AIA YAF Connection 21.02 - Advocate for Change

This issue: Advocate for Change

Architects who advocate for change are driven by a passion for issues that align with their core principles, be it sustainability, social justice, or accessibility. Advocacy in action showcases the unique opportunity that we have as architects to engage in meaningful conversations about the policies that impact our work every single day.

architecture and design journal of the Young Architects Forum

Above YAF Virginia representative, Carrie Parker AIA walking up the steps to the Virginia Capitol in Richmond.

2023 Young Architects Forum Advisory Committee

2023 Chair Matt Toddy, AIA

2023 Vice Chair Jason Takeuchi, AIA

2023 Past Chair Jessica O’Donnell, AIA

2023 - 2024 Knowledge Director

2023 - 2024 Advocacy Director

2023 - 2024 Communications Director

2022 - 2023 Community Director

2022 - 2023 Strategic Vision Director

2023 - COF Representative

2023 - Strategic Council Liaison

AIA Staff Liaison

2022-2023 Young Architect Representatives

Arizona, Jordan Kravitz, AIA

Colorado, Kaylyn Kirby, AIA

Connecticut, Brian Baril, AIA

District of Columbia, Kaitlyn Badlato, AIA

Georgia, Laura Morton, AIA

Indiana, Ashley Thornberry, AIA

Kentucky, Terry Zink, AIA

Massachusetts, Darguin Fortuna, AIA

Michigan, Trent Schmitz, AIA

New Hampshire, Nathaniel St. Jean, AIA

New Mexico, Efrèn Lòpez, AIA

North Carolina, Shawna Mabie, AIA

Ohio, Seth Duke, AIA

Rhode Island, Bryan Buckley, AIA

South Carolina, Ryan Lewis, AIA

Texas, Samantha Markham, AIA

Utah, Melissa Gaddis, AIA

Virginia, Carrie Parker, AIA

West Virginia, Meghann Gregory, AIA

Kiara Gilmore, AIA

Anastasia Markiw, AIA

Gabriella Bermea, AIA

Sarah Nelson-Woynicz, AIA

Kate Thuesen, AIA

Jeanne Jackson, FAIA

Karen Lu, AIA

Jonathan Tolbert, Assoc. AIA

2023-2024 Young Architect Representatives

Alabama, Elliot Brown, AIA

Arkansas, Katherine Lashley AIA

California, Vasilies Beseau, AIA

Florida, Arlenne Gil, AIA

Hawaii, Kevin Loo-Chan, AIA

Idaho, Jorge Basulto, AIA

Illinois, Raquel Guzman Geara, AIA

Iowa, Kevin Wagner, AIA

Kansas, Garric Baker, AIA

Louisiana, Alexandra Tengco, AIA

Maine, Mario Lewis, AIA

Minnesota, Kyle Palzer, AIA

Mississippi, Robert Farr, AIA

Missouri, Chelsea McQueen, AIA

Nebraska, Jonathan Oswald, AIA

Nevada, Wellbe Bartsma, AIA

New Jersey, Abigail Benjamin, AIA

New York, Wei Wang, AIA

Oklahoma, Jordan Hall, AIA

Oregon, Nicole Becker, AIA

Pennsylvania, Melanie Ngami, AIA

Puerto Rico, Armando Rigau, AIA

South Dakota, Levi Pfeil, AIA

Tennessee, Sarah Page, AIA

Vermont, Devon Dushey, AIA

Washington, Tanya Kataria, AIA

Wisconsin, Wesley Churchill, AIA

Wyoming, Kendra Shirley, AIA

35 From Doubt to Empowerment: The Power of Bold Choices in an Architect’s Career Mark Hadaway, Assoc. AIA

37 Designing – across the pond!

Meghann Gregory, AIA

38 Advocacy and Protecting the Right to Practice

Shadia Jaramillo, AIA

40 Architect as Advocate

An Interview by Carrie Parker, AIA

43 Why Color Determines Inclusion and Exclusion

Sharika Tasnim

46 The Culture of Architecture

Melissa Gaddis, AIA and Raquel Guzman Guerra,AIA

49 Passing the Torch: Empowering the Next Generation of Architects through Experience Sharing

Katelyn Rossier, AIA

52 Collaboration, Creativity, Community

Kate Schwennsen, FAIA

54 Connection & Chill

Knowledge Focus Group

Editorial team

Gabriella Bermea, AIA, NCARB, NOMA

Editor in chief

Bermea is an Associate and Design

Architect at VLK Architects in Austin, Texas. Gabriella is a board member for AIA Austin, the chair of the Texas Society of Architects EDI Committee, and the 2023 Communications Director of the AIA Young Architects Forum.

Bryan Buckley, AIA, NCARB

Senior editor

Buckley is the studio director & business development director at Signal Work in Providence, Rhode Island. He focuses his efforts on both internal and external growth and is the managing architect behind most of the firm’s K-12 and urban rehabilitation projects. He serves as a director-at-large for his local AIA chapter and is Rhode Island’s young architect representative.

Kendra Shirley, AIA, NCARB

Senior editor

Shirley is a project architect at Studio R.E.D. in Wyoming and Colorado and is Wyoming’s young architect representative. As a graduate from one of the top undergraduate architecture programs in the country, Kendra’s training and experience provides her with a unique and innovative perspective for creating extraordinary experiences and designs.

Wesley Churchill, AIA, NCARB

Senior editor

Churchill is a project architect and associate at HGA in Milwaukee, WI, working out of the healthcare practice group. Wesley is the young architect representative for Wisconsin and a leader on the AIA Wisconsin emerging professionals committee.

Contributors

Matt Toddy, AIA

Gabriella Bermea, AIA

Monica Blasko, AIA

Jordan Kravitz, AIA

Janki DePalma, CPSM

Stephen Parker, AIA

Li Ren, AIA

Michelle Amt, AIA

Mark Hadaway, Assoc. AIA

Meghann Gregory, AIA

Kevin Wagner, AIA, NCARB

Senior editor

Wagner is an architect at Substance Architecture in Des Moines, Iowa where he focuses on design and improving the quality of the built environment. He is the young architect representative for Iowa and serves on the AIA Iowa chapter emerging professionals committee.

Wei Wang, AIA, NCARB

Senior editor

Wang is an associate and project manager at Dattner Architects. Wei believes the architect’s role goes beyond design and function; it also uplifts communities and fosters social equity. She manages projects from mixed-use high-rise residential developments to various commercial and industrial developments.

Garric Baker, AIA, NCARB

Senior editor

Baker is a graduate of the College of Architecture, Planning & Design at Kansas State University and excels in leadership positions with state and regional Chambers of Commerce, Young Professionals, the Kansas Barn Alliance, local and state wide AIA Kansas Board of Directors, and Regional Economic Development activities.

Meghann Gregory, AIA, NCARB

Senior editor

Gregory is a senior project architect at K2M Design. She is the young architect representative for West Virginia. Her professional interests include adaptive reuse, urban planning, custom residential, and sustainable practices.

Shadia Jaramillo, AIA

Carrie Parker, AIA

Sharika Tasnim

Melissa Gaddis, AIA

Raquel Guzman Guerra, AIA

Katelyn Rossier, AIA

Kate Schwennsen, FAIA

YAF Chair’s message: Advocate for Impact

Architecture has the power to shape the world we live in, but it is likewise shaped by external forces. Policies, regulations, and cultural movements impact the profession and our ability as architects to create meaningful, sustainable spaces. In this dynamic landscape, the need for personal and professional advocacy becomes increasingly crucial. Advocacy takes on many forms, from active involvement in politics to becoming a voice for meaningful issues. It requires grit, an understanding of the isolating nature of advocacy, and the ability to find collaborative partners. By “acting small” and taking practical steps towards improvement, architects can build momentum and drive lasting change.

Architects who embrace the role of advocate recognize that they have a unique perspective and expertise to contribute to these discussions. They understand their involvement in politics, whether as citizen architects or through engagement with relevant organizations and institutions, can lead to tangible outcomes that benefit the profession and the communities they serve. Outside the political theater, advocacy can encompass the personal values and beliefs that define who we are as individuals and professionals. Architects who advocate for change are driven by a passion for issues that align with their core principles, be it sustainability, social justice, or accessibility. They recognize that their voices matter and have the potential to influence the trajectory of the profession.

But advocacy can be an arduous journey. It requires persistence, resilience, and a willingness to confront the challenges that come with standing up for what you believe in. Advocates often find themselves in the minority, challenging the status quo and pushing against entrenched systems. This can be a lonely and isolating experience. In these moments of challenge and intersection it is essential to remember that meaningful change rarely happens in isolation.

Collaboration and partnership are key ingredients in successful advocacy. Architects who seek to effect change understand the power of collective action. By finding like-minded individuals, organizations, and communities, architects can amplify their voices and create a united front. Collaboration brings together diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources, enabling advocates to tackle complex issues and achieve greater impact. Together, they can bridge gaps, forge alliances, and mobilize broader support for their cause.

In our last issue, we introduced the next strategic initiative of the AIA Young Architects Forum - Architects in Action. This broad, 5-year goal is broken down into three distinct priorities: Advocate for Change, Educate for Impact, and Diversify for the Future. In the conversations that follow, we’ll explore what it means to Advocate for Change as a young architect. It is my hope that these pages can help bridge those gaps and forge those alliances, creating a ripple effect that inspires others to action and generates the support necessary for large-scale impact.

The need to advocate for change in the architecture profession has never been more critical. As architects, we possess the knowledge, skills, and creativity to shape a better future. By becoming architect-advocates, we can contribute to meaningful discourse, challenge the status quo, and lead the way towards a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive built environment.

Matt Toddy, AIA

Toddy is a Partner at Astra Studios in Columbus, Ohio. Toddy is a 2021 recipient of the Young Architect Award, the 2022 Past President of AIA Columbus, and the 2023 Chair of the AIA Young Architects Forum.

Advocacy for Change: Empowerment for All

As we look towards our YAF 2023 Priority areas, Advocate for Change is our focus area for this edition. The first step towards change in this area is for architects to fully understand the issues at hand and devise innovative solutions that benefit our clients, communities, and profession. By drawing on our advanced critical thinking abilities and the ability to identify the larger stories at play, we can become valuable advocates for promoting significant policy and systematic changes. This can come to fruition in diverse ways, including engaging with elected officials, participating in state-appointed commissions and committees, sharing knowledge in legislative settings, or even running for public office – as you’ll hear in this quarter’s edition. Each avenue offers architects the chance to make a difference and actively shape the future of our society.

In this issue, you will be inspired by our 2023 AIA Young Architect Award Recipients, listening to their words of wisdom for our readers and future generations. You’ll read updates on international policy with NCARB and how grassroots leaders are creating new pathways for a more equitable path toward licensure through international advocacy and practice.

As we work towards creating safe, beautiful, and sustainable environments that prioritize the health, safety, and welfare of all members of our built environments, advocacy in action showcases the unique opportunity that we have as architects to engage in meaningful conversations about the policies that impact our work every single day. Advocacy is the tool that allows us to turn our visions into reality. To be a part of this larger narrative, we encourage you to delve deep into our stories and become inspired to act. By doing so, you too can contribute to promote policies that create truly equitable and thriving built environments for all.

Editorial committee call

Q3 2023:

Call for submissions on the topic Educational and Professional Development.

Call for submissions on the topic Educational and Professional Development. Our editorial committee welcomes the submission of articles, projects, photography, and other design content. Submitted content is subject to editorial review and selected for publication in e-magazine format based on relevance to the theme of a particular issue.

2023 Editorial Committee:

Call for volunteers, contributing writers, interviewers and design critics.

Connection’s editorial committee is currently seeking architects interested in building their writing portfolio by working with our editorial team to pursue targeted article topics and interviews that will be shared amongst Connection’s largely circulated e-magazine format. Responsibilities include contributing one or more articles per publication cycle (3–4 per year).

If you are interested in building your resume and contributing to Connection please contact the editor in chief at: gbermea@vlkarchitects.com.

Bermea is an Associate and Design Architect at VLK Architects in Austin, Texas and serves as the 2023 Communications Director of the YAF.

Gabriella Bermea, AIA, NOMA

2023 AIA National Young Architect Award Winners

In 2023, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has selected 17 recipients for the AIA Young Architects Award.

The AIA Young Architects Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers. Our Communications Focus Group asked this year’s recipients for their thoughts on what impact they wanted to leave on the rest of the world and left us with words of inspiration for the next generation of the industry?

