Julia Laue Named San Francisco's New City Architect

For immediate release: Dec. 30, 2024

Contact: Rachel Gordon, San Francisco Public Works, rachel.gordon@sfdpw.org

JULIA LAUE NAMED SAN FRANCISCO’S NEW CITY ARCHITECT

Laue is the first woman to hold the title since the role was established in 1907

SAN FRANCISCO — Public Works Director Carla Short has named Julia Laue as San Francisco’s new City Architect.

Laue has been with the department for nearly 12 years, serving as Principal Architect and manager for the Bureau of Architecture. She oversees a staff of 65-plus that works on a variety of design projects, among them health centers, libraries, homeless shelters, transportation and public utilities facilities, recreation centers, police stations and more.

Laue is the first woman to serve as San Francisco’s City Architect, a role established in 1907 as San Francisco was rebuilding after the Great Earthquake and Fire in 1906.

This position was created to uphold the highest standards in design and construction for the City’s public structures, ensuring resilience and excellence in the wake of the earthquake's devastation. Laue’s appointment continues the legacy.

“Julia Laue has made it her professional mission to elevate the importance of civic architecture and the role public architecture plays in improving the way people experience government services,” Short said. “Her background and her drive to deliver exceptional projects to benefit the people of San Francisco make her the right choice for City Architect.” 

Prior to joining Public Works, Laue worked for private-sector design firms, taking on such impactful projects as Santana Row in San Jose, the Gates Computer Science Building at Stanford University and the beautiful Ritz-Carlton resort in Kapalua, on the west side of Maui.

Earlier this year, Laue was elevated to the American Institute of Architects’ prestigious College of Fellows, which recognizes architects for their exceptional work.

“It is a profound honor to serve as San Francisco’s City Architect and to lead a remarkable team of dedicated public architects,” Laue said. “Together, we are committed to designing and delivering civic architecture that embodies the spirit of our beloved city — built to last and to serve generations of San Franciscans."