Architects Kirsten Blakeman and Charity Dunphy were selected as two of San Diego's Women of Influence in Construction, Commercial Real Estate, and Design as published by The San Diego Business Journal. Congratulations to each of the talented and dynamic women who are honored for successfully carrying out their companies' goals and leading their businesses forward. Read below for Kirsten and Charity's bios that accompany the San Diego Business Journal article.

Kirsten Blakeman is a licensed Architect and Project Manager with Studio E Architects, where she focuses on education and affordable housing projects. She recently managed the rebuild of Cardiff Elementary School and is currently working on an affordable housing project scattered over four sites in City Heights. In addition to strong design skills, she brings project management and team leadership capabilities to all of her projects. A natural extension of her professional work in education design, Blakeman has a strong passion for mentorship. She started the Architecture Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentoring program at e3 Civic High and now serves on the Board of Directors as Chair of the Education Committee. Blakeman also previously served as a Professional Studio Coordinator for Cal Poly, Internship Coordinator in partnership with the Monarch School and is a regular volunteer with the San Diego Architectural Foundation's Open House San Diego program. 

Charity Dunphy, a licensed Architect, Project Manager, and Associate at Studio E Architects, has led the firm's efforts on charter schools, affordable housing projects, and the expansion of a religious campus. She has a substantial background in the technical issues related to architecture and construction, and regularly leads projects with expedited schedules to successful completion. Notably, she has completed projects in the San Diego area including High Tech Elementary at Liberty Station, Celsius multi-family housing in Lemon Grove, and the expansion of Congregation Beth Am in Carmel Valley. Currently, she is working on ShoreLINE, a 155-unit affordable housing and mixed-use project in the Grantville neighborhood and a 49-unit multifamily and mixed-use project in La Mesa. In addition, she is a highly regarded mentor for colleagues and creates time in her busy schedule to assist, educate others, and create guidelines and best practice documents for the firm. 

Please join us in congratulating Kirsten and Charity for their notable achievements and contributions to the field of architecture and design. Both of their glowing careers continue to serve as professional models of dedication, talent, and commitment. We are thrilled to see The San Diego Business Journal recognize the women exhibiting excellence on the leading edge of construction, commercial real estate, and design.