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Theresa Ridley, AIA NCARB

Registered Architect & Registered Interior Designer

I was born in Tuscaloosa, AL where I developed my love of football. My childhood home was directly across the street from the football practice field at the University of Alabama. Years later we moved to South Louisiana where I developed my love for food, especially seafood! While in High School, I joined the Boy Scouts Explorer Club for Architecture. Going on site visits, and reviewing construction drawings in an architect’s office showed me just a glimpse of the practice of architecture. A couple of years later, I enrolled and went on to graduate from Louisiana Tech University with my Bachelor of Architecture.

Practicing architecture has allowed me to experience the expanse of the profession. I have built up a portfolio that contains a wide range of building types and scales that include Commercial, Multi-Family Housing, Retail, Military, Judicial, Community Centers, Parks and Recreation, Big Box Retail, Ecclesiastic, Healthcare, and Aviation. Most noted of the lists include City Court of Atlanta, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, and the Maynard H. Jackson, Jr. International Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport.

Being a member of the American Institute of Architects has become much more than letters at the end of my name. My involvement started when someone asked me to be a Champion for AIA Atlanta’s Strategic Plan rollout. That started my service to AIA Atlanta as Membership Director where I helped to start of the netWorking Women’s group, and the creation of the Northeast Section. As President of AIA Atlanta, I started the Urbanfronts event, and was responsible for moving the AIA Office to the United Way Building. I moved on to serve on the AIA Georgia Board as President. I was a Co-Chair for the Tours at the AIA National Convention in Atlanta. As Georgia President, I established the Equity in Architecture Committee, voted at AIA National Convention to allow graduate architects to begin taking the architectural exam earlier, and saw legislation signed by the Governor regarding Architect’s and Engineer’s Service contracts.

On a more personal side, my husband and I share a love of photography. We have photographed some weddings for friends. Our true enjoyment is traveling and capturing the moments with our photography. Another hobby of mine is collecting and growing native azaleas and rhododendrons. I have won many ribbons over the years as a member of the American Rhododendron Society – Azalea Chapter.

Professional Experience

  • Fresenius Medical Care, Sr. Staff Architect, 2015 - 2019

  • Gensler, Technical Director - Lifestyle Studio, 2013 - 2014

  • DeKalb County Planning and Zoning, Building Department Plan Reviewer, 2013 - 2013

  • Duckett Design Group, Inc., Vice President & Director of Architecture, 2002 - 2012

  • Greenberg Farrow Architects, Inc., Project Manager/Architect, 1996 - 2002

  • Slater-Paull and Associates, Inc., Project Manager/Architect, 1995 - 1996

Registration

  • Registered Architect: States of Georgia, Florida

  • Registered Interior Designer: State of Georgia

  • National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Certificate (NCARB)

Education

  • Louisiana Tech University, Bachelor of Architecture

  • Louisiana Tech University, Bachelor of Arts

  • Southern Polytechnic State University, Continuing Education

Professional Affiliations

American Institute of Architects – Georgia Chapter

2018 Bronze Medal Recipient for Service to Advance the Mission of the American Institute of Architects.

2017 Past President, Executive Committee

2016 President, Executive Committee

2015 President-Elect, Executive Committee

American Institute of Architects – Atlanta Chapter

2014 Past-President

2013 President

2012 President-Elect, Executive Committee

2011 AIA Georgia – Membership Committee

2010 Secretary, Executive Committee

2006 – 2009 Director of Membership. Had an increase of membership each year.

2006 Strategic Plan Champion. Introduced the Strategic Plan to the total
membership through multiple meeting presentations.

2016 South Atlantic Regional Conference – Winning Legacy Charrette Team
Leader

2016 As President, established the Equity in Architecture Committee


2016 Served on the Planning Committee of the South Atlantic Regional
Conference in Savannah, Georgia

2015 Served as Co-Chair of the Tours Committee for the AIA 2015 National
Convention in Atlanta, Georgia

2014 Served as a judge for the Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia -
Excellence in Construction Awards

2014 Discover Architecture (Elementary School Publication) photographer

2014 Served as a juror for Southern Polytechnic State University 4th Year Studio

2013 As AIA Atlanta President, established the inaugural two week celebration of
the Urbanfronts events. Hosted Pecha Kucha and Open Mic Forum

2013 Served as a judge for the AIA Indianapolis Design Awards

2013, 2012 Served as a judge for the CANSTRUCTION Awards

2011-2012 Mentored 3 students from Auburn University in Professional Practice.

Summer 2012 Mentored an Atlanta Business League high school student in his interest in a
possible career in Architecture.

2007 - 2009 Chapter Advisor to Principal’s Roundtable meetings.

2007 - 2009 Board Liason with the starting of the Atlanta NE Section.

2007 - 2009 Liason and mentor for netWorking Women. Helped plan and host meetings.2007-2010

2007 Acquired a Proclamation from the City of Atlanta from Mayor Shirley
Franklin for the AIA 150 Architecture Week Celebration