The architecture community has lost one of its brightest young stars, Carmen Stan, AIA. Carmen passed away on the morning of April 29, 2022. Her leadership at her firm, within AIA, in the broader design community, and her neighborhood is the kind of exemplary commitment to a full life that defines the term Citizen Architect.

Carmen’s career started in earnest in October of 2005 with Robert M. Cain, Architect (RMCA), shortly after her arrival from Romania with a degree in Architecture and Urban Planning. She worked diligently to have her Romanian degree accredited in the U.S. and, in 2012, became a licensed architect and AIA member. Carmen was broadly skilled in design and all the aspects involved in the practice of architecture. She instinctively understood the essence of architecture and developed the tools and practical abilities required to realize that essence in built form. Carmen’s passion and considerable strengths were appreciated by clients, consultants, and industry professionals of many disciplines. Her nature was to rise to any challenge, and her solutions were always creative. Her abilities deeply influenced the young architects and interns with whom she worked and will impact their future careers in an exponentially positive manner.

Carmen’s unwavering commitment to sustainability in architecture and urban communities defined her remarkable career, influencing every project at RMCA. Collaborating seamlessly with Robert Cain, she left her mark on both broad concepts and intricate details.

Her drive and talent garnered numerous accolades and awards during her 17 years with RMCA. Carmen’s impact extended beyond the firm, with featured projects in various publications. In community roles, she served as NPUE’s Land Use Chairperson since 2019, a Midtown Neighborhood Association Board Member, and MNA’s representative on the Midtown Development Review Committee.

Carmen’s welcoming spirit enriched design, impact, and sustainability discussions, guiding Midtown through zoning intricacies with patience and a dedication to great urban design. Her keen attention to detail and unparalleled knowledge made her an invaluable resource. Carmen believed in the profound impact of our built environment on communities. Her constructive approach, even with challenging developers, embodied kindness: “You can do better than this,” she’d gently suggest, offering guidance for improvement. Carmen’s legacy is evident in the countless projects shaped by her, all for the better.

From 2018 to 2021, Carmen served as an exceptional leader on the AIA Georgia Board. Her insights and honesty were invaluable gifts to colleagues and members. Carmen led AIA Georgia’s Design and Honor Awards, expanding the event to over 250 attendees, celebrating outstanding architectural work statewide. Passionate about political advocacy, she championed issues like local architectural standards, women’s pay equity, and historic preservation. Carmen’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, great design, and equity shaped AIA Georgia’s moral compass, ensuring these values were integral to both advocacy and design agendas. Her impact resonates through the board’s achievements and initiatives.

She was also an instrumental member, leader, and co-chair of Equity in Architecture, a subgroup of AIA Georgia. She was a tireless advocate for women in the field and served with passion, energy, and perspective. An award-winning designer, she always found time to set up events and create programs such as Equity Extend, interviewed female architects, and attended the Women’s Leadership Summit. Her vibrant personality was a bright spot in any meeting or event she attended. Her wonderful spirit and all she contributed to elevating design & increasing equity in the profession will be greatly missed.

Learn more about Carmen Stan’s life >