The AIA Community Mourns the Loss of Laura V. Shinn, AIA Architect, AICP Planner
Image Courtesy of AIA San Diego; Photographer: Joniene Swick
It is with profound sadness that we report the passing of AIA Architect & AICP Planner Laura Shinn, who was killed on her bicycle on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. She was 57.
Laura, an avid cyclist, was biking to work, as she so often did, when she was hit by a car from behind. She was in a Class II bike lane when the driver veered into her lane. Laura was committed to cycling as an environmentally responsible means of transportation, and she had been training for a fun cycling adventure with family and friends this summer.
““The loss that Laura Shinn leaves is immeasurable. She was bright, energetic, ambitious, tenacious, personable, and utterly kind-hearted, through and through. She approached life - and every endeavor – with enthusiasm, passion, and vigor.””
AIA National President Exley, honors Laura Shinn
A Special Message from AIA National President, Peter Exley, FAIA in honor and recognition of Laura Shinn, AIA
Image Courtesy of Laura & Steve Shinn, c/o AIA San Diego.
Laura V. Shinn was born on Sunday, February 23, 1964. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1985. Laura completed her Master of Architecture, City, and Regional Planning from Ohio State University in 2002.
For more than 20 years, Laura advanced design in Columbus. She served on the German Village Commission, was a Planner at The Ohio State University, a Director at the Neighborhood Design Center, and was active in AIA Columbus serving on the Board of Directors.
Laura moved to San Diego with her husband, Steve Shinn, FAIA, also an architect in 2013. Most recently, Laura served as the Director of Planning at San Diego State University, where she was responsible for campus strategic and master plan management, capital program development, CEQA Actions, facilities planning, and design, and facilities data and records oversight. Laura also collaborated closely with SDSU’s Office of Parking and Transportation to plan for all modes of transportation to and around the campus.
A registered architect and certified planner, Laura helped lead all aspects of the massive SDSU West development, a prominent capital project for the San Diego region.
“From the Engineering & Interdisciplinary Science Complex to the ongoing development of SDSU Mission Valley, Laura’s creativity and commitment to sustainability was evident in every project she touched…Those projects will forever serve as a physical testament to Laura’s impact both on and off campus.”
SDSU Engineering & Interdisciplinary Science Complex
As President of the San Diego Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in 2021 - following her tenure as Vice President in 2020, and Secretary-Treasurer in 2019 - Laura Shinn championed climate action and equity & diversity in the profession. In the past, she served as the Chair of AIA San Diego’s Urban Design Committee and had been instrumental in that group’s expansion into a think tank comprising various other organizations committed to urban design and the built environment. Laura was also one of the original members of the Women in Architecture knowledge community in San Diego.
Laura is survived by her husband Steven Shinn, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, a tireless advocate for sustainability, livable communities, preservation, health and wellness - in his work at international design firm Gensler, and in his volunteer service to the AEC communities in Ohio and California.
Laura Shinn, AIA and Steven Shinn, FAIA at the 2019 AIA Fellowship Ceremony. Image Courtesy of Mitra Kanaani, FAIA c/o AIA San Diego
Married for 34 years and friends for 40 years, Laura and Steve Shinn exemplified sustainability every day in their personal lives, committing to urban living in walkable areas, and working for organizations which value strategic urban planning and transit-oriented development. Both Shinns were always in motion - and could often be found on any number of alternative transportation modes - from rollerblades, to skateboards, to bicycles, to public transit.
Our condolences go out to Laura’s husband, Steve, and their families and friends. Her loss is felt deeply in the Architecture, Design, Planning, Engineering & Construction community, here in San Diego, in Ohio, and across the nation.
