Women In Architecture - Spotlight on Anne Mooney, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Anne Mooney, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP. Photography by Tina Stark

Sparano + Mooney Architecture passionately believes that it takes great people to make great architecture, which is why we are committed to collaborating with the top talent in architecture, design, engineering and construction. We also believe in trailblazing by example, and award-winning, critically-acclaimed and forward-thinking Principal, Anne Mooney, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, is leading the charge. Anne was recently highlighted by Women In Architecture Salt Lake City, an organization that works towards gender parity in the field of architecture, for her contributions to the profession, dedication to design and mentorship of the next generation of architects.

According to Women In Architecture, analysis shows that architecture is a vocation that struggles to retain women. Nationally, women graduating with professional architecture degrees comprise nearly 50% of their graduating classes, but less than 20% follow through with licensure, and female firm leadership comprises less than 8%.  The equivalent percentages in Utah are, unfortunately, even lower than these national averages.

Women In Architecture Salt Lake City supports the local community of female architects in a number of different ways, such as holding community events, sponsoring licensing exams for female architectural interns, providing mentoring opportunities and by sponsoring design competitions that benefit the community. Anne is honored to be involved with the organization – she is truly an inspiration to her colleagues and peers, her work is highly-regarded irrespective of her gender, and she works tirelessly to build the community of female leadership in the profession.

Women In Architecture’s spotlight on Anne is included below as a visual essay.

Anne Mooney in kindergarten. Photography courtesy Sparano + Mooney Architecture

I was born in Montana and grew up in Utah, Montana and California. After graduating from the University of Utah, I studied architecture in New York at Columbia and in Los Angeles and Ticino, Switzerland at SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture) where I came to fully appreciate the American West and its potential for great design. I was introduced to architecture by a wonderful professor at the University of Utah, Gail Della-Piana, who opened my world to the possibilities of design and began my lifelong passion for architecture and design as well as a desire for educating future architects. I practice architecture and teach advanced-level architectural design studios at the University of Utah’s School of Architecture.

Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Photography by Mark Bittermann

My office is an incredible place of inspiration as I am surrounded by talented and thoughtful collaborators. We are also lucky to work on some of the most incredible sites in the country, with clients who really care about design.

Arcadia Historical Museum. Photography by John Linden

Arcadia museum provided the opportunity to collaborate on the architecture, interiors, landscape and exhibit design for a cohesive design.

Emigration Canyon Residence. Photography by Denis Mecham

We work on several very special homes each year and I am fortunate to live in a home we designed to see how it works throughout the year and over time.

Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church Day Chapel. Photography by Mark Bittermann

An interest in exploring the qualities and potential of materials is a constant in our work - something that I have been interested in since the beginning of my architectural education and career.

Glashausen Conceptual Device. Photography by Sparano + Mooney Architecture

One of the most important aspects of our practice lies in the honing and refinement of our design process. We employ conceptual devices like this one that help us explore ideas and move away from preconceptions as we work toward architecture.

Site Concept Model. Photography by Lucy Call

I come from a family of aviation pioneers and professionals and learned to fly when I was a teenager. This image, of a conceptual model inspired by the sky, typifies a recent site analysis and investigation, as well as our way of working.