“When my architecture career closes, I’d want others to say I actively advocated for the underrepresented and marginalized in our society who are the most impacted by our work to have a voice in the design process. And that I provided a pathway into the profession for the next generation to fulfill their dreams with fewer hurdles to jump and obstacles to climb.”

Brien Graham, AIA, NOMA, NCARB Project Manager LPA

“Everything that I do works to support students and early career professionals and expose them to the greater design profession. The impact I hope to make is that these students find their place in our profession, in whatever capacity they find joy (Architect, marketing, interiors, construction management, etc). I’ve been ‘adjacent’ for almost 10 years now, and it’s been the most fulfilling career I could have asked for and would not have even dreamt to consider!”

Kimberly Tuttle, AIA, NCARB, CAE Associate | Emerging Talent Program Manager Gensler

Above | Brien Graham at the AD EX Architecture Camp.

Above | Kimberly Tuttle on NCARB committee service.

“I would like young architects to see and understand that architecture as a profession is wildly diverse from traditional practice to alternate career paths. By stretching yourself and exploring all facets of the industry, a vast array of valuable opportunities will present themselves. I have personally had the rewarding opportunities to explore a large private sector corporate firm, large public sector federal agency, and adjunct teaching at a university early in my career.“

Beresford Pratt, AIA, NOMA Design Manager and Architect U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

“In an ideal world, I’d like to put myself out of a job – we would have fully decarbonized our industry and established equitable, clean supply chains for our building materials, negating the need for people like me to serve as sustainability specialists and advocates. I want future generations to be able to focus on expanding architecture to serve a broader audience with the confidence that whatever they design will only serve to better our environment and society. Until then, I welcome the next generations of leaders to accelerate the nascent changes in our field to push our industry to be cleaner, healthier, and more just.”

Efrie Escott , AIA, LEED AP BD+C, LCACP, LFA Sustainability Transformation Leader, Digital Energy Schneider Electric

“You - being brave and authentically who you are - is the most important thing you can do in your life. In our profession, there is always a place for you and your passions, but it’s up to you to find, invest in, and pursue it - and building a network of advocates around yourself who can encourage, challenge, and support you is invaluable. Remember that as designers, every day, we can change the world around us, and you get to decide what your legacy will be.”

Kate Thuesen, AIA, LEED AP Talent Acquisition Leader | Senior Associate DLR Group

Above | Kate Theusen with Michelle Obama.

Above | Beresford Pratt with United Way.

Above | Efrie Escott in Rwanda.

“As the profession becomes increasingly diverse, all architects’ voices should not only be included, but their prosperity should be ensured. Equipping all architects with business training, cultural competency and leadership skills, combined with design towards community welfare, will benefit us all.”

“Architects have the skills to shape our physical and cultural environment, implement sustainability efforts, and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities near and far. We have the responsibility to make positive change in the world...and we must have the unwavering courage to do so.”

“I first and foremost just want to leave the world better than I found it. I want my work to bring joy to all those who interact with it and leave fond memories in its wake. I also want to be an example to future generations of what can be achieved when you look beyond the traditional definition of what an architect is and always strive to be more than you are today.”

Jason Takeuchi, AIA, NCARB, NOMA Project Architect Ferraro Choi

Matthew Clapper, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP Principal/Founder Modern Architecture & Development, LLC

Ryan R Murphy, AIA, CDT, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C President And Co-Founder Shamrock+

Above | Ryan R Murphy in active duty.

Above | Jason Takeuchi presenting the Mini-MBA.

Above | Matthew Clapper volunteering in Chicago.

“The mark I hope to leave on the design industry would be as a leader known for bringing others to the table within design, process implementation, and community engagement. I hope to expand the idea of what an architect does beyond the stereotypical firm work to provide additional opportunities to those who may not have experienced participation in the design of their communities. Broadening the definition of an architect can help facilitate additional perspectives to be included into a design, process, or community engagement within our field to create more inclusive and empathetic communities to serve our basic human needs as a society.”

“I hope to create places of healing that support people on their mental health journey so everyone can live their lives to their fullest potential. I hope to reduce stigma around mental health through creative and beautiful design solutions…To the next generation of the industry, I will share something I try to constantly remind myself to do: Act like a toddler – question the smallest assumption by asking WHY.”

Stephanie Vito, AIA, ACHA Vice President CannonDesign

“I wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of architecture to positively influence and enhance lives. My personal goal as a designer is to maximize positive social impact with minimal environmental impact. I hope to leave a legacy of positive change and inspire future generations to shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and harmonious world.”

David Wilson, AIA (he/him) Project Designer | Associate Vice President HGA

Allison Dvorak, AIA, NCARB, CPHC Facility Development Director Avera Health

Above | David Wilson mentoring the next generation.

Above | Allison Dvorak at a Skatepark Panel.

Above | Stephanie Vito facilitating a client meeting.

“I’m inspired by the momentum that is gathering in our industry to achieve holistic, equitable, quantifiable high performance on every project. Early-career designers and architects are huge drivers of this effort. “

Simona Fischer, AIA, CPHC Director of Sustainable Practice, Architect, Associate MSR Design

“My charge is to build passion and excitement in practicing Healthcare architecture. I advocate for architecture schools to look more closely at the healthcare project type. I see healthcare as the community center both now and in the future; providing education on nutrition and dietary wellness with urban gardens incorporated into their medical campuses and the communities they serve. I will strive to break down the walls between competition for work, and the betterment of the practice; being humble and willing as firms and practitioners to come together, share our thinking, challenge our peers and our clients alike. Being able to ask the tough questions - is what you are doing bettering society? Are we providing equity in what we create? Are we being responsible with our resources? Are we creating resiliency in the system and helping it to flourish even in times of crisis? While I know that our tomorrows are not guaranteed, I am committing my career to ask questions and push the way we think.”

Christopher M. Haedt, AIA, NCARB, ACHA, LEED AP BD+C Principal,, DesignGroup he | him | his

“Architecture and design can be deployed at all scales, all budgets, and can be accessible to all people. These constraints push us to be engaging, curious, and creative! I would encourage the next generation of architects to challenge conventional boundaries of practice by leveraging our design thinking at every turn to broaden our professional influence and carve new paths we can impact the future.”

Jacob Davis, AIA, LEED AP Senior Associate Archimania

Above | Jacob Davis hosting a student tour.

Above | Simona Fischer in practice.

Above | DG Columbus Office Candid. Credit: Megan Leigh Barnard; meganleighbarnard@gmail.com

“I aspire to make spaces that empower people, with equity in opportunities to imagine and create lives filled with health and joy. I hope that each generation of design professionals is progressively more representative of the communities we serve and brings a holistic, humanistic approach to their work. We need bold, collective action to continue minimizing our footprints (carbon & ecological) while maximizing our impact (human & social).”

“I will never forget the magical feeling I had the first time I felt seen and valued as a designer. My daily objective is to help my colleagues and the design community around me to feel belonging and empowerment. My hope is for them to harness their superpower to propel them to their personal version of success.”

Janica Baker,

Associate Principal NAC Architecture

“I hope my work demonstrates the potential for design to create positive change for all, and lifts the expectation for good design for all who experience it.”

Caroline Shannon, AIA, MPH Strategist Gensler

AIA, LEED AP

Shannon Gathings, AIA, NOMA Associate | Project Manager Duvall Decker

Above | Shannon Gathings serving at AIA Mississippi.

Above | Janica Baker at Oasis event,

Above | Caroline Shannon on a site visit..

The Loneliness Epidemic:

The Architect’s Role in Designing a Remedy

In the wake of COVID-19, an insidious epidemic of loneliness and isolation has emerged in the U.S. Lingering health and economic stresses from the pandemic coupled with increased calls for racial justice and unsettling threats of climate change have amplified the impacts and disparities of mental health in our country. The intersections of identity and economic inequality with mental health has gained clarity, and the AIA National YAF Advocacy Focus Group sought to highlight these intersections in the final installment of their advocacy webinar series.

Launched in December 2022, the virtual event “So You Want to Design for All? Designing for Mental Health” was moderated by Emily Emily Schickner, AIA, principal architect at Harrison Design. She was joined by panelists Ashley Cox, AICP, NOMA, EcoDistricts AP, an urban designer at evolveEA; Erin K. Peavey, AIA, WELL AP, EDAC, LSSYB, LEED AP BD+C, a vice president at HKS; and Mindy Thompson Fullilove, MD, LFAPA, Hon AIA, a Professor of Urban Policy and Health at The New School. Touching on her research with the AIA Strategic Council’s Mental Health Incubator and her own personal challenges, Schickner’s empathetic perspective led to a vulnerable, eyeopening conversation surrounding often overlooked topics due to their uncomfortable nature. As Schickner noted “People want to lend support, but don’t always know when others are struggling. By creating open environments, people can rely on each other.”

The webinar provided a much-needed platform for honest dialogue with the goal of de-stigmatizing mental health conversations. As Peavey contemplated, “If I could change one thing about the way we communicate, it would be normalization. I wish we would talk about mental health like diabetes or cancer and understand that mental health struggles are not a choice or a weakness. They are a part of the human experience.”

THE [MENTAL] STATE OF THE UNION

Mental health struggles are extremely prevalent in the United States. Approximately half of U.S. adults report experiencing measurable loneliness, while more than one in five adults and more than one in three young adults are living with a mental illness (Source 1). “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an under-appreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health,” said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. The consequences of loneliness and isolation range from increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia to severe mental health challenges including depression and anxiety. Peavey, who weaves together her experience in

Above | “So You Want to Design for All? Designing for Mental Health”

Above | Moderator, Emily Schickner

environmental psychology and architecture, noted how often the mind and body are separated in the ways they are approached medically, but loneliness is not just a mental or a social condition. Loneliness has physical and economic impacts for the individual and society as a whole.

Further, loneliness can be a hidden and insidious state. An individual who is physically surrounded by people and maintaining relationships may be internally struggling –unbeknownst to those around them. Vivek refers to loneliness as “the great masquerader,” as it often presents as emotions like anger and can be entangled in destructive behaviors like substance abuse (Source 2). These emotions and behaviors are exasperated by internalized shame and the self- and social stigma of addressing mental health.

Fullilove, a mental health practitioner, posed direct questions during the webinar: “What does it mean if a whole nation isn’t happy? How do we re-knit a broken nation? How did we make ourselves unhappy, and what does design have to do with it?” Fullilove has committed her career to exploring and developing solutions for these uncomfortable truths.

THE CULTURAL DIAGNOSIS

A theme emerged early in the discussion with Cox connecting her work as an urban planner to that of a clinician. “I think of myself as a therapist on the urban scale — diagnosing issues and offering prescriptions to remedy them through design.” Cox surmised that due to the structure of our society and economic systems, deep disparities must be addressed and unpacked. From race to gender to class, access to mental health resources

and quality care has historically not been equal for all, and often those experiencing mental health challenges, homelessness, and poverty face punitive responses. As Fullilove stated, “Having an unequal society makes an unhappy society. The concentration of wealth undermines the health of all.”

Outlining data points to measure the state of our national mental health, Fullilove pointed to decreasing intergenerational social mobility, lack of companionship and strong friendships, and fear from increasing mass shootings. She described how the rate of mental illness is dependent on the state of the world and trauma. Addressing mass shootings, she questioned: “How are the school children in America being affected when they’ve had more active shooter drills than fire drills? That stays with you for a lifetime.”

THE ARCHI-CULTURE DIAGNOSIS

Peavey felt Fullilove peered into the soul of the architect as she described the conflicts that architects face on a daily basis — the conflict between the desires of clients who have the means to fund large projects and the communities without those resources, the conflict between the building industry and the ecological crisis, and the conflict between the demands of work and desire to participate in hobbies or start a family.

Sharing her struggles of early motherhood, Peavey recounted the loneliness she experienced caring for an infant after losing her own mother while also studying for her final Architect Registration Exam. During this trying time, she sought out connections with other mothers to fill the void, and it solidified her commitment to advocating for social connection for all. Peavey’s work is based on the principle that the physical environment is the foundation for health and is a determinant of social connection. From the water cooler to a city block, “people going through a difficult time need a place where they can be and feel connected.”

Cox emphasized the importance of concurrently analyzing the macro and micro scale. She often interfaces between systems and people in her work with the goal of reorganizing and redesigning to ensure that everyone is able to benefit. She described her collaboration with communities that have suffered historic trauma and residents whose present behaviors and social norms tend to hold them back. Cox observed that their traumas prevent them from working together to overcome the

Fullilove encouraged architects to design environments conducive to mental health. As we shift to supportive, inclusive, and loving environments where people have space to express themselves, states of mental illness go down, and mental health improves.

