Chere LeClair

Chere LeClair is a Bozeman native and graduate of Montana State University’s School of Architecture (SOA). Entering the field in a time when women were underrepresented, she persevered with wit and style and earned her M. Arch at the University of Pennsylvania. She returned to MSU as faculty after years of practicing and is one of a few female professors in the SOA.  LeClair makes sacrifices for her students and speaks candidly about her struggles in the field of architecture.  She leads an active private practice and served as the region representative for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Northwest and Pacific Region and as a member of the AIA National Strategic Council (2015-2017).  In 2017, she chaired the AIA National Topaz for Excellence in Architectural Education jury and was appointed to the newly formed Equity and the Future of the Profession Committee. As a female student, LeClair faced unique challenges at MSU and has tasked herself with changing that experience for students and graduates entering the field today. As an incredibly reflective and hard-working individual, she injects lessons on topics such as salary negotiations and issues of equity in the profession and among those we serve into class discussions.

Chere LeClair works incredibly hard to ensure students today have a more solid path to success.  I am eternally grateful to have entered the School of Architecture at MSU during her tenure and years of work here.