Claudia Escala

President

Carrier Johnson + Culture

30 years in the industry

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in architecture, and who or what influenced you most along the way? 

I can point to two early experiences that guided me toward a career in architecture. I had a serious accident when I was five years old, and during my recovery, one of the medications I was prescribed came in a cardboard box with instructions to build a small house model. That was the first model I ever built, and I immediately fell in love with both the process and the outcome.

I also had a very adventurous father who owned a Cessna plane, and as a family, we spent weekends flying along the coast of Lima, Peru. I was fascinated by the aerial views of the city, and by the time I was ten years old, I knew I wanted to be an architect.

As far as influences along the way, my family’s values have always guided my professional decisions and how I have conducted myself as an architect—emphasizing integrity, accountability, and respect for both people and the built environment.

Can you share a project you’re especially proud of and explain what made it meaningful—either professionally or personally? 

I am especially proud of an indoor skydiving project I worked on early in my career. It was a highly technical and unconventional building type that pushed me well beyond what I had previously accomplished. The constant learning required throughout the project was both challenging and deeply rewarding, and it expanded my confidence in navigating complex technical systems. That project remains a career highlight because it reshaped how I approach problem-solving and innovation.

How do you see diversity and inclusion influencing better design outcomes in architecture today? 

I firmly believe that diversity and inclusion strengthen creativity and innovation. Varied backgrounds challenge assumptions, disrupt conventional approaches, and push design teams beyond familiar solutions. An inclusive environment allows people to express themselves freely, contributing their best ideas while comfortably pushing boundaries.

Have you had mentors or advocates who played a key role in your career growth, and how important is mentorship for women entering the field now? 

I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors throughout my career. Early on, they focused on sharing technical knowledge, and I was a sponge—eager to learn everything I could. That foundation quickly translated into confidence, allowing me not only to deliver effectively on projects but also to lead teams in producing high-quality work.

Later in my career, mentors helped me develop leadership skills and consistently reminded me of the importance of having a voice. Mentorship is especially critical for women entering the field today, as it bridges the gap between education and practice by offering guidance on firm culture, client dynamics, and project leadership—areas rarely taught in school.

How do you balance creativity with the technical, regulatory, and business demands of architecture? 

I’ve always viewed the technical, regulatory, and business demands of architecture as integral to the creative process. Having a strong grasp of these areas allows designers to push boundaries with confidence while still delivering exceptional work. Throughout my career, I’ve also focused on developing leaders who can clearly articulate design intent and guide teams through complex technical and regulatory conditions.

What changes have you seen for women in architecture over the course of your career, and where do you think progress is still needed? 

Over the course of my career, I’ve seen meaningful improvements in workplace flexibility, which have allowed women like me to pursue professional aspirations while raising families. I was able to work full time, grow my career, and still be present for my children’s milestones.

I’ve also appreciated that conversations around pay equity and promotion pathways are happening more openly. However, progress is still needed when it comes to leadership parity. While women are well represented at the entry and mid levels, they remain underrepresented in principal, partner, and ownership roles.

How do you see the conversation on sustainability going in our industry? 

When I first heard the term sustainability applied to architecture, it felt aspirational—and for a long time, it remained just that. Today, however, sustainability means accountability. We now have clear data on the environmental impact of our buildings, and with that knowledge comes responsibility. As architects shaping the built environment, we play a critical role in stewarding the planet’s limited resources for future generations.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far, and how did it shape your professional journey? 

One of the most fulfilling moments of my career was seeing the first project I led as a licensed architect come to life. Witnessing each line drawn on paper materialize into physical space and tangible detail was incredibly powerful. That experience deeply reinforced the idea that every line we draw matters, a lesson I’ve made a point to pass on to younger architects throughout my career.

What advice would you give to young women or girls who are considering a career in architecture or the broader AEC industry? 

Enjoy the process of becoming a licensed architect. Seek opportunities to become a well-rounded professional by balancing creativity with strong technical skills. Raise your hand to take on challenges as they arise, and I assure you the journey will be a fulfilling one.

During International Women’s Month, what does recognition like this mean to you, and how can the industry continue to better support and elevate women’s voices year-round? 

Being recognized during International Women’s Month is meaningful because it helps other women see that leadership roles in architecture are attainable. The industry can continue to better support and elevate women’s voices year-round by committing to meaningful change in how firms operate, hire, develop, and promote talent.