Beverly Willis was a highly influential American architect best known for playing a major role in the development of many architectural concepts and practices that influenced the design of American cities and architecture. One of Willis's notable achievements was her work as the founding director of the San Francisco-based Women's Environmental Art Movement (WEAM) in the 1970s. WEAM aimed to raise awareness about the underrepresentation of women in the architectural and design fields. Under Will... moreBeverly Willis was a highly influential American architect best known for playing a major role in the development of many architectural concepts and practices that influenced the design of American cities and architecture. One of Willis's notable achievements was her work as the founding director of the San Francisco-based Women's Environmental Art Movement (WEAM) in the 1970s. WEAM aimed to raise awareness about the underrepresentation of women in the architectural and design fields. Under Willis's leadership, WEAM organized exhibitions, meetings, and publications that shed light on the contributions of women in these disciplines. Additionally, Willis was a firm advocate for the inclusion of women in architectural history. In 2002, she established the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF), which focused on documenting and preserving the history of women in architecture. Through the foundation, she spearheaded the creation of the "Pioneering Women of American Architecture" exhibition, which showcased the works of pioneering female architects and their impact on the built environment. Willis also championed and embraced computer-aided design (CAD) and was one of the early architects to explore its potential applications in the industry. In recognition of her significant contributions to the field, Willis was elected as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) in 2017. This prestigious honor exemplified her dedication and impact as an architect.
