About Andrew Goodwin, AIA
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He is a licensed architect in California, Nevada and Hawaii, and has worked on projects in the United States and internationally.
In 2012, Andrew co-founded the design-build firm ConsciousBuild, Inc. in an effort to dedicate his design passion towards more environmentally, economically, and socially responsible projects around the world. His passion for public interest design led him to create RED Studio Foundation, focusing on providing socially responsible design services for nonprofits. In 2013, RED Studio Foundation became part of a larger 501c3 design organization, Journeyman International. He was the Director of Architecture for Journeyman International from 2014-2016, and now acts as an adviser to many of the thesis students in the program. Andrew has overseen the design of community enriching projects in countries from Rwanda and South Africa to Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.
In 2013, while at ConsciousBuild Inc, Andrew co-founded PUBLIC Journal, a design magazine providing a platform for the public interest design movement. He served as the inaugural Editor-in-Chief, contributing multiple articles while being the main voice behind the design and editorial calendar. Before handing the magazine over to the publisher in 2015, the magazine had amassed great readership and exposed more of the world to the wonders of the public interest design industry. Andrew’s proudest moment with PUBLIC Journal came when he organized and hosted an Impact Design Night at the Autodesk Gallery in San Francisco, where an all-women panel from the impact design community gathered to discuss the movement on one of the most inspiring panels of the year.
In 2014, Andrew became one of the youngest architecture faculty members at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. As a design studio instructor, he was able to help students to understand the importance of socially responsible architecture, while introducing them to the rewards of working with at-risk population groups. Andrew’s studio worked with nonprofits to provide students with projects to design with real-world clients, programs, and implications. The Skid Row Housing Trust has been the main focus of Andrew’s research and design emphasis since 2015. Andrew has accumulated a breadth of knowledge about designing for the chronically homeless, people living with HIV/AIDS, and those living with mental illness. Currently, Andrew teaches multiple seminars on housing and professional practice.
In January of 2015, Andrew moved on to form his own design consultancy. AGD (Andrew Goodwin Designs) began in San Luis Obispo and its current work includes providing design and architecture services to clients primarily throughout California. AGD’s company services include architecture, design and planning and project types range from residential, boutique commercial, hospitality, education and community-oriented projects. AGD’s work also allows Andrew to continue to provide pro-bono services to nonprofits throughout the world when the need arises.
From 2014 to today, Andrew has been incredibly active in the AIA and has been in leadership as the Vice President, President, and Board Executive of the AIA Central Coast Chapter. He encourages volunteerism through his work and community. Elevating the importance of architecture and its increasing influence over climate change and social impact is the root of Andrew’s involvement.
Recently, Andrew was awarded the 2023 Young Architect Award by the AIA California for his contributions to the profession during his first 10 years of being a licensed architect. Andrew also received the 2017 Norma Sklarek Award from the AIA California. The award honors the late Norma Sklarek, FAIA, who was the first African-American woman to become a member of the AIA. She was also the first African-American woman to become a Fellow of the AIA, being recognized for her social responsibility. The purpose of the award is to publicly recognize an architect making significant humanitarian contributions to society.