Biography
Rosa Sheng, AIA, is a designer, architect, and strategic thought leader with over 30 years of experience innovating architecture. She has led award-winning and internationally acclaimed projects including Apple's original retail stores, Pixar Animation Studios, and the LEED Gold-certified Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business at Mills College. Since joining SmithGroup in 2017, Sheng serves as Vice President, Higher Education Studio Leader, and Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. She has pioneered Design Justice-centered frameworks in architectural practice, championing projects that address holistic student persistence and wellbeing across California's higher education institutions. As Founder of Equity by Design, Sheng led the 2014, 2016, and 2018 AIA Equity in Architecture Surveys, catalyzing a national conversation on achieving equitable practice in the profession.
