For Stuart Ingram, her family’s shared interests in the arts, math, and history subtly guided her into her first architecture course at the University of Virginia, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Architecture. Within the school’s Design Thinking concentration, she felt especially at home among her peers: creative people motivated by the possibility of architecture to positively impact communities.

Stuart is driven by a sense of duty to the communities in which she works, using design as a device to encourage connection, learning, or leisure. Architecture is a vehicle for her curiosity, a way to get to know people and their ecosystems while always seeking opportunities for stewardship and improvement. These same motivations led her to join Spacesmith.

Prior to joining the firm, Stuart helmed her firm’s involvement with Henrico CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a local nonprofit supporting children in foster care. Stuart acted as designer and project manager, creating three playhouses for donation as part of the organization’s fundraising efforts. Since moving to New York, Stuart has become an active member of RECLAIM NYC, working to reduce emissions caused by the building and construction industry.