Above | Mindy Thompson Fullilove

past and think beyond the present to envision a healthier, more prosperous future.

In southwestern Pennsylvania, Cox has worked with several communities with a steel industry legacy and described the complex relationships that come with that history. An ingrained power imbalance takes hold with powerful corporations both bringing benefit to and traumatizing the residents — providing jobs and allowing them to participate in the economy, but harming their environment by contributing to poor air and water quality; investing in select local institutions, but oftentimes creating a sub-par market for other businesses and real estate, leading to new issues like food deserts, poor infrastructure, and struggling schools.

Design complexities from economic systems built on historically inequitable practices to present-day lack of public transportation can be opportunities for building a more just future that values the health and wellbeing of all and improves social connection in our communities. “Communities where residents are more connected with one another fare better on several measures of population health, community safety, community resilience when natural disasters strike, prosperity, and civic engagement (Source 1).”

THE REMEDY

Consensus from our panelists and the Surgeon General of the U.S is that social connection is the remedy to the loneliness and

isolation epidemic. As Peavey affirms, “Design is never neutral. It either supports health or hinders it.” She detailed how architects play an important role in one of the six primary determinants of social connection — physical spaces. From our home to our work place, the design qualities of the physical spaces where we spend our time are impacting our wellbeing. The walkability, access to daylight and greenness, sense of place, and thoughtful design choices “can increase social interaction, the integration of diverse people, social support, civic pride, social resilience, and social and political involvement.”

Melding her personal experiences and professional research, Peavey has extensively explored Third Places, or the “intersection of place, programs, policy, and technology that creates maximum impact.” These Third Places, which exist outside of the home (“first place”) and work (“second place”), offer an opportunity to employ design to “strengthen social capital, foster social connection, boost diversity and wellbeing” as they make up for a social deficit elsewhere.

Further, Peavey has distilled her research into “Six Design Guidelines for Creating Third Places that Support Social Health” including:

1. Accessibility: Creating places that are safe, inclusive, and walkable

2. Activation: Programming place from ordinary to extraordinary

3. Choice: Finding joy in variety, flexibility, and control

4. Human Scale: Weaving comfort into the DNA of a place

Above | Ashley Cox

Above | Erin K. Peavey

5. Nature: Moving from gray to green

6. Sense of Place: Crafting a place as unique as the people who use it

Zooming out, Fullilove explained that by evaluating the various scales of design around us — from the design of social systems that stratify us by race, gender, and class, the design of geography including redlining to human-made borders, to the design of social symbols of that geographic and social stratification — we can begin to unlock the remedy.

In her writings, Fullilove prioritizes investment in social connection through parks and gathering spaces and offers a guide to “restore joy” at various scales through nine elements of urban restoration. “When everyone has room to be themselves and room to contribute, we can collectively solve our problems.”

Envisioning her ideal future approach, Cox would like to see “a significant commitment to supporting mental health through deep economic policy and shifts in investment— more investment in public housing, ecological restoration, programs for people, access to quality healthcare, free public transportation. The cost to live and access to space should be more inclusive and that can only be done with capital and policy change in my opinion.” With mental health as a top priority, the current Surgeon

General of the U.S. has developed a framework to establish a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection based on six foundational pillars. Architects are critical to several of these pillars including: strengthening social infrastructure through physical design elements; enacting wellbeing-based policies like parental leave and flexible hours in our workplaces and promoting public transportation and access to greenspace in our communities; continuing to deepen our knowledge of the connection between mental health and architecture; and cultivating a culture of connection in both our work and personal realms. Calling attention to, focusing energy on, and, perhaps most importantly, allocating funds to such issues is a significant step in working towards a nationwide cure for the loneliness epidemic.

Architects have a unique role in shaping the built environment, and that comes with great opportunity to contribute to healing our nation through design. If you are eager to dive in, lead with empathy and kindness, initiate and engage in tough conversations to foster quality connections, and explore design decisions centered on mental health and wellbeing. For more resources, consider reading and listening to our recommendations (see graphic inset) and watching the “So You Want to Design for All? Designing for Mental Health” webinar on-demand on AIAU here: https://bit.ly/YAFMentalHealth.

Above | Periodic Table of the Elements of Urban Restoration from “Urban Alchemy: Restoring Joy in America’s Sorted-Out Cities” by Mindy Fullilove, MD

Above | Six Foundational Pillars

The 2022 YAF National YAF Advocacy Focus Group webinar organizers: Kaitlyn Badlato, Trevor Boyle, Melissa Gaddis, Anastasia Markiw, Laura Morton, and Director, Monica Blasko.

Annotated Sources

1New Surgeon General Advisory Raises Alarm about the Devastating Impact of the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation in the United States | HHS.gov

2 https://www.npr.org/2020/04/20/838757183/a-socialprescription-why-human-connection-is-crucial-to-our-health

Monica Blasko Social Media Handles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-blasko-aia/ Instagram: state_of_mon

Above | Reading + Listening Recommendations to Design for Mental Health

Monica Blasko, AIA

Blasko is a Project Architect at Desmone, past AIA Young Architect Forum Advocacy Director, and AIA Pennsylvania Emerging Professional Award Recipient.

Architects have a unique role in shaping the built environment, and that comes with great opportunity to contribute to healing our nation through design

Politics and Architecture: Advocacy through Design

There is a discussion amongst the AIA on the importance of why architects must be involved in city, state and national conversations about public policy regarding our built environment. Regrettably, many architects are still noticeably absent when it comes to politics. I was able to sit down and speak with a true change maker - young architect, and former member of the Arizona Legislature in the State House of Representatives, serving the new 26th legislative district area Christian Solorio Acuña, AIA, NOMA. Christian is closing the gap of political inaction and demonstrating actionable advocacy within our profession.

After graduating college with his architectural degree, Christian started his career in the K-12 education sector. He had attended K-12 in an innercity school district with “bad buildings’’. He “wanted to be able to provide good learning environments for all students.” However, Christian was still living in the low income community he grew up in. He began to see the direct impacts that the Arizona housing crisis had on the hard-working families that were in his neighborhood.

Christian began to find purpose through acts of service.

While growing up, Christian’s family experienced extreme financial and housing hardship. However, no matter how much his family struggled, his mother taught him there was always something they could do to help other community members who were struggling too. Whether it was donating the clothing he and his brother had grown out of or volunteering at food pantries, Christian began to find purpose through acts of service.

In high school, Christian was able to participate in a program in partnership with Arizona State University. The program exposed at risk students to the design profession. He was immediately drawn to architecture when he saw the power of design and its ability to uplift. Leaning into his desire to give back to his community he decided to pursue a degree in architecture.

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, in Arizona, there is a shortage of affordable rental homes available to those whose incomes are at or below the poverty guideline or 30% of their area median income1. The rental crisis also disproportionately affects Black, Latino and Native American people, who are more likely to be renters and more likely to be extremely low income2

Understanding that Arizona needed more low-income housing, Christian decided to act. With his continual desire to give back to the community that helped his family during difficult times, he left the K-12 architectural sector and began designing affordable housing. Despite making housing as many people as possible in safe, affordable housing as quickly as possible his architectural priority, it was still taking him 3 to 5 years to only open 10 to 80 units at a time. Christian knew that his neighbors were still struggling; people were sacrificing basic needs such as food, clothes, and healthcare just to pay rent. He decided he could do more.

With a sense of urgency, he began taking actions outside his nineto-five job. He would show up to community meetings and other organized events knowing he just wanted to help with the issue of affordable housing. After working on numerous community

Christian knew that his neighbors were still struggling; people were sacrificing basic needs such as food, clothes, and healthcare just to pay rent. He decided he could do more.

Above | Christian Solorio Acuña

initiatives, he proved his dedication to his neighborhood. In 2021, his community asked him to represent them in the Arizona House of Representatives. He had only worked tangentially to politics until this point. Albeit surprised to be tapped on the shoulder, he was honored to serve, represent and advocate for the district that he had lived in for 25 years.

Extremely well versed in issues surrounding, education, transportation, sustainability, health, and land use, he was able to bring his unique perspective as an architect to the state capitol. Christian explains that architects are trained to view “problems differently, more holistically.” Legislation relating to building and infrastructure was being completely ignored before Christian took office. Christian challenges that policies and politics affect our profession. Decisions by our policymakers are made with us without the input of architects and wouldn’t we want our input heard? Its “our responsibility of architects to be there and we cannot complain if we did not set up to say something.”

Although Christian’s term ended in 2022, his community involvement did not. In addition to working at Architectural Resource Team in Arizona, he is also a member of the Alhambra Elementary School District Governing Board and is the Government Affairs representative on AIA Arizona 2023 Board of Directors. When I asked what was next for Christian, he said henow is in a position in his career where he is a problem seeker more than a problem solver and he vows he will continue to not only solve the problems but find them in terms of creating affordable housing.

Source

1“Arizona.” National Low Income Housing Coalition, nlihc.org/housingneeds-by-state/arizona. Accessed 17 June 2023.

2Qin, Catherine Reagor and Amy. “Arizona’s Low-Income Renters Have Little Chance of Finding a Home. Here’s Why.” The Arizona Republic, 8 June 2022, www.azcentral.com/story/money/realestate/2022/06/08/why-low-income-renters-in-arizona-have-littlechance-finding-home/7502256001/.

Jordan Kravitz, AIA Kravitz is a Senior Project Architect at Stantec, AIA Phoenix Metro President, and the YAF Arizona Representative.

Escaping the Cult Of Humility By Embracing A Growth Mindset

I grew up in what I call a cult of humility.

From a young age, my parents taught us that any acknowledgement of your accomplishments was bragging. Instead, you waited for others to recognize your work. In school, my work was quantifiable, with grades, rankings, and test scores. However, in the professional world, I found myself in an uncomfortable spot: promoting myself.

Job interviews, reviews, and award submissions required selfadvocacy. How do I casually state all my accomplishments without looking like I’m bragging? I spent years silently working hard, hoping others would notice, appreciate, and reward me. The formula seemed simple- eagerly and effortlessly produce perfect work and better opportunities will flow your way. I now see that good things come to those who work hard, demonstrate it, and speak up.

I share my story with you so that you can avoid some of my pitfalls. A concept that changed my thinking involves the growth mindset. Coined by Stanford Professor Dr. Carole Dweck, the growth mindset is the concept that a person can always attain and improve skills. [footnote] Dweck, C. S. (2008). Mindset. Ballantine Books. ]

Dweck states that mastery requires failure and iteration; which are more important than innate abilities. Additionally, because the journey is personal, comparison to others is futile. The growth mindset is in opposition to the fixed mindset, which discourages failure for fear that others will realize you are unqualified.

I started with a fixed mindset, pushing for perfection and competition to prove my worth. Now, I’m immersed in the growth mindset and celebrating my career journey. Releasing the fixed mindset is challenging and an on-going struggle.

Naturally, I started with small steps!

Step 1:Just with facts

If using phrases like “lead” , “spearhead”, or “execute” feels selfaggrandizing, start by quantifying your efforts via measurable facts. What are the things you can count? I published three articles, managed a $30M renovation, documented the LEED Certification for 2 projects, or volunteered 100 hours. Measuring what matters will help you see your growth, and it can help you see the areas you want to improve.

Step 2: Ask someone to pass the mic.

Did you know that most podcasts, publications, and conferences are always seeking content? Don’t assume that you need to be asked. If you are interested in sharing your thoughts, then ask someone on the planning committee how they make selections and tell them you are interested. Sometimes that is all it takes. Your contacts can advocate for you. Do not negotiate against yourself and assume that you must be at a certain level. Remind yourself that if you aren’t selected, you haven’t failed.

Above Leading by example, Janki utilizes the described strategies to build a growth mindset for every phase of her career.

Step #3: Raise your hand

My coworker Kathryn shared some very helpful tips on her journey. She volunteered as a small group leader at Camp Crimson at her university. This position entailed planning, delegation, and management. She stepped forward as a leader, knowing that the worst anyone could say was “not now”. The opportunity was a key growth moment, giving her more visibility, which led to other prospects. Again, embracing the growth mindset helps remove the fear of rejection. Don’t wait to be asked; step forward.

Step #4: Remove your armor

Submitting for a recognition award feels very vulnerable. What if I don’t win? What if I’m not good enough? A fixed mindset means we wear recognition like armor, protecting us from our doubts. The journey towards mastery is yours alone, not in comparison to others.

