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CONNECTING COMMUNITIES THROUGH NON-PROFIT LEADERSHIP: AN ARCHITECT’S PERSPECTIVE by By: Sarah D. Bruce, AIA, Executive Director, Syracuse Habitat for Humanity
“What better way to promote a positive impact on the built environment than by providing adequate and safe housing for those in need.” This statement, which I first posed to myself in 2015, has followed me throughout my career.
AN ALTERNATE JOURNEY Like many aspiring architects, I graduated with my Bachelor of Architecture degree excited to join a firm, study hard, and pursue licensure. Unlike many other graduates, however, I eventually came to understand that the “traditional” career path for an architect was not the right fit for me. I still wanted to get licensed; I wanted to be able to say “I am an Architect” legally and truthfully, yet I felt a strong desire to give back to my community. After three years of working for an architecture firm, where I gained required experience hours that I needed prior to obtaining licensure, my desire to make a difference pushed me out of my comfort zone. I applied to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA1 with Syracuse Habitat for Humanity, a oneyear engagement to help increase capacity at the non-profit organization. The year flew by and I became more engaged in a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. I became so involved in the mission and work that I decided PAGE 6 | MARCH ‘22
to stay on with Syracuse Habitat for two additional years after the completion of my AmeriCorps service. Those years were a considerable point of growth for me in my career—I studied and passed all of my AREs, I learned more about the inner workings of a non-profit organization, and I especially learned about the importance of building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Additionally, I joined my local AIA Board, connecting me with the architectural community while I took what I later came to learn was an “alternate career path.” After receiving my architecture license, I felt compelled to return to practice to utilize my degree and license in a more traditional manor.
Every one deserves a safe, decent place to call home.
