An architect celebrated for shaping inspiring spaces that bring people together across cultures and communities, Barbara leads the charge in growing our presence and impact in people-focused markets, including housing, civic and community spaces, sports, entertainment and workplace. With a sharp eye on cultural shifts and emerging behaviors, she’s constantly exploring how best to design for how people live today, where work, play and life are constantly intersecting, and helping clients stay ahead of how those dynamics are ever shifting.
Barbara is the former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, where she led the global team behind Disney’s theme parks, resorts, cruise ships and immersive entertainment experiences. Known for fusing story with technology and design, she’s directly shaped some of the most memorable experiences across the globe. At the heart of all of her work, at Disney and with some of the most renowned design firms in the profession, is an instinct for designing authentic experiences that bring people together and leave space for wonder to unfold.
Barbara is a member of Fast Company’s Impact Council and currently sits on the SCI-Arc Board of Trustees.
A few clients and collaborators
- Media and entertainment brands
- Sports franchises
- Developers
- Civic and community leaders
Expertise
- Creating spaces that communicate powerfully and connect people to place.
- Aligning client design and business goals to drive mutual impact.
- Creating tech-forward environments that transform experiences and adapt over time.
Pursuits and passions
- Former president of American Institute of Architects (AIA) Los Angeles and founding president of Architecture for Communities LA.
- Mentors emerging talent; honored by Girls Inc. and New York Hall of Science for nurturing future generations of learners
- Currently learning to play the piano.