Start by gathering your facts. Then write the story of your journey, and submit yourself for that award. Though difficult, view the submission itself as an accomplishment. The rest is up to a selection committee, and the result (both ways) does not change your value. You are no longer using other people’s mirrors to see yourself.

For anyone else who has difficulty showcasing their accomplishments, ask yourself why. For me, I feared that selfadvocacy would open myself up to criticism, specifically that I was promoting myself over others. Alternatively, I worried that it looked self-centered. I spent years patiently waiting for managers, editors, and leaders to recognize and reward my hard work. I didn’t want others to think I did the tasks just for the glory.

I learned that relying on outside recognition for validation focuses only on what others think versus what I know about my hard work. The growth mindset grants me the freedom to make mistakes and prevents me from tying my self-worth to outside opinions. To quote Brene Brown, “humility is openness to new learnings combined with a balanced and accurate assessment of our contributions.”

Janki DePalma, LEED AP, CPSM

Janki DePalma, LEED AP, CPSM is the Director of Business Development at Kirksey Architecture in Austin, Texas. She’s a native San Franciscan who loves reading, writing and helping people connect.

I challenge us all to redefine humility. Cheers to learning from my mistakes and taking those first steps to celebrating your efforts!

Linkedin: Janki (Nayar) DePalma, LEED AP, CPSM | LinkedIn

DrawnOut! Design Advocacy for Mental Health

Stephen Parker, AIA M.Arch NCARB LEED AP BD+C is a Behavioral + Mental Health Planner at Stantec in Washington, DC. He currently serves as a global ULI Health Leader, an Associate Director for the Design Mental Health Network of the United Kingdom, a member of the Center for Health Design’s Behavioral & Mental Health Environment Network, Design Chair for the DC Building Industry Association, a US Representative to the UIA Public Health Group, and a former YAF National Advocacy Director. The youngest licensed architect elected to the AIA Strategic Council, he served as Co-Convener of the AIA’s Mental Health + Architecture Incubator. Stephen is an AIA Young Architect Award recipient, an ENR National 20 Under 40 Top Young Professional, a Healthcare Design Magazine Rising Star, a DCBIA Young Leader Achievement Award winner and a recipient of the George Pressler Under 40 Award from the Healthcare Facilities Symposium.

Above Drawn Out: Mental Health Sketch, courtesy of Shahad Sadeq

One degree of separation can be all that divides us from close friends and family in crisis. With a parent admitted to a behavioral health facility, it is a subject close to home. My namesake is a family member who lost his life to addiction. My godfather is a veteran. My graduate thesis in wounded warrior polytrauma care was informed by invisible wounds of war experienced by my friends serving abroad. Their stories of traumatic brain injuries & post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) gave purpose to my design research.

It is through this lens that much of my practice is defined, a practice of purpose and advocacy defined by design.

Mental wellbeing and health have been rising in public awareness, catalyzed by the pandemic. When socially isolated, our built environment can have an even more profound impact upon our mental health. This has led to a surge in demand for mental health services, and unfortunately the limited number of psychiatric inpatient facilities, outpatient clinics and crisis stabilization centers are often overwhelmed. This is also an opportunity to learn more deeply about this growing field of practice and craft an inspired, collective response.

While the modern dilemma that plagues the globe continues to be access to mental health care, we can generate agency and overcome stigma. We are all grappling with the consequences of COVID economically, physically, and especially mentally. We must, as a profession, come together as a collective of knowledge and expertise, to address this critical issue. Only through ideation and design integration in collaboration with top industry health professions can we accomplish a sustainable solution.

Spurred by the success of the AIA Strategic Council’s Mental Health + Architecture Incubator, the thirst for, not just the knowledge around mental health design, but, the creation of a space to discuss the topic openly and candidly. Few instances allow professionals or the general public to discuss the psychiatric needs of our clients, colleagues and communities - as well as ourselves. The built environment has a profound impact on one’s mental health and equipping architects with this necessary knowledge can lead to a profound impact on their designs. To answer this need for a space to discuss mental health and the profession, our Mental Health Sketching Workshop was born, with the first iteration at ArchxE in 2022 and refined into

DrawnOut! at A’23. DrawnOut! was an effort headed by myself, Emily Schickner and Shahad Sadeq that looked at ideation and sketching solutions for mental health environments.

With the interactive workshop, DrawnOut! helps participants learn first-hand from a panel of internationally-recognized behavioral health planners regarding sensory-sensitive approaches to mental health design. Jon Sell & myself are mental health design subject matter experts and co-lead the boundaryless Behavioral Health Practice at Stantec. Combined, they have designed millions of square feet of mental health facilities, thousands of patient beds of all facility types and patient populations.

Sadeq is the executive director for AIA Springfield and fellow designer previously admitted to an inpatient psychiatric facility for a condition all too common in our profession - burnout. Espinosa, a licensed psychotherapist adding a clinical perspective to the discussion and evolving the conversation further for participants during the largest gathering of architects in the world during A’23 in San Francisco.

Schickner, Principal of Harrison Design in Atlanta, Georgia moderates the frank conversation amongst panelists. Given Sadeq’s unique experience as a lens, the expertise of the behavioral health planners & the clinical perspective to understanding the impact of the built environment on mental wellbeing and the design strategies for all architects to consider

in their practice, regardless of typology, were crucial takeaways.

A design primer sets the stage for the audience to roll up their sleeves, team up and sketch ideas for space in a mental health facility - the visitation suite.This is typically the only space that the outside world - families, friends, loved ones - can experience mental health facilities without being staff or patients. The multi-hour workshop gathers participants in teams to rapidly explore the persona of visiting family member or friend to a mental health facility, ideate new insights, inspire us through empathy, and design with dignity.

In this unique collaborative experience we engage with each other’s expertise through brainstorming, prototyping and design integration. This ensures innovative and seamless ideation that stems from collective practice and knowledge. We are greater than the sum of our parts and our collaborative experience is a testament to the power of design.

The sketches are gathered and on display as a living mural online via various channels and will be added to as an ongoing installation for AIA chapters to leverage with contributions throughout conferences and beyond. The hashtag #MentalHealthSketch will leverage a wider audience engagement outside of the venue.

Besides A’23 in San Francisco, we’ll be bringing our unique, engaging Drawn Out workshop to the AIA Aspire Conference in Asheville, NC later in 2023, among other events. In this

Above | Inaugural Drawing Out: Mental Health Sketching Workshop, ArchExchange East in Richmond, Virginia.

way, we’ll continue to democratize design strategies for mental health, address stigma and provide an avenue for every designer to advocate through design. The workshop is intended to be the start of a series of events to make this material accessible and provide agency to all stakeholders involved in the design process. Together we’ll advocate for mental health through the power of design.

Stephen Parker, AIA NCARB LEED AP BD+C

Stephen Parker, AIA M.Arch NCARB LEED AP BD+C is a Behavioral + Mental Health Planner at Stantec in Washington, DC.

Above | Inaugural Drawing Out: Mental Health Sketching Workshop, ArchExchange East in Richmond, Virginia.

Nurturing Success:

The Immigrant Architects Coalition Empowering Immigrant Architects

Graciela Carrillo, AIA; Shahad Sadeq Assoc. AIA, and Yu-Ngok Lo, FAIA; Co-founders of the Immigrant Architects Coalition (IAC)

Led by the visionary session organizer, Yu-Ngok Lo, FAIA, and fueled by the expertise of speakers Graciela Carrillo, AIA, and Shahad Sadeq, Assoc. AIA, the Immigrant Architects Coalition, emerged as a powerful force dedicated to empowering and supporting immigrant architects. With an unwavering commitment to mentorship, public speaking, authorship, and contribution, we aim to provide invaluable resources and pave the way for a thriving career for immigrant architects in the United States. The IAC cofounders interview some of the co-authors of their book “City Shapers: Stories of Immigrant Designers.”

Li Ren, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C

Perkins Eastman DC | Project Architect

Li Ren is a highly regarded architect at Perkins Eastman, specializing in the design of senior living, hospitality, and master plans. His approach to design is inclusive, seeking to involve the community in the design process to enhance both the quality of the design and social engagement. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field, including the AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award in 2021, and BD+C’s 40 Under 40 Awards in 2022.

Meghana

Joshi, AIA, NOMA

Little Diversified Architectural Consulting’s Retail Studio

Meghana Joshi is an award-winning architect from California. As a Senior Project Manager at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting’s Retail Studio, she heads financial and retail design across the US. Her projects have been honored with multiple SAGE Gold, PCBC Gold Nugget, SoCal, Argentum, & NAHB awards. She founded the Women in Architecture Committee and EDI+J Committee at AIA Orange County. Currently, she serves on the executive board. She is also a part of ULI Orange County’s Local Product Council for Office and Commercial.

Mika Naraynsingh, AIA

Perkins&Wil DC | Project Architect

Mika Naraynsingh is a Project Architect at Perkins&Will, passionate about building enclosure and façade designs. As a socially conscious professional, Mika has co-founded and served on various mentorship and diversity committees and planned programs focused on keeping women and minorities supported in the profession. She has taken leadership roles in AIA DC as the Advocacy Chair for the Emerging Architects Committee and is the Past Chair of the Equity Committee by WIELD.

(IAC): As an immigrant architect, what challenges have you personally faced in your career, and how do you use these experiences to inspire and mentor aspiring architects from similar backgrounds?

Li Re (LR): As an immigrant architect, I’ve faced challenges adapting to a new cultural and professional environment. Language barriers, unfamiliar codes, and different practices required extra effort to overcome. These experiences have made me resilient and adaptable, bringing fresh ideas to projects. I inspire and mentor aspiring architects from similar backgrounds by sharing my experiences, providing guidance, and emphasizing the importance of perseverance and networking. Celebrating our cultural heritage enriches architecture and creates spaces that truly reflect communities.

Meghana Joshi (MJ): As an immigrant architect, my biggest challenge was learning the Imperial units of measurement, as well as the construction means and methods specific to the US. It took me some time to self-study and educate myself to understand these specific requirements so that I could feel confident in leading projects. My mentor at the time, Gary Seshagiri (Bechtel), had gone through similar learning experiences when he migrated from India, and his guidance was immensely helpful to me. As a mentor and manager, I draw upon my own experiences and those of others around me to acknowledge that we all come from diverse backgrounds. While our paths to licensure and leadership may differ, our common goal is to learn and excel in our profession and better serve our clients and communities. When I meet an immigrant architect, I like to engage in conversations that help me understand the pressures of their dual lives and how it affects their professional fulfillment. I share my own experiences to help them understand that the path ahead may be challenging, but it is not impossible.

Mika Naraynsingh (MN): My biggest challenge as an immigrant architect was finding a job with a company willing to sponsor an international employee and going through the green card process. While everyone’s immigration story is unique, the instability, financial strain, lack of network and support system, and strenuous work/life balance are complications that many immigrants can relate to. I view these unstable times as a thread that unites immigrant architects together as a collective. When I know of someone who is navigating these uncertainties, I like

to reach out and offer my support. Sharing resources I’ve found along my journey and providing guidance where possible has allowed me to help others, and gives us opportunities to learn through shared experiences.

Sharing resources

(IAC) Can you share a specific example of a project or initiative you’ve been involved in that aims to provide opportunities and support for young immigrant architects and how it has impacted their professional growth and empowerment?

LR: I’ve been involved in the AIA|DC Asian American Designers Union, which supports young Asian immigrant architects. Through mentorship, workshops, and networking events, we empower them to overcome challenges and thrive. One success story is our current chair Andy Zheng, with our support, secured his architect license, built a professional reputation, and made significant contributions to the AIA Washington Chapter. This union exemplifies how targeted support and a strong community can foster the professional growth and empowerment of immigrant architects, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the field.

MJ: A few years ago, I started “Project Amplify” to amplify the voices and works of women in architecture. Through this project, I have been able to shed light on the struggles women face in a male-dominated industry. Expanding on those findings to include immigrant architects, I collaborated with AIA Orange County and AIA San Diego on a video and social media presentation. The project aimed to amplify the voices and works of Asian American architects while highlighting their contributions to the built environment. Additionally, I founded and chaired the EDI+J committee for AIA Orange County, which provides a platform for diverse immigrant architects.

MN: Perhaps the most impactful work I’ve done for young immigrant architects has been spearheading AIA DC’s Immigrant Architect Series, offering tools and resources for success. This series was a collaboration with several AIA DC Committees and had a wide audience. However, supporting my colleagues individually and through the Equity by WIELD and Emerging Architects Committees has allowed me to highlight diverse perspectives and unique backgrounds on a more personal scale. Our showcasing of minority leaders in our community has aimed to empower the next generation of diverse leadership. I already see this impact reflected in my peers that have grown into their leadership, and I’m excited about the equitable profession that we are building together.

