In Memory: Jodi van der Wiel, FAIA, NCIDQ
A memorial will be held on May 31st, 7pm.
Overlook Venue
5313 Hauserman Road,
Parma, OH 44130
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With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved colleague, Jodi van der Wiel, FAIA, NCIDQ.
An artist since childhood, Jodi’s prolific career was born from her curiosity about the intersection of art and mathematics.
She joined Moody Nolan first, in 2000, and described those 10 formative years as an integral experience that shaped her career. In her words, “Few women architectural designers existed then, and the equitable culture provided opportunities for me to grow as a designer that I wouldn’t have otherwise had.”
The fight for representation in the industry drove Jodi to be the change she wanted to see in the world, dedicating her work to elevating women and other underrepresented groups. Her professional achievements are vast, united by a common thread—to elevate access to architecture for women and minorities.
In 2015, Jodi led AIA Cleveland’s strategic plan, which expanded diversity in chapter leadership by race, age, gender, and nontraditional career paths. Under her leadership, AIA Cleveland collaborated with Beyond the Built Environment to host SAY IT LOUD: Ohio, part of the largest national historical exhibit for underrepresented architects and their work
Jodi co-founded AIA Cleveland’s Women in Architecture Committee and Cleveland Connect, the chapter’s mentorship program, linking emerging professionals with community design leaders.
In 2019, Jodi led a task force through the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio to create curriculum for the first architecture patch program, “Girls BUILD!” The program introduced girls to career possibilities in STEM, building their self-confidence to become architects. In 2020, she created a digital Home Architecture Camp for AIA Cleveland, which spread to thousands across the globe, introducing and inviting people of all ages to engage and learn about the profession.
In 2023, after spending time employed at VOCON and Westlake Reed Leskosky, she returned to Moody Nolan to help lead the firms design practice. Upon returning, she reflected on the importance of Moody Nolan, in shaping her career, “My early years with the firm set a foundation for a career grounded in an inclusive, encouraging, and innovative environment. I take pride in creating projects with a company that values diversity and equity at the core of its company culture.”
Jodi’s honors include the AIA Ohio Mentor Award, the AIA Ohio Public Service Award, and the Sho-Ping Chin Grant, earmarked for promising female leaders. In 2021 she was celebrated as a CRAIN’s Woman of Note; and, most recently, in 2022 she was elevated to the prestigious AIA College of Fellows.
Her bright spirit and creative vision will be missed by all who knew her.