FIFTEEN

We are thrilled to share that Founding Principal Ximena Valle, AIA has been named a Power’s 2025 Advocate Award Winner: Entrepreneur Champion of Change! Ximena’s impact extends far beyond the projects she designs—through her mentorship, advocacy, and leadership, she is amplifying women’s voices, creating opportunities, and challenging outdated norms that have long made it difficult for women to thrive. Congratulations, Ximena! Your leadership and impact inspire all of us!

"Architecture is not just about buildings; it’s about shaping society. And when more women shape architecture, we create spaces that work better for everyone." — Norma Merrick Sklarek We believe that empowering women in architecture means building a more inclusive, equitable future. That’s why we’re committed to: ?? Engaging young girls in the design process—showing them that their ideas have value and that their voices matter in shaping their communities. ?? Mentoring future designers and architects—creating pathways for more women to enter and thrive in the field. ?? Championing women leaders—our clients, collaborators, and community partners—by supporting their vision and investing in their success. This #WomensHistoryMonth, we celebrate the women who inspire us, challenge us, and push our industry forward. Here’s to designing a future where more voices are heard, and more perspectives are reflected in the spaces we create.

In a profession where women remain underrepresented in leadership, creating opportunities for mentorship is essential. To change the trajectory of women in architecture, we need to actively uplift, support, and open doors for the next generation. ? At a recent Speed Mentoring event organized by AIA Philadelphia's Women in Architecture (WIA), principals Jill Lavine and Ximena Valle, AIA participated as mentors. This event provided networking opportunities for young professionals and facilitated meaningful exchanges that will serve attendees well into the future. ? A huge thank you to WIA for organizing this impactful event and for continuing to champion mentorship and leadership for women in the field.

FIFTEEN is thrilled to be Coriell Institute for Medical Research's Design Partner in building this vision for a new science campus! The new building will house the Coriell Institute and the Camden Cancer Research Center, as well as the planned NJ Biomedical Strategic Innovation Center. We are proud to be a part of this incredible project which will serve to support and advance biomedical innovation in our region. #innovation #design #research

We are honored by AIA Philadelphia's recognition of FIFTEEN's innovative lattice leadership model! By moving beyond traditional hierarchical structures, we've cultivated an environment where every team member has the opportunity to grow into leadership roles, and career progression is determined by individual abilities, interests, and contributions, rather than seniority. The result? ?? Deeply Engaged Teams: Our approach fosters a team that's deeply engaged in their work and invested in the success of both the firm and our clients. ?? Innovative Solutions: By encouraging team members to pursue their passions, we unlock innovative ideas that lead to better solutions and outcomes. This empowerment fosters creativity and exploration, resulting in the discovery of new technologies and methodologies. ?? Inclusive Environments: Our model creates an inclusive environment that reflects the communities we serve, always putting impact first. We're excited about the ongoing conversations surrounding leadership practices and look forward to shaping the future of architecture together!

Great design starts with great people. At FIFTEEN, we know that investing in our team isn’t just about shaping the next generation of architects—it’s about delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients and communities. Being recognized as an EPiC Firm by AIA Pennsylvania reflects our commitment to mentorship, leadership development, and fostering a team that thinks beyond design—to impact. We empower young professionals to carve their own paths, pursue passions, and bring fresh perspectives that elevate every project we take on. For our clients, this means working with a firm that’s continuously learning, evolving, and driven by a shared vision to create meaningful, people-centered places. Investing in our team is investing in the success of the people we serve. Learn more about the EPiC Award here: https://lnkd.in/gCXY2KW

As our clients work to strike the right balance between remote, hybrid, and in-office models, one question we've found impactful to ask is this: What is your employee's Return on Commute? Through end-user surveys and questionnaires, we’ve gathered insights that?are shaping the way we design for the future. Check them out below??

Earlier this month we attended the?Sustainable Business Network (SBN) of Philadelphia's annual members meeting at the Science History Institute, connecting with fellow professionals who are rethinking business as usual and shaping a more sustainable future. The SBN brings together businesses that prioritize the triple bottom line: People, Planet, and Profit. This holistic model aligns with our approach to architecture: designing spaces that are adaptable, resilient, healthy, and deeply connected to their communities. Congratulations to Executive Director Devi R. on a great year and thank you for hosting an energizing conversation with Jorge Fontanez, of B Lab U.S. & Canada who is leading the push toward racial equity, climate justice, and a Stakeholder-Driven Economy. We are proud to have pledged our commitment through our membership in 2025 and excited to collaborate with like-minded partners. If you're working on a project that integrates sustainability at its core, let’s chat!

Still feeling energized from ULI Philadelphia’s 8th Annual Shark Tank! The next generation of female developers in Philly is nothing short of extraordinary—confident, passionate, and ready to shape the future of our city. Our Founding Principal, Ximena Valle, AIA Valle, had the honor of serving on an all-female panel of sharks—trailblazers in real estate who lead with expertise, vision, and compassion. The talent, drive, and bold ideas in the room were truly inspiring. This event showcased a powerful community of women pushing the industry forward, and we’re thrilled to be part of it. #ULIPhiladelphia #SharkTank #WomenInRealEstate #FutureOfPhiladelphia #Trailblazers #FIFTEENArchitecture

We’re thrilled to announce that Katrina Connors, AIA has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Community Design Collaborative (CDC)! The CDC empowers nonprofits in community and economic development by pairing them with skilled volunteers in architecture, engineering, and construction. Through their Design Grant Program, they provide the expertise and tools needed to turn community visions into impactful projects. Since 1991, the CDC has mobilized over 1,000 volunteers to contribute more than 100,000 hours across 600+ community projects. Katrina’s appointment reflects her dedication to using design to create meaningful change and aligns perfectly with FIFTEEN’s values of collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation. Please join us in congratulating Katrina on this exciting new role!