(IAC) As an immigrant architect advocating for and

I draw upon my own experiences and those of others around me to acknowledge that we all come from diverse backgrounds. While our paths to licensure and leadership may differ, our common goal is to learn and excel in our profession and better serve our clients and communities.

I’ve found along my journey and providing guidance where possible has allowed me to help others, and gives us opportunities to learn through shared experiences.

empowering the next generation of architects, what unique perspective do you bring to the field that can inspire and enrich the architectural community?

LR: As an immigrant architect advocating for the next generation, my perspective enriches the architectural community. Through my involvement with the AIA|DC Asian American Designers Union, I bring a fresh lens that celebrates diversity and Asian cultural influences in AIA community. Based on personal experiences, I offer empathy and guidance, inspiring aspiring architects to overcome the cultural and professional barriers. By promoting inclusivity and embracing different perspectives, we create designs that reflect the richness of diverse communities. My journey, exemplified by the AIA|DC Asian American Designers Union, serves as inspiration, showcasing how determination and resilience lead to professional success.

MJ: Being an immigrant,I bring a multicultural lens to my professional contributions. In a world where globalization has blurred boundaries, and cultural diversity is increasingly valued, this lens helps me promote inclusivity in design, and navigate diverse design teams, while engaging with clients and colleagues from different backgrounds. Also, my multicultural lens enables me to bring an innovative approach to problem solving. My exposure to a wider range of problem solving methods across the world helps me think creatively and critically, thinking of non-traditional solutions within a homogeneous approach.

MN: Coming from a small country, my biggest difference turned strength is my love for community development, and the importance I have placed in nurturing my architectural village. Much of my advocacy work has stemmed from elevating the unheard or underrepresented and responding to community needs. This has provided me the unique opportunity to champion diversity of thought, appreciating all perspectives as a chance to think differently. This allows for great teamwork in finding innovative and integrated solutions across disciplines. And as a devoted member of the architectural community, it has allowed me to increase my reach and help younger architects find their voices and recognize their potential.

Yu-Ngok Lo (YL) (IAC): Could you share some insights into the unique challenges you have encountered as a U.S. architect working overseas? How does your experience differ from working in the U.S. as an immigrant architect?

LR: The most unique challenge I encounter is localizing my design concepts. Unlike the U.S., where immigrants bring diverse backgrounds, many countries have distinct mainstream

religions, languages, and cultural heritages. Therefore, I must learn the local narratives and adapt my design approach accordingly. The key is effectively communicating my ideas using language that resonates with the audience.

Practicing in the Middle East has been a particularly different experience for me. It requires a greater degree of self-reliance and adaptability, given the presence of Arabian and British cultural influences. Embracing these cultural differences, actively seeking local knowledge, and establishing myself within this new professional landscape are essential.

YL (IAC): What advice would you give to other young architects from the U.S. who aspire to work overseas? How can they effectively engage with local communities and address cultural barriers?

LR: The AIA provides a wealth of resources to support overseas practice, covering areas such as employment, education, and networking. I highly recommend young architects to explore the AIA Global Practice Primer, which offers essential information for practicing abroad.

Engaging with local communities can be done in multiple ways. Personally, I find Eventbrite a useful platform for discovering public events, while Instagram helps me find great local restaurants. It’s important to remember that many young people, like us, enjoy communication and exploring new possibilities in life. By making connections with locals who share similar interests, you can quickly establish a local network that supports and enhances your experience

Shahad Sadeq (SS) (IAC): You are the first Indian American

Our showcasing of minority leaders in our community has aimed to empower the next generation of diverse leadership.

Above | Li Ren at local event.

woman on the executive board of AIA Orange County, and the Vice-President elect at Southern California chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, what advice would you give to young professionals and immigrants to achieve a leadership position within a firm or an organization?

MJ: Embrace your authentic self, advocate for your worth, and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Whether you’re working within a firm or an organization, take the initiative to actively participate in challenging projects and boldly present new ideas that elevate collective performance. Focus on developing the skills necessary for the roles you aspire to and stay committed to your personal and professional growth. While it can be disheartening if you’re overlooked for a promotion and wonder if your race played a role, remember to keep your eyes on your goals, and stay persistent and resilient. However, trust your instincts and if you feel undervalued and underutilized, don’t hesitate to explore other firms or organizations that truly appreciate and recognize your contribution.

I would like to make a slight correction: I resigned from my role at SoCal NOMA in 2023 due to other commitments.

SS (IAC): How can immigrant architects effectively advocate for themselves and their work in the face of

microaggressions and challenges related to their gender, race, and accent?

MJ: The challenges we face as immigrant architects are unique, where our level of education and experience is on par with our American colleagues, but we constantly need to advocate for ourselves and our work, particularly in the face of microaggressions and biases related to our gender, race, and accent. Building a strong professional network through purposeful engagement with professional organizations such as AIA, NOMA, and ULI has helped me effectively address these challenges and assert my professional status. Seeking mentorship from people with diverse backgrounds like mine has helped me navigate biases effectively. By mentoring others, I want to empower younger immigrant architects to self-advocate.

Above | Meghana Joshi at the Museum Wall Display for Project Amplify Exhibition

Building a strong professional network through purposeful engagement with professional organizations such as AIA, NOMA, and ULI has helped me effectively address these challenges and assert my professional status.

Graciela Carrillo (GC) (IAC): In the book you mentioned how you worked for 60-70 hrs a week and you still found yourself “forgotten” within the firm. What did you do to overcome that obstacle? How did you advocate for yourself?

MN: Overcoming the high performing, underrecognized role required me to critically examine my efforts. I began prioritizing work in our office JEDI and mentorship Committees hoping to effect change, and later took leadership roles within several AIA DC Committees. Learning what the profession valued externally helped me understand my unique talents and strengths. Recognizing your professional worth, phrasing it in how you benefit an organization, and communicating that effectively, took a lot of time and experience to learn. Once learned through my expanded network, I have also now been able to help mentor other young architects who find themselves in similar situations.

GC (IAC): What advice would you give to young professionals that are going through a burnout working environment?

MN: Learn to value yourself and your time, you are worth more than the hours you spend behind your computer working. If in a burnout environment, recalibrate, and think about what gives your life purpose. By re-prioritizing the things that truly matter, you will find your passions, strengths and the value that only you can bring. There will always be more work to be done, but focusing your energy on the things that matter can help align your long-term goals.

Authors

Above | Mika at her first constructed building in Constitution Square, Washington DC.

Graciela Carrillo, AIA; Shahad Sadeq Assoc. AIA, and Yu-Ngok Lo, FAIA; Co-founders of the Immigrant Architects Coalition (IAC)

Advocate for a Sustainable Oasis

AIA Middle East chapter (AIA|ME) is a international chapter serving AIA members in the Middle East. The chapter has been actively advocating for sustainable design practices in the region since its establishment in 2010. AIA|ME has developed four core groups, including a platform, a database, an incubator, and a laboratory, to provide a comprehensive framework for architects and developers in the Middle East to incorporate sustainable design strategies into their projects. The platform serves as a forum for knowledge sharing and networking, while the database compiles information on sustainable building practices, technologies, and materials. The incubator fosters collaboration between architects, developers, and other stakeholders to create sustainable solutions for the region’s unique challenges. Finally, the laboratory provides a space for testing and experimentation with innovative sustainable design concepts.

Platform:

AIA|ME is a prominent platform for architecture professionals, hosting sustainable design presentations and lectures every year and encouraging professionals from diverse backgrounds to share their knowledge. This year, the AIA Middle East chapter has been organizing a series of events focused on two key themes: sustainability and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

The past events have covered a wide range of related topics, including designing for intellectual disability, architecture’s capacity, and the path to net-zero. In early February 2023, the Big5 Saudi panel discussion on the path to net-zero provided valuable insights into how technology and sustainability can unite to achieve this goal. Young Saudi designers also presented their perspective on sustainability and how they can contribute to the Kingdom’s net-zero target, which is crucial for empowering future generations.

Database:

At the same time, AIA|ME is dedicated to sharing the best sustainable design examples, educational resources, and inspiring stories in the field. The chapter’s annual design award, the Environmental Innovation Award, showcases a strong commitment to environmentally sensitive design, sustainability, and conservation of energy and resources. This award has gained significant recognition throughout the Middle East and North Africa’s design industry. Additionally, many Middle East architects frequently refer to AIA’s COTE Top Ten Awards and other popular resources. In terms of sustainable education resources, AIA|ME has made available a range of informative U.S. education resources on its website, including GreenCE, CBES, and the Hanleywood Resources Center, which have become a critical source of knowledge for the Middle East architecture market.

Laboratory:

The Middle East is a hub for the global economy, offering numerous opportunities for architects to engage in research and practice, particularly in sustainable design and energy conservation. For instance, Dubai’s Urban Master Plan 2040 encourages sustainable mobility research and practice, while Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to achieve sustainable growth and maximize sustainable returns for the national economy. As a leading professional organization in the field of architecture, AIA|ME collaborates with local businesses such as COVE Tool and TECHNAL to provide architects with support in advanced sustainable design competitions and lectures that facilitate knowledge-sharing on design experience and business opportunities. In mid-February, Brooks + Scarpa, a Californiabased architecture team, presented their sustainable design approach in a talk titled “Ordinary and Extraordinary” at the new Technal showroom in Dubai. Working alongside the American University of Sharjah and the United Architects of the Philippines

Dubai chapter, the event drew a large crowd and showcased the firm’s innovative use of conventional materials in unique ways.

Incubator:

The AIA|ME places great emphasis on education and supporting emerging professionals, as it is a core part of their mission. To achieve this, the AIA|ME maintains a close relationship with local universities and architecture schools in the Middle East to promote sustainable design practices to students. The organization frequently showcases exemplary graduation projects, such as “A Future Living Factory” by Bourj from Lebanese American University, which proposes sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for future residential challenges. Furthermore, the AIA|ME is actively seeking new ways to collaborate with US architecture firms and local universities to celebrate the work of students and emerging professionals based on the AIA Framework of Design Excellence. The organization aims to provide necessary support for the career development of these professionals.

Final Words

As an AIA international chapter, AIA|ME has been constantly exploring the best ways to serve its local members while simultaneously pursuing the creation of a sustainable oasis in the Middle East. As stated by stephanie kinnick, AIA, Past-President “The chapter has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to sustainability, equity, diversity, and inclusion, which highlights the critical role that architects play in shaping the built environment and creating spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for everyone” (by Stephanie Kinnick, AIA, Past President). By prioritizing sustainability, AIA|ME encourages architects and developers to incorporate sustainable design

practices into their projects, helping to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and create a better, more livable world. This focus on sustainability extends beyond environmental impact to encompass social sustainability, achieved through the promotion of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the design of spaces and buildings.

Li Ren, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Ren is a specialist in hospitality and sustainable design as a project architect at Perkins Eastman in Dubai, UAE. Additionally, he is a member of the AIA Global Practice Committee and the NCARB International Qualifications Evaluation Work Group.

Above | AIA at Qatar Exhibition

Above | “A Future Living Factory”

Why the AIA COTE Top Ten Matters

A Note from the Committee on the Environment

“Design awards reward aesthetics. LEED ratings award performance. The Top Ten program does both.” These are the words of Henry Siegel, FAIA, and we agree. But now that every AIA awards program refers to the Framework for Design Excellence, what is different about the AIA COTE Top Ten Award?

The AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top Ten began as the “Earth Day Top Ten” in 1997. From its inception, the award has had two main purposes:

• to expand the profession’s definition of design excellence to include sustainability; and

• to teach the world, through published case studies, what sustainability looks like in practice

The criteria of the award evolved and expanded as we learned more, eventually becoming the COTE Top Ten Measures. COTE developed resources, collectively referred to as the Top Ten Toolkit, to help support award entrants and to elevate holistic sustainability across the profession. From the beginning, the program has emphasized achievement over intention, and puts equal weight on traditional measures of design quality and performance metrics. Including the 2023 AIA COTE Top Ten winners, the program has elevated 270 exemplars of holistic sustainability. It has become one of the AIA’s most well-known awards programs and remains the highest sustainable design accolade in our profession.

