Women Architects Take Leadership Positions with National Association, Advocacy Groups (Page & Turnbull)

The architecture and historic preservation firm Page & Turnbull has announced board appointments for two of the firm’s leaders: Melisa Gaudreau in Sacramento and Elisa Hernández Skaggs in San Francisco.

Melissa Gaudreau, AIA, an associate principal, founded and is director of Page & Turnbull’s Sacramento office. A noted expert on historic preservation planning, rehabilitation projects, and architectural design, she has been named secretary of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Central Valley chapter. As a member of the Board of Directors, her elevation to secretary highlights her active involvement with the AIA component, which she joined in 2000.

In San Francisco, Elisa Hernández Skaggs, AIA, also an associate principal with Page & Turnbull, has been named to the AIA National Historic Resources Committee (HRC) that works to identify, understand, and preserve architectural heritage both nationally and internationally. She also serves as secretary of the AIA San Francisco’s Board of Directors and supports the Bay Area’s Latinx design professionals as an active member of the chapter’s Latinos in Architecture (LIA) committee. In addition, Hernández Skaggs is a member of the Tours Committee for A’23 – the national AIA Conference on Architecture that will showcase the Bay Area’s greatest architectural works. Along with these positions, she is advancing San Francisco’s historic fabric as vice chair of the Board of Directors for San Francisco Heritage, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and enhancing the city’s unique architectural and cultural identity. 

Addressing Covid’s Impact

In her new role with the AIA Central Valley Board, Gaudreau aims to help advance lessons resulting from Covid isolation, including accelerating environmental change along with beneficial social and political dynamics. “Engaging with the AIA Central Valley and our local community as we address shared challenges and opportunities positions us to lead the broadest positive impact architecture can have,” she said.

Previously, Gaudreau has served as a board member with the Western Chapter of the Association for Preservation Technology (APT), and with Sacramento Heritage. Gaudreau also volunteered on the City of Sacramento’s Housing Code Advisory and Appeals Board. She currently leads Page & Turnbull’s team on the Sacramento African-American Experience Project, a historic context statement that illuminates the contributions of the city’s Black community. She is also leading building projects for the University of the Pacific, in Stockton, Calif., as well as projects for the State of California.

Advancing the Benefits of Historic Fabric

With more than 20 years of experience working on the rehabilitation and preservation of historic buildings, Hernández Skaggs brings expertise in Historic Preservation Tax Credits and entitlement consultation. As vice chair of San Francisco Heritage’s Board of Directors, she advances the city’s architectural and cultural character through advocacy of historic resources, educational programming, and preservation initiatives. 

On a national scale, Hernández Skaggs’ key roles with AIA HRC committee the Tours Committee for the AIA A’23 conference are furthering the architecture profession and historic preservation. “I’m honored to work with the talented people of the AIA and San Francisco Heritage,” she says. “Their commitment to safeguarding and advocating for San Francisco’s historic architecture and cultural resources strengthens the city’s diversity, elevating its local and regional influence.”

Hernández Skaggs has led a range of large-scale rehabilitations and accessibility improvements in landmark buildings, including The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture in Riverside, Calif. She also led the restoration and rehabilitation of San Francisco’s historic Aronson Building, now home to a mixed-use complex with a new tower that includes the Four Seasons private residences.