Silvia Colpani has been contributing to educational and commercial architecture projects since 2017. Originally from Italy, she earned her architecture degree in Milan before moving to the U.S. to complete her Master of Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Beyond her design work, Silvia is a passionate advocate for equity and caregiver support in the profession. She is the co-founder of It Takes a Village, the 2024 AIA Future Forward Grant–winning initiative focused on supporting parents and caregivers in architecture. She also serves as chair of the Boston Society for Architecture’s Ethics Committee, where she works to foster a more inclusive and supportive professional community.
Based in Greater Boston, Silvia balances her career and advocacy with life at home with her husband and their two young children.
Courses
It Takes a Village: A Guide to Parents and Caregivers in Architecture
Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 12-1pm ET
Balancing professional demands with caregiving responsibilities remains a significant challenge in the architecture industry, often impacting employee well-being, retention, and firm culture. This strain on employees threatens the consistency and quality of professional service required to uphold the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants. This session explores how architecture firms can better support parents and caregivers through thoughtful policies and inclusive practices. Panelists will share key findings drawn from in-person workshops and conversations with professionals across the industry, revealing the lived experiences of caregivers and highlighting the gaps in current workplace support. Attendees will be introduced to the adaptive framework recommendations and practical tools aimed at fostering a more equitable and sustainable work environment—a necessary foundation for architecture professionals to focus adequately on design excellence and public safety.