In 2019, the AIA adopted the Top Ten Measures and parts of the Top Ten Toolkit, rebranding them as the Framework for Design Excellence, and has begun integrating the Framework into all AIA awards programs. AIA members may have experienced this roll-out in a range of formats, from being required to submit short narratives for each Framework principle when entering local chapter awards to submitting a series of simple metrics—like projected Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and percent of stormwater managed on-site—when entering national AIA award programs. Just this month, these metrics began to show up on the AIA website, with the AIA Committee on Architecture and Education (CAE) adding a tab to their award winner pages containing these submitted Framework metrics for the first time.

Widespread adoption of the Framework is one indicator of the Top Ten program’s success, and the Framework is raising awareness around many of the basic concepts of sustainability (and their metrics) throughout the membership. However, its adoption has not achieved all the Top Ten program’s goals. Knowledge is one thing; action is another. The Top Ten exists to transform how architects practice, moving us towards a healthy, sustainable, and equitable future for all. Our understanding of the pathway to that goal continues to evolve, and as it does, the AIA COTE Top Ten will continue to map the leading edge of our collective knowledge and elevate those projects that we can all learn from.

So, what is different about the AIA COTE Top Ten Awards compared to every other Framework-based AIA awards program?

• Performance + design. The Top Ten was founded on the idea that good design cannot be separated from sustainable design. As a result, jurors weigh performance and design equally. One of the most important principles for the Top Ten is Design for Integration: how is the project’s big idea driven by sustainability, health, and equity? How does sustainability show up, from site plan to detail?

• Expanded criteria. While it is organized by and aligns with the Framework for Design Excellence, the Top Ten expands awards criteria to include emerging topics, such as total carbon, and robust metrics so jurors can understand the full extent of the project’s approach and what it has accomplished compared to a predevelopment condition. COTE has developed the Super Spreadsheet to standardize units and calculations that can make it easier for submitters to collect data and understand its impacts—which is just as useful as a project tool as it is an awards formality. Because all sustainability is client-, typology-, and site-specific, criteria are also separated into “required” and “encouraged” criteria to enable teams to tell their project’s full story while also standardizing the basic criteria to which all projects are accountable.

• Actual impact, not intentions. AIA COTE Top Ten is the only AIA awards program that has two groups of reviewers. In addition to the awards jury, there is a set of technical reviewers—a team of experts in the field who provide peer review on submitted data, methodology, and project claims to ensure accuracy. They provide the jury with the technical expertise to make a holistic decision. Over the years, the Top Ten has also moved away from predicted data and instead required measured data where it can, so that the reviewers/ jury can assess actual impact, not aspiration. This acknowledges the expanded role design teams play in high-performance projects, including troubleshooting, data-monitoring, client education, and postoccupancy evaluations, and the responsibility we have to share what we learn in the process so we can, as a profession, continuously improve.

The Top Ten is more than an accolade; it is a framework to transform how we practice. The 2024 Top Ten Awards cycle opens in August; does your project have what it takes to be a national model of holistic sustainability? Why not give the AIA COTE Top Ten a try?

Heather Holdridge of Lake|Flato says: “Lake|Flato considers the AIA COTE Top Ten to be the most prestigious award available to our profession because it recognizes both design excellence and sustainability, and that a winning project has seamlessly integrated the two. AIA COTE Top Ten projects also demonstrate that design and building performance enhance client vision.”

Michelle Amt, AIA Architect Michelle Amt is Director of Sustainability at VMDO Architects and previously worked at William McDonough + Partners.

From Doubt to Empowerment:

The Power of Bold Choices in an Architect’s Career

Introduction:

In the realm of career decisions, we often find ourselves grappling with the concept of good and bad choices. We endlessly strive to make the best decisions for our lives and professional trajectories, longing for a clear distinction between right and wrong. However, I propose that the dichotomy of good versus bad choices is merely a perception. Every choice we make is simply … a choice. The true value lies in its impact on our personal and professional growth.

This article explores the notion that there is no clear distinction between good and bad choices but rather a spectrum of possibilities. By examining the influence of choices, we uncover the importance of self-reflection, exploration, and calculated risks in shaping a fulfilling architectural career.

The Nature of Choices:

Choices, by their nature, are not inherently good or bad. Their outcome determines their value, and that can take time to unfold. What may seem like a reasonable choice initially can turn out differently than expected, leading to a perception of it being a “bad” choice. This judgment is often based on the mismatch between the desired results and the actual outcomes. Factors such as lack of guidance, cultural fit, and the type of architectural work itself can influence our perception of a choice.

The Spectrum of Architectural Paths:

Architecture encompasses a vast array of opportunities, each with its own approach. Traditional project delivery, construction management and design-build are just a few examples. It becomes crucial to consider the direction you wish to take and identify where their strengths lie. The question of career fulfillment arises: Do you thrive in a collaborative firm environment, or would you prefer a role within a general contractor or even a real estate developer? These choices prompt a deeper reflection on factors such as project delivery methods, team dynamics, mentoring, and opportunities for advancement.

Beyond Traditional Architectural Practice:

Architectural education often emphasizes the conventional route of working in a firm. However, it is essential to recognize that

there are alternative avenues for learning and growth. Exploring different avenues can involve engaging with professional organizations, attending architecture tours, and networking with people who can shed light on career paths. Stepping outside the confines of a traditional architecture path offers valuable insights and opportunities that may uncover hidden options for career development.

The Power of Cultural Fit:

Personal fulfillment in any career is intricately linked to cultural compatibility. Sometimes, despite the attractiveness of a company’s projects and the quality of its work, one may realize that they do not resonate with the organization’s culture or way of working. In such instances, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of cultural alignment. Leaving a position or environment that does not foster personal growth and satisfaction can be a difficult decision. However, remaining there hampers professional and personal well-being and ultimately stifles your progress.

Pursuing Passion:

Identifying your true passion is fundamental to building a successful career. Discovering what inspires and excites you, what motivates you to get out of bed each morning, is a pivotal step toward designing a fulfilling life in architecture. Whether you aspire to design groundbreaking skyscrapers or excel in spec writing, it is crucial to align yourself with organizations and professionals who share similar aspirations. Don’t settle into a job for stability and comfort, pursue your passion.

Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks:

Fear and self-doubt often hinder architects from making difficult choices and exploring new opportunities. Overcoming these barriers is essential to career progression. Embracing calculated risks and capitalizing on personal interests can propel you toward career satisfaction. While change may be daunting, remaining stagnant limits growth and fulfillment. You must take charge of your career, embracing change and accepting the consequences to achieve transformative personal and professional development.

Breaking Barriers and Embracing Change:

The fear of change, failure, and the unknown will hold you back from making difficult decisions. However, remaining stagnant and unwilling to challenge yourself impedes personal and professional growth. It is crucial to recognize that the responsibility for building a fulfilling career rests solely on you. Excuses relating to colleagues, job circumstances, location, or familial obligations serve only to hinder progress. Taking charge of your career involves making choices, whether they are met with support or resistance. Embracing change and accepting the consequences, positive or negative, allows for transformative growth and ultimately leads to a sense of accomplishment.

Conclusion:

The journey toward building a successful architectural career is a deeply personal one. The belief that choices can be strictly categorized as good or bad limits our ability to fully explore our potential. By acknowledging that every choice is simply a choice, and its value is determined by the outcomes and personal growth it fosters, we unlock the power to shape our professional lives. Through self-reflection, embracing diverse career paths, seeking cultural compatibility, overcoming fear, and taking calculated risks, architects can forge unique paths that lead to genuine career fulfillment. The road may be challenging and uncertain, but the rewards far outweigh the temporary discomfort. The time to make the choice for a career that resonates with one’s true self is now, as delaying the decision only makes it harder to realize one’s dreams. Are you brave enough to make a choice?

Mark Hadaway, Assoc. AIA, NCARB, BEC is a Project Manager at Rains Architecture, Treasurer at BEC Iowa & AIA Emerging Professionals member in Des Moines, IA.

Designing – across the pond!

As of April 25, 2023, you can now expand your practice to the United Kingdom (U.K.)! If you hold a license in good standing from a participating United States (U.S.) jurisdiction and have an active National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) certificate, you can now achieve reciprocity through the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the U.K. NCARB counterpart: Architects Registration Board (ARB).

NCARB and ARB have streamlined the reciprocity process, where a fee, applications, and approvals will extend your architectural practice into a new international location.

According to the ARB, the fee for the ARB UK adaptation assessment is £2,950 ($3,500 USD), and that’s before approval for ARB recognition. If you are a U.K. architect, it costs £80 to apply with NCARB.

Mentioned constraints include how you acquired your license in the U.S. If you received your Certificate through the Education Alternative or Foreign Architect Path, you are unfortunately not eligible at this time. NCARB currently recognizes licensure within all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Meghann Gregory, senior editor for Connection, reached out to NCARB Vice President of Experience and Education Harry M. Falconer Jr., with several questions coming from fellow young architects. He and his Public Relations Specialist Molly Mallon, were kind enough to provide responses.

Meghann Gregory (MG): Is there a certain age demographic you feel the MRA will benefit the most?

NCARB: While NCARB hears anecdotally of students and recently licensed architects’ interest in global practice opportunities, the MRA will be useful for all ages and demographics that wish to practice across our borders, who meet the requirements of the MRA.

MG: Is there any information provided from NCARB on work visas and permits?

NCARB: NCARB, as a non-governmental organization, cannot provide any information or advice on work visas and permits. Applicants will need to consult with the jurisdiction they seek a license in, and possibly an immigration attorney.

MG: Are there any UK areas that are exempt from this agreement?

NCARB: UK applicants must meet the requirements of the MRA – completed ARB’s Part I, II, and III. Please contact the ARB directly for more information on the requirements.

MG: Will the licensed individual need to have any residential requirement?

NCARB: Applicants for licensure in a U.S. state or territory must contact the architect licensing/registration board to determine if there are any residency requirements.

MG: Is there anything the Young Architects Forum can do to assist in spreading the word, other than Connection?

NCARB: Yes! Spread the word of the MRAs availability to your colleagues you know that are interested in practicing across our borders. If you work for a firm that engages in international practice with the UK, make them aware of the MRA and encourage them to support use by the architects in your firms. And please, send anyone interested to NCARB and the ARB for more information!

To learn more about earning a license under this new agreement, visit www.ncarb.org/international.

https://www.ncarb.org/press/new-reciprocity-agreementsigned-united-states-and-united-kingdom

https://arb.org.uk/international-routes/ncarb-and-arbmutual-recognition-agreement-information/

What does this mean for companies? We’d love to hear from you! Companies offer remote options, project staff relocation, new offices, etc., but what have you found would be most successful in this ability for international work? If you have any comments or feedback on this new opportunity, please reach out to Meghann Gregory at mgregory@k2mdesign.com.

Meghann Gregory, AIA, NCARB

Gregory is a senior project architect at K2M Design. She is the young architect representative for West Virginia. Her professional interests include adaptive reuse, urban planning, custom residential, and sustainable practices.

Advocacy and Protecting the Right to Practice

As Architects, it is important to create awareness not only about the practice, but the value of architecture to the greater community.

Understanding the role of an architect is crucial. Architects are integral to the design, planning, and oversight of structures. Architects can influence how people interact with one another in their communities, shape the culture of a space, influence the way individuals operate, create narratives, and more. Therefore, design becomes an empowering piece that facilitates the development of a more inclusive and equitable built environment. As a community, we can influence changes to the codes, design, and the practice of architecture in order to develop interventions that are responsive to the needs and well-being of all.

Architects are tasked to protect the health, safety and welfare of individuals. Building regulations are in place to make sure that buildings are safe for people. These establish basic requirements for construction which means that structures are built to be strong and able to withstand certain conditions. Furthermore, Architects are conscientious towards the physical and mental well-being of users occupying their structures. Without these regulations, individuals would be exposed to great risks. This becomes a pivotal part in understanding the architect’s role in the built environment and the impact that we have in people’s lives and our communities.

It is due to this, advocacy becomes a crucial aspect in the field of architecture. It enables architects to convey their value to the public. Architects and emerging

professionals should be invested in advocating for issues that impact the profession. The idea of positive impact and change in our built environment should empower us to use our voices and platforms for greater good not only to speak about architecture and design, but also to empower others in the profession.

AIA Florida Architects and emerging professionals gather every year to engage with policymakers and elected officials to influence policy decisions that affect the built environment. We do this in order to protect our profession, the public and the environment. AIA Florida recently had to protect the title of Architect at the First District Court of Appeal in the case of Enrique Feldman and Feldman Architecture v. Florida Department of Professional Regulation, So. 3d WL 17576861, (Fla. 1d DCA 2022), for using the title of “Architect” without holding a Florida License.1

“If the court were to find that these exceptions were the equivalent of the practice of the profession, many professions would have been in jeopardy of losing their ability to regulate the use of their titles” – George

Levesque

Above | Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects

Architects are one session away from losing their right to practice Architecture–ADVOCACY means protecting your right to PRACTICE.

