Ausma Skujina was born on July 18, 1931 in Irlava, Latvian SSR. She graduated from the University of Latvia in 1957. During her career Skuinya worked as an architect at several institutes. Among them were “Pilsētprojekts” (1968-1979) and “Kolkhozproekt” (1979-1983). With the latter she created residential houses in Mārupe. Since 1993 (after Latvia became independent again) she has been working independently in the capital Riga.

The architect followed the “Green Architecture” style and designed her plans and restorations in a sustainable way, minimizing the use of resources.

She led projects of church buildings in Wangazhi, Aizput and Liepaja. The most famous restoration, under her execution, is the Lutheran Church in Vecpiebalgas in 1997. The church, which has existed since 1345, was destroyed during World War II. Skuinya had the churches renewed in modern forms, but using traditional materials and craftsmanship, bringing back a significant piece of (architectural) culture.
For securing the sacral monuments, Skuinya received a lifetime grant from the State Foundation for Latvian Cultural Heritage from the Council of Ministers of the Latvian SSR and the State in 1999. In addition, the architect was honored with “the Order of the Three Stars” of the fourth degree. The Order is a symbol of recognition of outstanding achievement of cultural to scientific activities.