Christine Shope, AIA

Chris serves as the Regional Architect for the USDA Forest Service’s Southern Region, where she provides architectural design, planning, and technical expertise for a range of facilities. In this role, she leads the planning and execution of major renovation and construction projects, with a focus on sustainability and accessibility.

A significant part of Chris’s recent work has been the revitalization efforts at El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. She played a key role in the restoration of the El Portal Visitor Center, which achieved LEED Gold certification. This project, along with others in the forest, has been recognized for its emphasis on sustainability and positive community impact. For her work at El Yunque, Chris was named the Forest Service Technical Architect of the Year in 2022.

Chris is currently working on the renovation of another major visitor center at Blanchard Springs Caverns in Arkansas. This site is a three-level cave system, all of which can be viewed on guided tours. The caverns were opened to the public in 1973 and are undergoing a phased renovation which includes accessibility upgrades and replacement of the dramatic underground lighting, which highlights the site’s unique geological features.

Prior to joining the Forest Service, Chris gained valuable experience in both the private sector and with other federal agencies. She worked on projects ranging from commercial developments, including the Whole Foods in Midtown Atlanta, to hurricane recovery efforts with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Chris finds fulfillment in renovation projects, where she can breathe new life into existing structures while improving their resiliency, energy efficiency and maintainability. She’s passionate about creating inviting public spaces that are accessible to all demographics.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys exploring historical architecture and is considering further studies in this area. She’s particularly interested in projects that honor heritage sites and aim to be sensitive to the needs of native and indigenous communities. Chris is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta and mom to three unique and amazing individuals: Alex, Connor and Cameron. She is an animal lover, gardener, tennis enthusiast and aspiring yogi living in Atlanta.

What is your favorite design tool?

One of my favorite tools in the design process is the charrette. It’s a collaborative session where architects, stakeholders, and community members come together to brainstorm solutions to design challenges. I value this approach because it brings diverse perspectives to the table and fosters creative problem-solving. For me, the charrette is not just about generating ideas, but about listening and finding common ground, which is essential in creating spaces that truly serve their communities.