SOPHIE M. ASHLEY

DIRECTOR OF ASSEMBLY OPERATIONS

Sophie is Director of Assembly Operations for Shibusa Systems LLC, responsible for developing and managing the assembly process and personnel for construction of Shibusa units. In this capacity, she manages the implementation of architectural processes, from conceptualized site plans to completed projects.

Sophie Ashley’s passion lies in location-specific, high performance construction with a focus on climate resilience and affordability. Her experience in light frame construction has transformed into a commitment to heavy and mass timber because of their renewable nature as a building material for resilient and high performing residential buildings.

Prior to joining Shibusa Systems, Sophie received her Masters of Science in Sustainable Building Systems from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She completed independent studies on tiny homes, resilient construction in humid climates, and energy efficient housing. She learned green infrastructure for stormwater management through Launch NOLA and completed an international architectural foundations program at the University of Navarra in Spain. Pitzer College conferred Sophie her undergraduate degree in Political Studies and Spanish. Her focus on building science, high performance construction, embodied carbon and mechanical systems made her the ideal person to shape Shibusa as the Director of Assembly Operations.

Sophie’s professional experiences bring a blend of organizational leadership and entrepreneurial management. As a Framing Crew Leader at the St. Bernard Project, Sophie not only renovated flood damaged homes for low income residents, but also crafted staff programming for the team. Her mastery of carpentry was honed while working at Edifice Builders, and evolved after she founded her own company, Boss Lady Construction (“BLC”). BLC focused its carpentry practice in residential renovations, flood-resilient construction, historic preservation, and custom cabinetry. After five years of running her own business, Sophie has honed her skills in construction, project management, communication, and organizational skills.

Beyond construction worksites, Sophie has become a passionate advocate for green infrastructure and learning to live with water in New Orleans. Her racial justice work has centered on the local housing crisis and immigrant workers’ rights, where she has used her Spanish skills to help organize local community development.