Rosa Sheng

As SmithGroup's Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and Higher Education Studio Leader for San Francisco, Rosa hasn’t been afraid to speak her mind throughout her career. Once, while working on a California-based project from her former firm’s Pittsburgh office she boldly suggested that the client relocate the team instead of flying back and forth for meetings. Her team laughed at the idea but the client thought it was great and they moved. "That experience was an affirmation to stand up for what you believe in and don’t be afraid to speak up and ask the stupid question," suggests Rosa. As the Founding Chair of Equity by Design, a national movement created by the American Institute of Architects San Francisco Chapter to advocate for equitable practices and pay in architecture, she has continued to speak up regarding professional issues that move her.  Whether Rosa is leading the profession into new and just directions in practice or project work, she is a strong, hands-on designer and project manager with an ability to build consensus and solve complex problems for a diverse range of clients.