Women in Architecture: Norma Williams

Norma M. Williams, AIA, Senior Project Architect, Envisage Architecture

How did you get started in architecture?

I started in community college, with the goal to mix art and math. I stayed interested because of getting to play with the materials, and seeing the mathematics behind the joining of the building materials.

Where are you in your career? 

I have been given a chance to explore a new aspect in the field of architecture. I have worked in the healthcare architectural field for over thirty years, this year I joined Envisage Architecture and now I am exploring residential and retail architecture. Looking forward to rolling this experience into future healthcare projects.

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

Working construction administration on the Johns Hopkins Towers, Baltimore, Md. (2010-2012). I was able to watch a building come together. The design was developed by a large firm through multiple offices throughout the United States. Coordination in the field of the construction, and seeing the design come together, piece by piece was amazing. The project was 1.5 million square feet, the daily site tours were a learning experience on each aspect of design and construction. Lessons learned in real time.

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

Communication with different disciplines of the building community, from client/owner to zoning official, they all speak a different language. Learning the language of the different participants of a particular project, so the design can be implemented the best way possible.

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

The innovators of the younger generation, of new products/materials and merging them with old methods, ie. plastic masonry, 3D housing construction, green walls. That’s why I try to get involved with educating youth through STEM and innovation centers (museums, libraries, etc.).

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

Have fun, everything is a memory maker.

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

Traveling. I try to get to Europe once a year, and explore the local culture and architecture, especially ancient structures. Drawing. Just interpretive sketching daily life (because I cannot dance), sketching birthday notes, current events (mostly moon phases). And lastly, reading, mostly fiction.

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.