The idea of positive impact and change in our built environment should empower us to use our voices and platforms for greater good not only to speak about architecture and design, but also to empower others in the profession.

Architects are uniquely positioned in society. We have an incredible amount of influence in the world, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. Our role goes above and beyond a set of drawings and renderings, it encompasses a physical and mental space, it has social and moral impacts, it is permanent, it can affect generations and this ability is challenged by different forces around us. We have the ability to challenge what has been established and create real impactful change by using our collective voice as a profession.

We might not be able to agree on everything, but if there is one thing that is true, it is that we all want to make an impact with architecture. For that: advocate for the profession, advocate for your community, advocate for you, ARCHITECT.

Sources

1Microsoft Word - Reply Brief - Enrique Feldman - Use (flcourts.gov)

2Architect Title Remains Exclusive to Licensees Florida/Caribbean Architect : Spring 2023 (mydigitalpublication.com)

Jaramillo is a licensed Architect at Goodwyn Mills Cawood. Her work encompasses a variety of project typologies including residential, commercial, higher education, healthcare, hospitality and aviation projects.

Shadia Rassoul Jaramillo, AIA

Above | AIA Florida Legislative Day

Our role goes above and beyond a set of drawings and renderings, it encompasses a physical and mental space, it has social and moral impacts, it is permanent, it can affect generations and this ability is challenged by different forces around us.

Architect as Advocate

“Advocacy” has come to mean many things to many people. We advocate for preferred design options, for staff to be promoted, and to recognize the efforts of marginalized peoples. But there is an important aspect of advocacy that largely goes unrecognized in the architectural community: legislative and regulatory advocacy. This is where more Architects are needed to engage their communities across the country. We are facing many largescale issues that affect everyone, from affordable housing, safe schools, and sustainable buildings and energy, just to name a few. Everything that touches the built environment is something about which architects can position themselves as experts and educate their representatives, or become one themselves. The tracking and lobbying of these issues are where the AIA brings value to everyone, architects and laypeople alike, at all scales of government whether local, state, or federal.

In 2016, AIA National hosted SpeakUP, a multi-day seminar geared towards increasing architects’ advocacy skills in legislative and political arenas. SpeakUp often dovetailed the annual Lobby Day, when many architects attending the annual Leadership Summit (formerly Grassroots conference) would lobby their elected representatives and advocate for the AIA’s policy agenda. 2023 Lobby Day covered issues such as the

H.R.5291 Democracy in Design Act and the H.R.5689 Resilient AMERICA Act.

“AIA members believe that advocating for the profession is one of the Institute’s highest priorities,” said former AIA President Russ Davidson, FAIA. “SpeakUp [gave] architects the tools they need to be more active and engaged in the political and governmental processes, helping ensure they have a seat at the table when big policy decisions are made.”

While at the A’23 Conference on Architecture in San Francisco, I interviewed Paul Battaglia, the new Executive Vice President (EVP) of AIA Virginia, on the role of advocacy in the architectural profession and role of the AIA in legislative advocacy at the State level:

Carrie Parker (CP): How has your previous role as a practicing architect prepared you to be the EVP?

Paul Battaglia (PB): In my previous role in a firm as a principal, a lot of what I was doing was outreach, strategic partnership, community engagement, and advocacy. I assumed the role in November and General Assembly started in Q1 of this year, so I

Above Walking up the steps to the Virginia capital in Richmond, Virginia.

had to hit the ground running: coming up with talking points and going to meet with elected officials. There was a higher degree of affirmation than I expected about actually being a registered architect and that raised my credibility with the legislators.

CP: How much of your role involves advocating?

PB: The composition of our staff team influences the extent to which any of us can manage. Advocacy and government affairs is within my portion of the portfolio. It waxes and wanes throughout the year, but part of me wants to say 20-25% with the capacity to be 25-35%.

CP : Can you educate our readers on what is the role of the Political Action Committee (PAC)?

PB: The role of the PAC is to expose the value of architects and architecture to elected officials through something they recognize, which are political campaign contributions. That’s the chief mission. We are an organization that is intentionally and overtly nonpartisan. It supports people who appear to be our strategic allies, but also be part of the outreach to remind people who hold particular positions of the value of architects and architecture, such as chairs of certain committees like general laws. Whether they’re Democrat, Republican, or something else, they all have a role to play in getting laws passed.

CP: What is the role of the Advocacy Advisory Council?

PB : More now than it’s ever been. The Advocacy Advisory Council may be unique to Virginia. The goal is to source legislative ideas from the organization, but then have them be vetted by the Advocacy Advisory Council. And kind of go back and forth and get some input from our lobbyist about the appropriateness and timeliness of bill sponsorship. Virginia also has a Hill Day (or week of zoom appointments) where we meet our representatives to talk about the issues. The Advocacy Advisory Council sets that up and finds members in the representatives’ voting districts to participate.

CP: What issues would you like members to be aware of?

PB: The concept of “universal licensure” is not unique to Virginia, and as the smallest of the large states, there is something to be learned from other states in similar positions. Which is the benefit of exchanging knowledge with neighboring and similarlysized states.

Architects are registered by the state, and to go back to Civics 101, those powers that are not seated at the federal government by the states are retained by the states. And likewise, we have the obligation for the health, safety and welfare of our states’ citizens and how individuals ought to become registered to safeguard those aspects. Universal licensure basically reduces to the least common denominator of any of the 50 states plus the

four territories, and wherever it becomes easiest to be licensed. Some elected officials see this as reducing impediments to business and to people migrating to the state rather than away from it, but this is a solution in need of a problem. So for now we satisfactorily amended the bill in Virginia so that it excludes professional services. But we still have ongoing discussions with the cabinet about where we’re willing to budge.

Now, having discussions about how one reduces the impediments and barriers to becoming licensed is really what will draw professionals and business to the state. The year that I was registered was the year that they sunset the apprenticeship route to licensure in Virginia. I am a product of NAAB-accredited programs and I’ve taught in NAAB-accredited programs. For me that was a great education and I think it still has value, but it cannot be the only route. There are a lot of ways people learn, some have neurodiversity issues, and college can be prohibitively expensive.

CP: What is the value to members of the state AIA?

PB: I do think that advocacy is key to the relevance to the value proposition of the state level component. Local chapters are good and effective strategic partners in terms of advocacy, but I really think the leadership and resource allocation comes from the state. Unfortunately, we do not do as great a job of advertising as local chapters do with programming, so that value largely goes unnoticed.

Advocacy is multivalent. We have legislative advocacy, and we always will and always want to. But there’s also regulatory policy, which in some cases is in the purview of gubernatorial appointees. You can pass laws all day, and if they don’t show up in the building code it’s hard to enforce. Whereas if you integrate something into the building code, it has force of law. So, there were a couple of the things that we did during the last legislative session where we were attempting to educate legislators of this more effective pathway to success. An easy example was requiring conduit for electric vehicle charging stations in parking garages; which is noble, but the legislators had to be taught to put it in the code rather than having a random law. Many of our state representatives are volunteers too and not professional politicians, so they rely on our expertise in many ways.

CP: How can the membership help?

PB: We had an advocacy summit a few weeks ago and the general idea was to bring together representatives of the various people who are involved in advocacy. Now to me, ultimately, that’s each and every one of us. But there was representation from the PAC, from the Advocacy Advisory Council, and also from the Knowledge Communities such as Historic Resources. The former, for example, are always involved in historic rehabilitation, tax credit legislation and policy. Virginia’s COTE also works on affordable housing, the environment, and policies.

We also had several of our gubernatorial appointees attending. But more and more, we’re hoping members from the PAC board of trustees, the Advocacy Advisory Council, participants in knowledge communities, or other folks that happen to be the constituents of the elected officials become more involved at the state level. We are always looking for volunteers who are from all voting districts to be part of the conversation.

Many people are concerned for the future of our communities and environment, and watch aghast at decisions being made on their behalf. This is your call to be part of the change you want to see in the world. You have to have a seat at the table if you want the conversation to steer in a fruitful direction. This is our plea to everyone to reach out to your Young Architect Representative, State Associate Representative, or leaders in your state and local AIA components to ask how you can help. Run for your county board. Be on the local parks commission. Wherever your interest lies, there is an opportunity to become involved and help advocate for meaningful change.

Carrie Parker AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Carrie Parker AIA, LEED AP BD+C is the Young Architect Representative for Virginia, serves on the AIA Virginia Advocacy Advisory Council, and is an AIA Virginia 2020 Emerging Professional Award Winner. She is an Associate Vice President at CannonDesign in Arlington, Virginia specializing in student life and higher education projects.

Why Does Color Determine Inclusion and Exclusion?

Being perceived through skin color first instead of skills and intelligence was never a non-normal thing. Acts like this turn into a variable of racial consciousness, leading to the segregation of two parallel universes. To live, black people have had to transition seamlessly between these two parallel universes, while most white people are unaware. Racism appears regrettably everywhere: in school, work, and daily life.

National attempts to protect Black spaces are frequently referred to as “grassroots operations,” implying that the deprioritization of Black places through funding agencies is a wide-ranging issue. Many people interpret it as a devaluation of Black communities. For example, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the neighboring areas in 2005. Grass Lawn, an Antebellum house (Houses in the 19th-century Southern United States neoclassical architectural style), was among the properties destroyed. Community members donated money to reconstruct the Grass Lawn facility, but were met with fierce opposition from people who viewed Grass Lawn as a mark of racism. In the meantime, many homes and other landmarks of the Black and low-income communities were never rebuilt. Again, this reveals obvious priorities; in this case, Antebellum’s worth is placed above the valuation of Black spaces.

Similarly, only seven historically Black schools and institutions (HBCUs) offer accredited architecture programs. Those seven schools are responsible for graduating 85% of Black architecture

students, despite being underfunded and under-resourced (architectmagazine, 2021).

Despite assertions against racism and promises to advance justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, Black people account for barely 2.8% of all licensed architects in the United States. When confronted with these statistics, it is evident that racism, which promotes inequitable socioeconomic conditions for Black Americans, also outspread architecture. People claim that black architects do not exist at all or that, if they do, they are not good enough. Nevertheless, they are there; they are asking for a chance. Encountering a design firm with less than five Black architects is not rare. Finding Black partners is much harder to come by. As such, they lack the power and direct access to design skylines, create cities and suburbs, and build galleries, residences, educational institutions, workplaces, houses of worship, and other constructions.

Furthermore, the demographic monotony in the architecture profession exposes Black Architects to varied, distressing circumstances, such as receiving a license and then being treated differently than colleagues who acquired their licenses later and had equal credentials and responsibilities. Insecurities developed as a consensus of these collective experiences at the firm as an individual might take years to shake. Today, Black Americans make up approximately 14% of the US population, yet the under-representation of Black architects and designers still mars the architectural profession. Therefore, the firm

Above | Bank of America by Paul R Williams, 1967. Image credit: Flickr

Above | Tuskegee Chapel by Paul R Williams, 1898. Image credit: Pinterest

must acknowledge a licensed Black architect and the talents and expertise the architect brings to the firm as a contributing member of every team. Aside from improving diversity within the profession, the industry must address the need to build more equitable places and cities and include communities of color in these design processes.

Co-conspirators and allies must recognize that commitments made by firms are not just the responsibility of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) staff to fulfill; instead, they are embedded in the firm’s mission. As a result, every employee serves as a steward for that goal. It is encouraged that firms should not make public promises to elevate the Black community only to require their Black employees to be the sole agents of change. Numerous architectural firms, media companies, and professional associations have vowed to address the absence of Black equality in several areas since the Minneapolis police killed George Floyd on May 25, 2020. However, these announcements neglected to result in equalizing the socioeconomic disparity for the Black Architects. Instead, the primary outcomes have been an increase in Instagram followers and a few requests to explain what it is like to be a Black architect to the rest of America.

Unlike many other professions that may have attained a more significant percentage of minority involvement, architecture and design, is not one of them. One of the major concerns is that there are just a few Black architects in leadership positions to look up to, work with, and learn. Being ‘othered’ is the reality of someone in a room or place without another who looks like them. However, it is essential to remain in those rooms and hopefully make rooms for others like them and encourage them to join. The pipeline for the upcoming generation of minority architects and designers has to be strengthened by devoting time and resources if we want to transform the face of architecture.

