Marsha Maytum on practice with purpose

Marsha Maytum is a founding principal at Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects. Her career is steeped in a passionate belief in the value and power of architecture and design. With her husband, Bill Leddy, and their partner, Richard Stacy, Marsha has created a teaching practice structured to focus on mission-driven work. They are co-authors of Practice with Purpose: A Field Guide to Mission-Driven Design (ORO Editions).

At the heart of the matter, Marsha says, “Sustainability and equity are embedded in good design.” She was a key player in the 2019 resolution that helped establish the American Institute of Architects’ holistic Framework for Design Excellence and cement climate action as part of the AIA’s mission and Strategic Plan.

“Everything is all linked together under the climate crisis,” she says. “The pressures on every issue are greater in the context of climate. We need to understand the power we have. Focus on good design -- reconnecting to the natural world, making places that are healthy, beautiful, and safe. This is important for continuing to have a civil and equitable society. Also, we need everyone involved -- all hands on deck right now.”