Maria Bergh

Maria Bergh has extensive work experience in the field of architecture and community design. Maria is currently the President of the Association for Community Design, where they focus on supporting practitioners in creating a racially just and equitable built environment. Maria also advances the fellowship program to provide peer support to the members.

In 2016, Maria founded and manages We Build Agency, a participatory community design practice that offers architecture, design, and facilitation services. Maria aims to promote inclusive design in pursuit of justice and beauty.

Maria was also a member-owner and co-founder of JustDesign Cooperative, LLC from 2016 to 2021. Through this organization, they took an anti-oppressive, rights-based, and open-source approach to design, prioritizing environmental justice communities.

Additionally, they have gained experience in teaching and instruction. Maria worked as an instructor at After School Matters in 2018, where they designed and implemented architecture curriculum for youth. Maria also served as a Teaching Fellow & Engagement Lead at ARCHEWORKS in 2017, where they facilitated strategies for food access interventions and supported the Archeworks Certificate spring cohort.

Earlier in their career, Maria worked as an Intern Architect at Boulder Associates from 2014 to 2016, focusing on healthcare facility design. Maria also held positions at bcWORKSHOP, NBBJ, Community Design Center Cincinnati, and Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders, gaining experience in various aspects of architecture and design.

Overall, Maria Bergh has a diverse background in community design, architecture, teaching, and advocacy, with a strong focus on promoting racial justice, environmental justice, and inclusive design principles.

Maria Bergh completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture at the University of Cincinnati from 2006 to 2010. Maria then pursued a Masters degree in Architecture and Community Planning at the same university from 2010 to 2012. Prior to their university education, Maria graduated from Ursuline Academy of Cincinnati in 2006 as an Honors Club Graduate. Furthermore, they obtained additional certifications including one in SEED from Design Corps & The SEED Network in 2011, and a LEED AP Building Design and Construction certification from USGBC in 2009.