Josephine Arbaugh
Josephine Arbaugh, AIA, is an architect, urban planner, and operations strategist based in the Greater Roanoke Area. With more than 20 years of experience in the built environment, she brings a multifaceted perspective shaped by work across architecture, urban design, and planning. Her portfolio spans large-scale government and healthcare facilities, senior living environments, and community-centered residential development. A graduate of Virginia Tech with degrees in Architecture and Urban & Regional Planning, she integrates design excellence with strategic thinking to translate mission-driven goals into impactful physical environments.
Throughout her career, Arbaugh has served in roles ranging from designer and project manager to studio director and solo practitioner. Her broad experience across the full project lifecycle has cultivated deep expertise in strategic oversight, organizational leadership, and operational performance. In addition to her architectural practice, she successfully led business development, restructuring, and operational optimization initiatives for a Virginia-based disaster restoration company, strengthening systems, improving project execution, and driving sustainable growth. Her work consistently bridges strategy, design, and operations to ensure that ideas move beyond vision into measurable results.
Beyond her professional practice, Arbaugh is a committed advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion within the architecture and AEC industries. She actively serves in leadership and committee roles within the American Institute of Architects and AIA Virginia, contributing to initiatives that advance justice, business leadership, and professional development. She is also the founder of the Women in Design Virtual Coffee in the Roanoke Valley, creating space for mentorship, connection, and collective growth among women in the built environment. Through both her design work and community engagement, Arbaugh champions self-advocacy, inclusive leadership, and the creation of firms and spaces that support people as thoughtfully as they serve function.
• Business Models
• NCARB
• AIA
• Virginia Tech
• The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• AIA Virginia
• Roanoke City Market Building Foundation
• Women in Design
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my drive and adaptability to my upbringing and the extensive cultural experiences I had living and traveling abroad. My parents instilled in me the belief that nothing is given — everything must be earned through hard work, integrity, and persistence. That foundation shaped how I approach both leadership and design: stay curious, work diligently, and continuously grow through every experience.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was: “If you don’t intentionally craft your personal brand, the world will do it for you.” That insight changed how I approach my career. It reminded me to be proactive about how I show up, what I stand for, and the value I bring — rather than leaving my professional narrative to chance.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the industry to build strong communities and seek mentorship early. Develop negotiation and business skills alongside your technical expertise so you’re prepared for the transition into leadership. Most importantly, advocate for yourself and for other women — and help create spaces that intentionally support women’s leadership development.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges in our field include navigating a historically male-dominated culture, improving retention of women — particularly as they balance work and family responsibilities — and addressing gaps in firm-level business acumen. Too often, architects are deeply trained in design but underprepared for the financial, operational, and leadership demands of running sustainable practices.
At the same time, there is tremendous opportunity. We have the chance to rethink firm cultures, learn from other industries, and intentionally strengthen architects’ business and leadership skills. By doing so, we can build more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready practices.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are empathy, inclusion, and community. I believe meaningful design — and meaningful leadership — begins with truly understanding people and creating environments where others feel seen, supported, and valued. I’m also deeply shaped by cultural experiences and a commitment to advocacy, particularly for women in our profession. Above all, I’m driven by mission-centered work and a standard of quality that reflects care, integrity, and long-term impact.