National Building Museum Brings Industry Icon Beverly Willis and
DC Talent Paola Moya Together in “Architects Across Generations”
Museum Celebrates Women’s History Month with Compelling Cross-Generational Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 9 , 2017) – On March 7, The National Building Museum will host a special event titled “Architects Across Generations” as part of programming to celebrate Women’s History Month. Award-winning author and design journalist Aileen Kwun will moderate a conversation between pioneering architect and women’s advocate Beverly Willis, and Paola Moya, entrepreneur and CEO of minority-owned and led Marshall Moya Design.
In a career that has spanned more than six decades, Beverly Willis, architect, artist and philanthropist, has played a major role in the development of many creative and professional concepts important to architecture and American cities. Among her notable projects are the San Francisco Ballet Building in the city’s civic center (1984); the Nob Hill Court Apartments (San Francisco, 1973); and Union Street Shops, a pioneering historic adaptive reuse development (San Francisco, 1964). She is also known for her numerous achievements in the creation of new technologies in architecture, urban planning and public policy, as well as her leadership initiatives on behalf of architects and designers around the world.
In 2002, after she had been in practice for 50 years, she founded the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF), a national research and educational non-profit. Initially, the goal of the BWAF was to document and highlight the historic work of female architects; it has expanded to take on a broader role of educating the public on a spectrum of issues. She said: “I discovered that the designs and work of professional women in the built environment, whether architects, engineers, or planners, were not in the history books. While thousands of women have practiced over the decades, some have been truly gifted and exceptional and, during their lifetimes, showered with professional awards, recognition, and press. But when they die, they fade into obscurity and their history is lost. To be lost because one was simply a woman? That needed to be changed.”
Paola Moya is the principal and CEO of DC-based Marshall Moya, whose firm has designed some of the city’s most iconic projects, including the historic Howard Theatre, Chuck Brown Memorial, Reunion Square in Southeast and the new Student Center at the University of the District of Columbia. The firm has just completed design of the National Market at MGM National Harbor, and is currently working on the DC United Stadium and Entertainment and Sports Arena, the new practice facility for the Washington Wizards and home court for the Washington Mystics, as well as projects in New Jersey and Massachusetts. With tenacious leadership and creative vision, Moya has led the firm’s successful growth into new architectural markets. Her creativity and passion for different areas of design has awarded the company not only architectural projects, but also graphic, product and public art design. For the last six years the firm's growth and elevated profile has been a direct result of the strategic plan she designed and executed since taking the helm as CEO. “I am extremely humbled and honored to be included in this landmark event with a true pioneer, whose career and talent I have greatly admired. Beverly’s passion and achievement has inspired every facet of my work and life,” commented Moya.
At the talk on March 7, the two women will discuss how architecture and design has evolved in the past half-century, the pressing issues facing architects, architecture firms and design entrepreneurs today, and what lies ahead. They will also explore the “art” of working across disciplines, staying agile and flexible within an evolving professional landscape, and the importance of entrepreneurial instinct.
Moderator Aileen Kwun is author of Twenty Over Eighty: Conversations on a Lifetime in Architecture and Design, which includes perspectives from Ms. Willis. A book signing follows the event.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC
Tickets: $12 Museum Members; $10 Students; $20 Non-members.
Pre-registration is recommended. Walk-in registration based on availability.
To register visit http://go.nbm.org/site/Calendar/1483828543?view=Detail&id=121891