2025 Rising Stars in the AEC Industry: Carrie L Parker, AIA, LEED AP BD+C** 

Associate Vice President 

CannonDesign  

Arlington, VA 

Bio: Carrie Parker is a leading force in higher education design and student life planning, known for managing complex “mega projects” and inspiring the next generation of architects. As Associate Vice President at CannonDesign, she brings innovation and empathy to large-scale, multi-campus developments. She speaks nationally on student-centered design, chairs leadership initiatives through AIA, and mentors professionals across career stages. Her projects influence over 100,000 students annually, and her voice is helping reshape product innovation and sustainability in the built environment. 

Projects & Accomplishments: College of the Mainland – $99.5M Project Manager; Blinn College – Campus Master Plan Lead; University of Florida – WELL Platinum Student Health Center; Western Michigan – New Student Center, ACUI Award Winner; Speaker at national ACUI, FEFPA, and Inclusive Spaces summits 

Professional & Community Involvement: Strategic Vision Director – AIA Young Architects Forum; Chair – AIA Virginia Early Career Roundtable; Past Member – AIA Manufacturer’s Council; Volunteer – Engineering Ministries International (eMI), masterplanning education campus in Oaxaca, Mexico