2014 President, 2018 AIA California President, and now an At-large Director on the AIA National Board… To pick just one though I’d go with being recognized as a 2016 Silicon Valley Business Journal Women of Influence. This is recognition from outside our industry, of leadership and impact alongside peers from high tech, financial, government, and other diverse industries. And in Silicon Valley especially, the innovation capital of the world, I am extra honored. Not enough women architects are yet recognized in this program, but I know we can change that!
Favorite travel destination in the world?
Italy or Paris or Tokyo are close, but the true favorite for me so far is Lake Louise in Banff National Park in Canada. Snow- and glacier-capped Rocky Mountains next to a glacial blue lake with a beautiful historic hotel to stay in and start beautiful hikes from. I haven’t been to Iceland yet, but that may become a favorite too in the near future.
What would be your professional advice for current emerging professionals?
Architecture is a broad profession where so many different skills are needed and valuable, there is truly a place for everyone. Find the project work, people, clients, colleagues, purpose, and balance that inspires and supports you. Different firm types, project types, project scales; roles in community engagement, design, management, technical, consulting; or work in parallel industries where design thinking is also crucial. There are so many options within the expanding profession. Plus EPs are the future of architecture – help us design that future impactful, inspiring, resilient, balanced, welcoming, rewarding profession today.
How does it feel to be elevated to the third women fellow of AIA from the Silicon Valley chapter?
It is extremely humbling, especially with Pam and Sharon as such accomplished role models and mentors in the industry. I do what I do because I find it purposeful and rewarding in many different ways, and also this recognition is only achieved with the support and help of so many others. I feel an honor and responsibility to help others along a similar journey. I am the third, but certainly not the last – there are so many more women and diverse individuals in the chapter that can and will achieve Fellowship. I am now part of a group that gets to help them achieve the same, and more!
A fun fact about yourself!
I do love creating built places, but also enjoy a lot of outside time in nature, especially hiking by the Pacifica coast on the weekends. It helps restore and re-energize, with watching sunsets over the ocean a particular favorite. I think my Instagram @Britt_AIA now includes more pictures of sunsets than buildings.
Thank you for this chance to share a little more with the chapter. People can connect with me at [email protected] or https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittlindberg, and I hope to see many at an upcoming in-person chapter event very soon!
Interviewed by Madhubala Ayyamperumal, Assoc. AIA, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C
