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Small Town Firm, Big Impact: Transforming Spaces & Communities (with the American Institute of Architects)

At DFC-LMA Architecture, we believe in the transformative power of design. More than just constructing buildings, we focus on understanding the unique needs of our clients and creating spaces that enhance their lives.
 
We embrace a design philosophy centered around being a “service firm.” Our work is about creating environments that enrich the lives of their users—from homeowners to business owners.
 
For Leesa Mayfield, this dedication to human-centered design extends beyond her professional work. 

As a principal at a small general practice firm in Winchester, Virginia, Leesa has consistently worked to bridge gaps – between architects and communities, between small practices and large firms, and between aspiring architects and established professionals. Now, as a newly appointed board member for the Northern Virginia chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

 
The AIA, the largest and most influential professional organization for licensed architects in the United States, is dedicated to advancing the practice of architecture through advocacy, education, and setting standards within the industry. As an Director, Leesa is advocating for high-quality design and supporting architects in their design work and businesses.

“Her appointment [to the AIA] brings local representation to the regional architectural leadership organization.”

Winchester Star - Business Briefcase
small-town-architect-Leesa-Mayfield

Leesa has been involved with AIA since her college days, starting with the student version, AIAS. During the pandemic, the move to online networking was a huge help, letting her reconnect with the architect community despite feeling a bit distant.

 

Living in Winchester, which is somewhat remote, means that most of her chapter’s members are located in nearby counties. The online access gave her a fantastic chance to connect and be involved, even from afar.

 

Since then, she’s made it a point to keep up with local and state events and jumps at the chance to attend whenever she can.

She feels especially at home with the Women in Architecture committee, both locally and nationally. Initiatives like the “30 Women in 30 Days” campaign from AIA NoVA allowed her and her colleague Kerri Ann to highlight the meaningful work they’re doing.

One of the things she loves most about being a part of AIA is the chance to join in on events at the local, state, and national levels.

Whether it’s attending engaging forums like “The Art of the Practice” in Virginia or the inspiring “Women’s Leadership Summit” hosted by the national AIA, she really treasures the opportunity to meet fellow architects. It’s always exciting to share stories and chat about their work with others who truly get what they do.

“My hope is to be visible enough to make a positive impact on our community—not only through my buildings but also through my involvement in the Planning Commission, local schools, educational videos on Instagram, and my current position on the board of directors for AIA. I want to serve as an example for other women and girls to show that we can do this."

Leesa Mayfield

Mentorship is another passion for Leesa. She looks forward to hosting the upcoming “Dinner with an Architect” event in March in Leesburg. This event provides an opportunity for young architects to connect with more experienced professionals, share insights, and, of course, enjoy good food together.

Leesa believes in the value of uplifting the next generation of architects and creating a welcoming, supportive community for them to thrive in.

Over the years, Leesa has volunteered on various non-profit boards in Winchester, and more recently, her firm has taken on rewarding projects that support growing non-profits. They have worked on the renovation and expansion of the Winchester Rescue Mission, created new classrooms for Fremont Nursery, and developed a warehouse space for the Laurel Center. Leesa finds great fulfillment in these efforts, knowing they truly make a positive impact.

We are excited to see Leesa step into her role on the board, focusing on strengthening relationships among board members, committees, and the AIA community.  As with working with our clients, open conversations and dialogue are essential for building connections.