Today, SCB celebrates International Women’s Day and the infinite contributions made by resilient and talented women everywhere. Throughout Women’s History Month, we are proud to celebrate our women colleagues and their immense impact on our firm’s culture, practice, and success.

Learn more about some of SCB’s women leaders, including their perspectives and outlook on how we can continue to build more equitable and inclusive opportunities in the design industry.

Sheyla Conforte, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP – Principal and Executive Director of Interior Design

Sheyla leads SCB’s interior design practice, setting the design strategy for corporate workplace, residential, and hospitality projects, and overseeing all aspects of the national studio. Under Sheyla’s leadership, SCB’s interior design revenues have tripled, the studio has grown to over 40 design professionals, and the portfolio of work has expanded to include award-winning projects for Fortune 100 and 500 companies and several of the nation’s top developers.

“After graduating with a degree in literature and starting down a very different career path, I went back to school to study what was always a passion of mine, interior design. I have always loved the storytelling aspect of interior design and how we as designers can translate stories into spaces that can change people’s perspectives and daily experiences in meaningful ways.”

Christine Carlyle, AIA, AICP – Principal and Director of Planning

Christine directs SCB’s planning studio and urban design practice.  She brings a collaborative leadership style, creative design approach, and passion for improving the quality of life for all communities to a wide range of local, national, and international projects.

“Every day is different. In planning and urban design, we work across a broad spectrum of project types and sizes, and for a multitude of clients from government agencies, institutions, and developers. I think that one of the best parts of my job is working with all the various communities that our projects serve. Different priorities, challenges, voices, visions, economies, histories, cultures – no two are alike. Engaging with people and listening to their passion for the possibilities and opportunities for the future of their community never gets old; it’s inspiring and excites me and my colleagues in the planning studio – every time!”

Renee Sprogis-Marohn, AIA – Principal and Director of Interior Design

With over 20 years of experience in the practice of architecture and interior design, Renee has been instrumental in building SCB’s interiors practice and its well-rounded, modern “work-learn-live” sensibilities, resulting in an award-winning portfolio of work across the country.

“I am really encouraged by the progress I have seen in the industry since I started my career. I had no female professors. There was one female partner at my first job. I don’t think any of us wanted to be in the spotlight because there were so few of us. I’m glad to see how far we have come, but also know we still have a ways to go. I think the new generation of women in the industry, and specifically at SCB, not only brings great talent to the profession, but also an energy and optimism that is sure to keep us moving in the right direction.”

Clara Wineberg, AIA, LEED AP BD+C – Principal and Executive Director of SCB’s Boston Office

Clara Wineberg is a principal at SCB with over twenty-five years of experience in professional practice and is the executive director of the firm’s Boston office. As the leader for several of SCB’s significant and award-winning urban mixed-use projects, Clara is actively engaged in the firm’s expanding practice on the east coast.

“I believe design is only strengthened by a diversity of voices, perspectives, and opinions in the design process. As a Colombian-born immigrant, a wife, and a mother – these various lenses provide me a unique cultural and social perspective, both for how I practice architecture and how I lead design teams. I am proud of the diversity within our firm and empathize with much of the young talent whose families have made tremendous sacrifices for them to come to this country in pursuit of opportunities. I do not take my position for granted. I know from my own professional experience that leaders have the ability, and responsibility, to guide, mentor, and advance others in the firm. This is central to my commitment as a principal.”