𝗚𝗼𝘇𝗱𝗲 𝗬𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗢𝗞 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗜𝗔’𝘀 “𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱” 𝗖𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

Recognition continues for Gozde Yildirim, AIA, NCARB, of HOK, who has been selected to join The American Institute of Architects (AIA) “Next to Lead” cohort — a transformative program designed to empower diverse women in architecture and prepare them for leadership positions within the AIA and the broader design industry.

The Next to Lead initiative was created to address leadership gaps and promote representation of underrepresented voices in architectural governance. Yildirim’s participation reflects a growing emphasis on equity and inclusion as essential elements of design leadership.

Operational Details

Based in HOK’s Washington, D.C. studio, Yildirim has been an advocate for integrating diversity into both design practice and organizational culture. Her professional journey — from her architectural education and early career in Istanbul to her current work in the U.S. — showcases a global perspective rooted in empathy and collaboration.

Strategic Significance

Yildirim’s inclusion in AIA’s national cohort positions her among a select group of architects leading systemic change within the profession. Her efforts align with AIA’s strategic goals to expand representation and foster environments where diverse leadership can thrive — an essential step toward a more inclusive future in design.

Recognition and Impact

Her achievements were recently spotlighted by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), which profiled her journey as a reflection of perseverance, vision, and a deep commitment to meaningful leadership. Through this recognition, Yildirim continues to inspire the next generation of women architects to redefine the boundaries of design and leadership.