Paria Taheri Expands Leadership and Design Impact Through AIA Programs
Since joining WRA Architects’ Georgetown office in August 2024, Paria Taheri has quickly become a visible presence in the Austin architecture community, actively seeking opportunities to grow professionally and creatively. A recent graduate of the AIA Austin Leadership Collective, Taheri credits the program with helping her build a professional network, refine leadership skills, and navigate the cultural nuances of working in a new environment.
“Last year, I was new to Texas, knowing no one and having no network,” Taheri said. “The Leadership Collective gave me the opportunity to form meaningful connections, understand how teams work here, and gain guidance from mentors.”
The AIA Austin Leadership Collective is a 10-month program designed to bring together architects from different stages of their careers, fostering collaboration and professional growth. Taheri met monthly with her classmates and smaller mentor groups, learning not only about architecture and design leadership but also about communication, teamwork, and personal development. “Designing and leading goes beyond the office or professional environments,” she said. “These are skills everyone needs to be successful in life. I learned how to manage difficult conversations, communicate clearly, and navigate challenges both in work and personal life.”
WRA’s Tooba Jalal, Design, and Paria Taheri, Design, with the AIA Leadership Collective Cohort of 2025. Photo courtesy of AIA Austin.
Taheri’s commitment to design extends beyond professional development programs. She recently participated in AIA Austin’s Design Shine competition alongside several WRA colleagues, creating a “fungi-inspired” sculpture garden. The installation features mushrooms growing on trees, celebrating forms found in nature while inviting public engagement. The team was one of three winners and will be on display next spring at the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum at Zilker Park.
Lumina Obscura Design Concept
In addition to her creative projects, Taheri has been accepted into the 2025–26 cohort of AIA Next to Lead, a program focused on connecting racially and ethnically diverse female architects. The program combines in-person workshops and monthly online classes over 10 months, culminating in a final gathering in San Diego to showcase the participants’ growth. “Being an international professional adds extra challenges,” Taheri said. “This program is a place to grow, learn, and represent both my firm and women in architecture.”
Taheri attributes much of her ability to pursue these opportunities to WRA Architects’ supportive culture. “It’s inspiring to be in an environment where colleagues and leadership encourage you to pursue growth opportunities,” she said.
Through her experiences, Taheri has gained a deeper understanding of the architecture profession in the Texas landscape and the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong learning. “Working alongside peers from different firms, sharing challenges, and learning from experienced leaders has helped me grow personally and professionally,” she said. “I hope my journey encourages others, especially women and international professionals, to seek out programs that will expand their skills and networks.”