LESLIE SYDNOR
National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), American Institute of Architects (AIA)
SAY IT LOUD - CALIFORNIA Exhibitor
California Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by those who bring their entire selves to what they do, who take up space, and demand to be seen. I am inspired by the bold be it architecture, art, music... whatever. It reminds me to represent for those folks who are not in the room.
LESLIE SYDNOR
Bio:
Leslie has over 25 years experience in the design of education, aviation, industrial and low-income housing projects. As 2023 President of AIA Los Angeles she is working to create mentorship opportunities for emerging professionals because she cites her many mentors as key to her own success.. Leslie is a lecturer at Cal Poly Pomona and has been a director with Cumming Group since 2015. She has a B.A. in Architecture from Yale and M.Arch from UCLA. She is the 243rd Black Woman Architect.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My mother was an architecture fan, she even had a favorite building - it rubbed off on me. I decided in junior high school that I wanted to be an architect. I took my first architecture class in high school.
What do you do?
I am a design manager at a Los Angeles community college. I am the bridge between the users and the architects. I consider myself a translator - I think as architects we sometimes forget that everyone doesn't read plans or understand "archispeak"
What excites you in the work you do?
Most of my work has been in public education in urban areas. With the exception of college I am the product of a public school education. I am excited to work on projects that bring high quality learning facilities to these deserving students.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by those who bring their entire selves to what they do, who take up space, and demand to be seen. I am inspired by the bold be it architecture, art, music... whatever. It reminds me to represent for those folks who are not in the room.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
My proudest professional achievement is being the 243rd Black woman architect and the 2023 President of the AIA Los Angeles Chapter (the second Black woman to hold the title).
Featured Project Name:
Gratts Primary Center and Early Education Center
Featured Project Location:
Los Angeles CA
Featured Project Completion Date:
September 2010
Role in Featured Project:
Project Manager / Project Architect (NAC Architecture)
Featured Project Description:
The Gratts Primary Center and Early Education Center is a school for pre-K and K-2 students near downtown Los Angeles. The 2.3 acre dense urban site slopes 40 feet from north to south. The building is composed of large volumes in primary colors to break down the scale of the building. The building is designed to meet California High-Performance Schools standards and won an award of honor from the AIA California and Coalition for Adequate School Housing.
