Stories

From left to right: Brenda Parker, Yen Hanes, Duk Youg Lee, Abbie Stiers

For The Columbus Architectural Studio, becoming a certified Women Business Enterprise isn’t merely a label; it’s a reflection of our core values and a tribute to unwavering leadership. Our mission to diversify architecture isn’t taken lightly. Through intentional hiring, fostering an inclusive environment, and support for allied organizations such as NOMA, AIA, CFAD, and OSU, The Studio has carefully cultivated a culture to ensure that women and minorities have a place at the design table.

Established in 2016, our women founders, Brenda Parker, Dukyoung Lee, Abbie Stiers, and Yen Hanes have given an immense amount of effort not only to build a successful architectural firm but also to build an inclusive community. They are our leaders, mentors, guides, and champions of inclusivity, both in and out of the office. Under their leadership, our team currently with seven women out of eleven has flourished. Having carefully curated a culture of collaboration and camaraderie, they’ve ensured that every voice and perspective is heard and valued. It’s a place where young professionals can thrive, knowing that guidance is readily available, that mistakes are valued as a learning tool, and that there’s support to be found.

We firmly believe that to build a better city, we need diverse voices in the design field, and we’re dedicated to ensuring everyone is heard. The next time you walk through the doors of The Columbus Architectural Studio, know that it’s more than an office of designers, it’s a community working tirelessly to build an inclusive and equitable future for all.