VCBO Architecture promoted Julia Oderda, AIA, to principal this January, welcoming another experienced architect to a top leadership role in the company. In this new capacity, she will assume additional decision-making responsibilities while continuing to spearhead major projects with the architectural team.
“I am honored to accept this opportunity to continue my work at VCBO as a principal,” Oderda said. “Going on nearly two decades with the firm, I am thrilled to begin this next chapter of my career with my VCBO family.”
A “master of her profession,” according to her colleagues, Oderda brings more than 20 years of experience in the industry to the position. Most recently an associate principal in the firm, she has honed her architectural and leadership skills since joining VCBO in 2005, working on several significant projects while volunteering her time as a mentor and thought leader.
“Julia is a talented and confident leader who excels as an architect,” VCBO principal Celestia Carson said. “Both technically minded and creative, she works closely with her architectural, engineering, and construction management teams, bringing the best out of her colleagues to achieve exceptional work. Julia’s professional work and volunteer efforts have had a significant and profound impact on our greater community, and I am proud to welcome her as VCBO’s newest principal.”
Exterior view of the Paperbox Lofts in Salt Lake City, a key project led by new VCBO principal Julia Oderda
Prior to joining VCBO, Oderda gained hands-on experience in the industry as an undergraduate at the University of Maryland, College Park. After graduating with her bachelor’s in architecture in 2005, she then completed the Master of Architecture program at the University of Utah in 2007.
Though having primarily specialized in education design, her portfolio of work includes several project types of varying sizes and budgets, including several multifamily projects. Some of her most notable work includes Odyssey Elementary School in Woods Cross (2014), the Paperbox Lofts in Salt Lake City (2022), and West Village Housing at the University of Utah (est. completion in 2023).
Stepping into her new leadership role, Oderda hopes to use her new role to help the firm expand its presence in the multifamily housing sector; advance ongoing work in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); and adopt cutting-edge design and construction techniques. Aligned with VCBO’s tradition of providing an innovative, people-centered approach to architecture for the past half century, Oderda is prepared to help guide the firm into its next 50 years.
“I like the long-standing portions of architecture,” she said. “As architects, we are often serving the public, regardless of who our client is. We’re thinking about who is going to be using the buildings, new ways they might want to use the building, and how we can build that in so it’s ready to go from the very beginning — designing not for today but designing for tomorrow.”
Interior view of the award-winning Odyssey Elementary School, for which Oderda served as project manager
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For 50 years, VCBO Architecture has delivered impeccable design, performance, innovation and dedication to our clients. As a top five Intermountain Region architectural firm, we actively contribute to the built environment through meaningful projects. With an inspired office environment, VCBO attracts and nurtures excellence, accuracy, innovation, comprehensive thinking and design talent. Our focus on people extends from the heart of our offices to the spaces we create — where people gather to live, learn, work and play.