Women in Architecture: Haley Duggins, Associate AIA

Haley Duggins, Associate AIA, Designer, Elevar Design Group

What got you interested in architecture? 

My interest in architecture started late in high school. I grew up in a family that had careers in construction and engineering and was always inspired by the process of how things are built, how things go together, and what that process is like. With that intention, I originally explored engineering and found something was missing. I took a leap of faith and applied to get a B.S. in architecture and I quickly fell in love with design, theory, and the endless details that make a piece whole. 

How did you get started in the field?

I started in my first year of college at Bowling Green State University and fell in love with what architecture is and the multitude of avenues that you can take in the profession. I began interning in Cincinnati the summer after my first year of school. I have been hooked ever since.

Where are you in your career?

While I have interned many years, I am very much at the beginning of my career. I just finished my Master of Architecture from Clemson University in South Carolina. I am currently an architectural designer at Elevar Design Group here in Cincinnati and pursuing my licensure and taking exams.

What’s the biggest highlight of your career so far?

I am at the beginning of my career, so I am confident this will change. However the current highlight of my career is connecting with so many people in the profession here in Cincinnati. I grew up in a small town outside of Cincinnati and always loved tight knit communities. Architecture as a profession is so well bonded through experience and now being back in Cincinnati and practicing, I have met so many amazing people in architecture and I am sure that will continue.

What’s been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

I think the dichotomy between academia and the profession, in terms of content, has been the most challenging. I went to two separate universities for architecture education. Both of them had robust curriculums of design and of construction. However the academic processes and content are too far separated so being in the field I find myself learning so many new concepts that I wish university would have prepared me a little better for. But I am sure this is not unique to me. I am also working on building my confidence on what I do already know and finding my way to make a mark and be a positive impact in my environment.

Who do you admire or what are you excited about/inspired by right now?

I have been very inspired by a lot of my female peers in architecture. I have found that the women in architecture community are so supportive of one another and I love how we all seem to have each other’s back. It inspired me months ago to launch Nearly One-Fourth. A podcast dedicated to the experience of women in architecture.

What advice would you give to a young woman considering pursuing a career in architecture?

While I am new in the profession myself, I would say don’t be afraid to ask questions and lean in to the knowledge that surrounds you in your work environment. There is so much to learn and people are eager and willing to share that information and knowledge with you. Everyone understands you are new and were there once themselves. 

When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy?

When I am not working, I spend a decent amount of my time building my WiA podcast Nearly One-Fourth. I have had the greatest time connecting and chatting with women across the country. I also love coffee and cooking so I try my best to make new drinks and food when I can. And lastly, I love my family and spending all of my true free time with my husband.

Are You a Woman in Architecture?

2023 marks the 20th anniversary of Zaha Hadid’s first US commission and the first museum in the United States designed by a woman – the Contemporary Arts Center. As part of the celebrations, AIA Cincinnati wants to highlight the women in our chapter throughout the year. We’ll be sharing these profiles in our newsletter and social media. If you’d like to submit your profile, please follow the instructions on the form.