Sophia Tarkhan AIA, LEED AP, Fitwel Amb.

Leading the K-12 Education studio as Principal, Sophia leverages her varied background and 20 years of experience in architecture and construction management to lead complex projects that create spaces that foster growth, connection, and education. As a pioneer focused on bringing attention to the talent and unique perspective minorities in the field offer, Sophia was a key member in the formation of Cooper Carry’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council (EDIC). In 2017, she served as the President of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA)’s Atlanta Chapter where she spearheaded various initiatives aimed to educate and build relationships between key members of the city, minority architects, communities, and business owners. She was recently selected as a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA)’s first cohort of Next To Lead, a leadership training program for ethnically diverse women in architecture.

Sophia graduated from the University of Florida with a Master of Architecture and a Master of Science in Building Construction. She is a registered architect, a member of AIA, the Council of Educational Facilities Planners International (CEFPI), and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP). Her more recent projects include the award-winning addition and renovation of Midtown (formerly Grady) High School, and the two new STEM schools for Fulton County, the Global Impact Academy and the Innovation Academy.