Her Story
About Katie
Katie Hitt Deaton serves as Director of Marketing at Acme Brick in Fort Worth, Texas, a position she assumed in July 2026 following two years with the company in a social media role. With a background spanning architecture, communications, advocacy, and marketing, she brings a unique perspective to her work in the building materials industry. Deaton earned a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University, with studies in Environmental Design and Art & Architectural History, and has built a career focused on strengthening connections between the architecture, design, and business communities.
Before joining Acme Brick, Deaton spent 14 years in the architecture nonprofit sector, including a decade with AIA Dallas, where she advanced to Communications and Government Relations Director, and later served as Managing Director of the Architecture and Design Exchange. In her current role, she leads a seven-person marketing team overseeing strategic marketing initiatives, internal communications, public relations, advertising, photography, graphic services, website management, and digital marketing. She remains actively engaged with the American Institute of Architects at the local, state, and national levels and contributes to committees with the Brick Industry Association. Her accomplishments include receiving the 2024 AIA National Associates Award, along with recognition from the Texas Society of Architects and AIA Fort Worth.
Deaton is also passionate about education, mentorship, community service, and expanding opportunities for the next generation of architecture professionals. She has championed K-12 architecture education and serves as founding chair of the AIA Fort Worth K-12 Outreach Committee, while also participating in education initiatives at the state and national levels. She believes in giving back to the communities she serves and participates in philanthropic efforts, including volunteer days with the Tarrant County Food Bank and the Heart Walk supporting the American Heart Association. Outside of her professional and community commitments, she enjoys reading, watercolor painting, working on her home, and exploring Fort Worth with her family.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the diverse experiences, relationships, and opportunities that have shaped my career, along with a willingness to embrace change and continually learn. My background in architecture provided a strong foundation in strategy, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, while my 14 years in the architecture nonprofit space deepened my appreciation for professional organizations and the communities that support the built environment. Today, as Marketing Director at Acme Brick, I bring those experiences together to lead a seven-person marketing team across internal communications, public relations, advertising, photography, and website management, with a focus on creating alignment and strategic impact. I am also passionate about education, accessibility, and expanding awareness of architecture, particularly among K-12 students and individuals who may face financial or structural barriers to entering the profession. Receiving the 2024 AIA National Associates Award was especially meaningful because it recognized the value of contributions made from the staff side of the profession. Ultimately, I believe my success comes from staying curious, building meaningful connections, serving others, and recognizing that every chapter of my career can create a foundation for the next.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received has come through mentorship and the example of others. I have been fortunate to have numerous mentors throughout my career, including remarkable women who were trailblazers in the Dallas architecture community and demonstrated the importance of leadership, perseverance, advocacy, and service. Working alongside these women during my time at AIA Dallas showed me the lasting impact that experienced professionals can have when they are willing to invest in others. Their example taught me that mentorship is more than simply offering advice; it is about sharing experiences, opening doors, creating opportunities, and helping others recognize possibilities they may not have seen for themselves. I carry that lesson with me today and believe strongly in supporting and encouraging those who are coming behind me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to set goals and have a vision for your career, but remain open to where the journey may lead. When I began my career, I had a very different idea of what my professional future would look like, and my path ultimately evolved in ways I never expected. That experience taught me that success does not always follow the plan you originally create, and some of the most meaningful opportunities can come from unexpected directions. Be willing to embrace change, learn from every experience, build strong relationships, and recognize that the career you ultimately create may be even more rewarding than the one you initially imagined.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities I see in architecture is creating a more well-rounded educational experience for future professionals. In addition to design and technical skills, I believe architecture education should place greater emphasis on business, financial literacy, leadership, and professional decision-making. Understanding how firms operate, how finances are managed, and how to make informed business decisions can have a significant impact on a young professional’s long-term success. I also see an important opportunity to continue increasing diversity within the industry by creating greater access and support for women and individuals from a broader range of backgrounds. Building a more inclusive profession while equipping emerging architects with both creative and business skills can help strengthen the future of the field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are leadership, service, collaboration, integrity, and giving back to the communities that have supported me throughout my career. My involvement in the architecture and construction industries, including with the American Institute of Architects and the Brick Industry Association, has given me meaningful opportunities to contribute through professional organizations and leadership initiatives. I also believe strongly in the importance of community service and social responsibility, which I have been able to demonstrate through philanthropic efforts at Acme supporting organizations such as the Tarrant County Food Bank and the American Heart Association. I believe both individuals and companies have a responsibility to use their time, talents, and resources to make a positive contribution to the communities they serve.
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