Posted in Awards, Erin Agdinaoay
Work Program Architects is proud to celebrate associate principal and project manager Erin Agdinaoay, who has been named to Building Design + Construction’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025, earning the title “Diversity Doyenne.”
Each year, BD+C honors 40 emerging leaders in architecture, engineering, construction, and real estate whose work is shaping the future of the built environment. The program is part of the publication’s mission to champion innovation and technology in commercial, institutional, industrial, and multifamily design and construction.
At 33, Erin leads complex, high-profile projects while also driving much of the systemic change and innovation within WPA. She created and now leads the firm’s internship program and spearheaded the development of a firm-wide hiring process rooted in equity, accountability, and pay transparency. She has also shared that work beyond the firm by authoring articles informed by her experience and expertise for Fast Company, AIA Architect and Dezeen, and by telling her story on the Practice Disrupted podcast.
When asked about the best career advice she’s received, Erin told BD+C:
“Start with the ‘why.’ Early in my career, I felt adrift when it came to understanding the business side of architecture. When I joined WPA, where we practice 100% financial transparency, I learned the importance of starting with the ‘why’ and assuming good intent. That mindset fosters openness, trust, and collaboration – and it’s something I carry into every project and every team.”
Read Erin’s full recognition here.