New Steering Committee members

Vida Gholipour

I graduated in Architecture from the University of Tehran, Iran and continued my education in France. I experienced practice and research in the field of Architecture, Sustainability and BIM for over 10 years, both as a freelancer and for companies in Iran, France, Canada and the US.

I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2015 and attended Interior Architecture classes at AAU, where I met professor Suzan Swabacker and was introduced to OWA+DP.  I am glad to serve as a new member in charge of Policy and Procedures at the Steering Committee in 2022/2023. My goal will be to ensure that the organization continues to grow while supporting its precious members in architecture and design.

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Margaret Sheehan

I am an architect, focused on project management consulting to the tech industry. I served as a mentor for many years, as part of AIA's Mentorship program. My husband and I retired recently, to spend more time sailing our boat up and down the coast. This is my second time serving on the OWA+DP Steering Committee.

I will be serving as the OWA Membership Administrator.

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Nazila Duran

I completed my Bachelor of Architecture at SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture) following course work in Civil Engineering at LBSU. I have had the privilege of working with master architects, Arthur Erickson, and Arata Isozaki designing an array of well-known cultural, educational, civic facilities.  I have had the opportunity to work on great landmark projects with major firms of KPF, SOM, HOK, and WSP on corporate high rises and interiors, historic preservation and National Parks projects, such as the Hamilton Grange.  I designed my first airport in 1998, Boston Logan International Terminal and then in 2009, I went back to concentrating on programming, planning, and management of Airports. I love the complexity of airports and the huge role they play in every traveler’s life. I've served in accountable leadership positions representing airports and providing direction and oversight of multi-disciplinary Design-Build teams for design and construction of airport and transit and train facilities.  I am a collaborative team leader who fosters consensus among clients, consultants, and stakeholders to achieve not only program objectives but innovative solutions especially with environmental sustainability in forefront. 

We live in Berkeley. I have a daughter who is a junior in high school. We love traveling as I did around the world with my husband of 32 years. His early death 5 years ago launched us into a new normal we didn’t expect, but one we’ve grown through and into. It is with this lens that I try to pursue my purpose in every venture and hope to be effective on the OWA Steering Committee as we shape the future of our built world. I am serving as the Information Director and look forward to updating our website and continuing to roll out BaseCamp for member communication. It will take teamwork.