After working in Bolivia, Chloethiel moved back to Washington, D.C., where she founded her architecture firm, Keyes, Smith & Satterlee, in 1950. During this time, she thrived with urban renewal projects in Washington.
In 1960, Chloethiel was inducted into the American Institute of Architects and was the 6th woman to receive the honor.
After a few years, the firm eventually became known as Chloethiel Woodard Smith & Associated Architects. By the late 1960s, the firm became the largest female-run architectural firm in the United States.
She continued to work as an architect and planner for many renewal projects, including the National Airport Metro Station and Capitol Park, as well as projects involving highways, office buildings, and schools.
Chloethiel’s firm was an outstanding influence on future architects. She eventually decided to retire in 1982 but continued to share her wisdom by serving on boards for several institutions like the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the President’s Council on Pennsylvania Avenue.
After a magnificent career that spread over decades, Chloethiel passed away from cancer in 1992. Her legacy not only lives on through the important projects she created but through her impact on the history of women in architecture.
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