APLA Alumna Reflects on AIA Alabama Presidency

After graduating from APLA, Simpson earned her license and practiced architecture traditionally for 10 years with Giattina Aycock Architecture Studio in Birmingham, then in Atlanta with Gensler and Heery International before transitioning into the interiors and commercial furniture industry in 2015.

Simpson describes architecture as “transforming ideas into reality through thoughtful problem solving and meaningful collaboration”. That same passion for collaboration and creative thinking led her to her current role as Director of Market Development at furniture design firm turnerboone in Huntsville, Ala. With the critical thinking skills she developed in architecture school and refined through years of practice, she now helps clients shape spaces that truly reflect their purpose and people.

Simpson has served on the leadership committee for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Interior Architecture Knowledge Community since January 2024, contributing to national conversations about the evolving role of interior architecture in practice. In January 2025, she became the president of AIA Alabama, the first African American to hold that position in the organization’s history.

“It has been a really rewarding experience being able to serve not only the architects in North Alabama, but across the state,” Simpson said.

Having been involved in AIA Alabama leadership for the last few years as treasurer, secretary and vice president, Simpson has worked to build a network of trusted advisors whom she can call for advice and expertise—particularly surrounding the political and advocacy roles as president.

Earlier this year, Simpson collaborated on behalf of AIA with leaders from the International Interior Design Association and American Society of Interior Designers to address proposed changes to Alabama’s interior design legislation. This ongoing effort has created a valuable opportunity for allied professions to work together toward meaningful policy change. She continues to advocate for the profession through active discussions around Alabama House Bill 597, which seeks to revise the state’s process for procuring design and construction services.

In addition to advocacy, Simpson’s mission as president is to be visible and accessible for practitioners across the state. With experience in a closely connected field, she brings a fresh perspective to the profession—one shaped by years of working at the intersection of architecture, interior design and the furniture industry.

But Simpson’s service goes beyond professional organizations, exemplified by her commitment to Auburn. In April, she was recognized with the university’s 2025 Black Alumni Award, one of 12 recipients representing each college for outstanding achievements in their professional lives, personal integrity and stature and service.

“Being nominated for that award meant more to me that people can possible imagine,” Simpson said, thinking back on the encouragement her late father, John H. Henderson, gave her when she was one of few female students in the Architecture program. “It was unfortunate that he wasn’t here to see it, but he would have been proud.”

Simpson said that the five years she spent in Auburn’s architecture school were some of the most challenging of her life, but the knowledge she gained carried her into the design industry and through career transitions.

“You learn how to work hard and think critically, to problem solve and figure it out,” she said, noting that the creative process can be applied to any field. “You find this tenacity that you didn’t realize you had.”