Growing up in a military family, Andrea Simpson, AIA developed the ability to adapt to various environments, a skill that has defined her professional journey. From earning her architecture degree at Auburn University’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (APLA) to assuming leadership roles in major professional organizations, she has continuously evolved and thrived.
Simpson began her architectural career at Giattina Aycock Studio in Birmingham, Alabama, before moving to Atlanta, Georgia, to work with Gensler. She later held positions at HEERY International and THW Design before transitioning to the commercial furniture industry in 2015. Now serving as Director of Market Development at turnerboone in Huntsville, Alabama, she applies her architectural expertise to collaborate with designers and industry professionals in planning, sourcing, and implementing furniture solutions for commercial, healthcare, and educational spaces.
Her Auburn education was instrumental in her career shift. “Auburn’s program balanced creativity with technical skills,” Simpson shared. “It gave me a strong foundation in design and construction while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork—skills that made my transition to the commercial furniture industry seamless.”
Beyond her professional endeavors, Simpson has played an active role in industry organizations such as the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). She also co-founded the North Alabama Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) with fellow Auburn alumna Sarah Beth Wilcox ’04.
Now, as the president of AIA Alabama and the first Black woman to hold this position, Simpson is dedicated to fostering engagement, advocating for the profession, and promoting innovation. Her objectives include expanding digital resources to improve member connectivity, introducing new feedback channels to ensure voices are heard, and coordinating impactful pop-up events such as public lectures and workshops.
“I want to create more avenues for engagement,” Simpson stated. “By leveraging technology, we can facilitate better collaboration across the state. Additionally, I aim to organize meaningful yet time-efficient events to engage a wider audience.”
A strong advocate for legislative initiatives, Simpson is committed to working with policymakers to support architectural professionals. “Advocacy is essential to the strength and sustainability of our field,” she emphasized. “Ensuring that architects have a seat at the table when policies are being shaped is a key priority of my presidency.”
With a focus on professional development, community impact, and legislative advocacy, Simpson is poised to make a lasting contribution to AIA Alabama and the broader architectural profession.