A system of cultural exclusion that repeatedly erases, degrades, and refutes Blackness should have appropriate repercussions. Going beyond declarations of synchronization and solidarity by designers and architects just for participating in the conversation to meaningful, actual actions may help the architectural profession accomplish long-term, practical change.

Although dismantling racist monuments represents a little step forward, the real work will begin until racist systems are overthrown. The industry can then move toward equity once that occurs. Giving minorities a chance to lead, both on their own and in collaboration with other people, should be standard procedure. Systemic impediments in promotion practices should be reviewed by society, and boards of directors of companies should be more diverse. Universities should broaden their definitions of what constitutes scholarship and the kind of people regarded as scholars. Employers, faculty, and leaders should engage in training from experts in the fields of justice, equality, diversity, and inclusion. Exploration of Blackness as an identity in connection with architecture and a lived experience will encompass a better grasp of Black Americans’ challenges, including Black Architects.

A lengthy history of anti-Black racism in the United States has generated spatial disparities that are ingrained into the physical environment and obliterated the narrative of Black architects and communities. Because society is composed of people with diverse backgrounds, diversity contributes to superior outcomes when designing the built environment. It involves providing improved living conditions for everyone, planned by individuals who consider aspects others would not.

Black Americans have long faced enormous social and economic hurdles, and the architects who helped develop the country were

Above | First Church of Deliverance by Walter T. Bailey, 1939. Image credit: Flickr

Above | 16th Street Baptist Church by Wallace Rayfield, 1911. Image credit: Flickr

no exception. Several Black architects have managed, developed, and built some of today’s most acclaimed projects. As such, it is critical to incorporate the work of African American architects such as Paul Revere Williams, Robert R. Taylor, Walter T. Bailey, and Wallace Rayfield into classroom learning experiences. By honoring these historical personalities whose legacies continue to influence our present, we can contribute to a shared vision for a fairer future. Additionally, this would assist the students of color to educate their minds to develop their methods of designing their environments and spaces. Students from other backgrounds will have the chance to diversify and strategize their design knowledge and skills. Celebrating the culture of diverse people and learning to design a built environment respecting people’s ways of living would uplift the societies’ harmony and camaraderie, leading to a safe and secure environment.

FOOTNOTES:

Craven, J. (2019, November 10). Black architects after the Civil War. ThoughtCo. Retrieved December 11, 2022, from https:// www.thoughtco.com/african-american-architects-builders-ofamerica-177886

Driskell, S., & Trawalter, S. (2021). Race, architecture, and belonging: divergent perceptions of antebellum architecture. Collabra: Psychology, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1525/collabra.21192

Fazzare, E. (2020, August 6). 15 architects on being black in architecture. Cutlured Mag. Retrieved December 11, 2022, from https://www.culturedmag.com/article/2020/08/06/15-architectson-being-black-in-architecture

Feniak, A. H. (2022, February 18). 12 black architects making history Today. Journal. Retrieved December 11, 2022, from https://architizer. com/blog/inspiration/industry/black-architects-making-history/

Sharika maintains a lifelong passion for architecture, having been involved with diverse professional and learning experiences across the U.S., U.K., and other countries. She is a Committee Member at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Sharika Tasnim

The Culture of Architecture:

A Multicultural Perspective on Design Through The Lens of Diverse Story-Telling

In the diverse and interconnected world we live in, the intersectionality of identities goes beyond recognizing individuals; it extends to a collective responsibility to put action towards practices that are inclusive, diverse, and socially just. Nowhere is this more evident than in the built environment where the values we manifest can shape the experiences of countless individuals and communities. It is crucial to ensure that our spaces and designs embrace and celebrate diverse cultures. In May of 2023 the Young Architects Forum (YAF) Advocacy Focus Group had a webinar where panelists shared their journeys as stewards for their cultures and inspired us all to create better inclusive environments.

The webinar was moderated by Raquel Guzman Geara, AIA, design and project architect at Smith Group. She was joined by panelists Mani Farhadi, Associate AIA, LEEP AP, senior facilities planner at Stanford University School of Medicine, Yu-Ngok Lo, FAIA, CDT, LEED AP, principal at YNL Architects, Graciela Carrillo, AIA, LEEP AP BD+C, senior manager at nassau BOCES,

and Ka’ili Chun, sculptor and installation artist. The 2023 YAF National YAF Advocacy Focus Group webinar organizers include Kaitlyn Badlato, Jordan Hall, Seth Duke, Raquel Guzman Geara, Melissa Gaddis, Kevin Loo-Chan, Laura Morton, and Director, Anastasia Markiw.

Art, Architecture, And Cultural Narratives

When speaking about design, the panelists showcased how culture, upbringing and having different backgrounds shape the way they design. Culture shapes the way we see the world, and the way we understand our surroundings. Spaces and art become a reflection of certain practices and beliefs of designers. Ultimately, designs will reflect a combination of current place, user needs, designers culture, and have a result that alludes to people’s lived experience. Each panelist shared a story that clearly reflects influence from their roots.

Graciela Carillo started her career in public sector work in Colombia. Her immigration experience in the United States (U.S.) made her want to work harder to demonstrate her value and bring change to the broader community. She brought diversity into her local American Institute of Architects (AIA) chapter leadership and raised participation and connected others by starting the Emerging Professionals Committee and Women in Architecture Committee in New York City. She and fellow panelist Yu-Ngok Lo also co-founded the Immigrant

Above | The Culture of Architecture Webinar Panelists

Above | Graciela’s timeline of her career and how long the process of a green card and citizenship can be for immigrant architects. Image courtesy of Graciela Carrillo

Architects Coalition with a goal of making the immigrant architect experience a little easier by providing how-to guides and a community going through the same journey.

Raquel Guzman Geara spoke to how her designs are centered in the human experience and driven by empathy for the user. This view came from her upbringing in a poor country where not everyone had the same access to resources needed for education and living. From a young age that cultivated the importance of understanding how others perceive the world differently and react differently based on their life experience. Another reason for her empathetic views was growing up with two big families with different heritages, which from an early age taught her there is a larger connected group of people that will always have different points of view and respecting that is of ultimate importance. Her background has inspired her to be a founding member & lead the group Arquitina, an organization dedicated to raising Latina women to licensure.

Ka’ili Chun’s work is deeply connected to preserving her roots. When she creates, she incorporates the principles of ʻĀina, ʻIke, Mo’olelo, and Wahi in her design strategies. She emphasizes a deep connection to the land (ʻĀina) and draws inspiration from the natural environment to create spaces that harmonize with their surroundings. By embracing traditional knowledge (ʻIke) and incorporating cultural narratives (Mo’olelo), she weaves stories and symbolism into her designs, creating meaningful and resonant experiences. Furthermore, she considers the sense of place (Wahi) and the historical context of a site, allowing it to inform her design decisions and celebrate the cultural heritage of the location. All four of these strategies can really involve and educate a community on the land they are on and the people who are there.

Yu Ngok has been able to apply his cultural influences in his own firm. He told us how after opening the firm, since it is small and immigrant owned, most of the projects he does are small scale, but ultimately no matter the size it’s purely a design that is driven by what he has learned to be important. In addition to those projects, he started his own firm to get involved in projects that investigate the architectural problems around us every day. For instance, he dwells on the topic of unused space and affordability problems as he sees there are empty acres of land along the states that could be used for housing.

Ultimately each one of these individuals has been influenced by their culture and they work every day to bring the positive aspects of those into every design they create in this country.

The Impact Of Cultural Intersectionality

Intersectionality occurs not only in design, but in the work environment. Today you will find people with diverse cultures

and backgrounds in many workplaces which enriches not only the environment, but project results. People with diverse backgrounds and characteristics will produce diverse ideas. They have different problem solving approaches . This can all lead to great designs, but how can we address clashes in the workplace and make an impact on social equity and justice?

Mani spoke about growing up in a hybrid family and being raised as an iranian-american and how the intersectionality of those cultures influenced her life in positive ways but at the same time gave her some identity issues. Mani has lived in diaspora, unable to return to Iran since 1980 due to political, cultural and gender reasons, so she was raised in the USA having to quickly adapt to this society. Growing up there were children with a wide diversity in multi-faith so her community was filled with equity and compassion. She was forever inspired by the 1976 International Congress of Women Architects. This inspiration and need to connect all voices has led her to being a leader, volunteer, and community activist. When she saw a gap in the industry, she started the Banou’s in the Building Industry (BIBI) organization to uplift the voice of Iranian women in the architecture, landscape, interiors, planning, engineering, construction, and academia

From Ka’ili we learned that by acknowledging and respecting the cultural heritage of indigenous communities and marginalized groups, architects can contribute to healing historical wounds and rectifying past injustices. Chun stressed the need for collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary approaches that engage communities in the design process, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued.

Belonging & Embracing One’s Culture

One recurring theme that resonated strongly throughout the discussion was the importance of pride in one’s culture and embracing one’s own unique perspective. The panelists stressed embracing and showcasing our cultural identities to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and foster a greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures. Pride in cultural heritage not only enriches our own lives but also contributes to the overall richness and vibrancy of the built environment and society.

As Mani eloquently put it, “You are beautiful, you belong, you matter.” She shared her experience as an Iranian-American and how she often felt a lack of representation in the firms and projects she worked on. To find a sense of belonging, she engaged with various organizations that resonated with her cultural background. Mani emphasizes the significance of reaching out and learning about others, as it fosters inclusivity and creates an environment that values diverse cultures.

Yu-Ngok, reflecting on his journey as an immigrant, emphasized

the importance of embracing one’s own heritage. Growing up he looked up to U.S. culture as being the best there is. This is what drove him to want to come to this country to be with the best. After he achieved his goal, he started working at firms and slowly realized that things weren’t as he thought, and even when he had a seat at the table, people didn’t listen to him. He felt like a checkbox or number. This prompted him to establish his own firm in order to have his ideas embodied in designs. He encourages individuals to advocate for themselves and their culture, stating “The moment you are ashamed of your own self is the moment you lose yourself”.

Ka’ili passionately spoke about the importance of understanding and preserving cultures that have been historically erased. She emphasized the need to reach out to the people of the lands we occupy and learn from their indigenous knowledge. In her words, “Understand, Don’t Erase, adapt.” By acknowledging and respecting indigenous communities, architects can contribute to healing historical wounds and rectifying past injustices.

Graciella, as an immigrant, highlighted the importance of having a voice and earning trust within the workplace. Open communication and the ability to express thoughts and ideas is extremely important in gaining respect. At her job, she is very vocal about what she thinks is right, and is not afraid to say when she doesn’t know something and ask for help. Both her and Raquel mentioned how there is a perception of the young latina women; there is a big barrier they’ve both had to break and feeling the need to have to work twice as hard to be acknowledged. Even small things like language; for a long time they tried to change or improve their accents until they realized it’s a beautiful thing to have.

By celebrating diverse cultures, challenging stereotypes, and recognizing the value of each individual’s unique perspective, we can create a more equitable and vibrant society. Together, we can make a positive impact by promoting social equity and justice through the intersectionality of cultures in the design and workplace realms.

Above | Webinar Panelists

Melissa Gaddis

Gaddis is a Project Manager specializing in multi-family and commercial at Babcock Design in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is serving as the YAF representative for the state of Utah.

Raquel Guzman Geara, AIA

Raquel is a project and design architect specializing in workplace and higher education at SmithGroup in Chicago, Illinois. She is serving as the YAF representative for the state of Illinois.

Passing the Torch:

Empowering the Next Generation of Architects through Experience Sharing

Have you ever felt unsure or afraid to try something new? Starting a career in architecture can be especially challenging because there is a very steep learning curve. As an Architect, you will always be learning and you will never know everything. There will be times where you are doing something completely new, even decades into your career. But there’s a way to overcome these constant challenges and become empowered as a professional. It revolves around the importance of sharing experiences with younger people in architecture. By passing on our knowledge and wisdom to younger generations, we can create a community of support and empowerment. What are the most memorable stories you remember from starting your career? How many are your own stories and how many are from those around you? Sharing experiences and storytelling is a vital role in the profession not only for our projects, but for future generations of Architects.

Why sharing experiences is important

Sharing experiences can be a powerful way to empower others, especially when starting a career in architecture. By sharing what we’ve learned, we can help others avoid the same mistakes we made. This is important in a field where there is always something new to learn.

Passing on knowledge and skills to future generations is also vital because it ensures that the field of architecture continues to progress and evolve. Each generation builds on the work of those who came before them, and without the sharing of experiences, this progress could slow down or even stop altogether. By sharing our experiences and knowledge with those who come after us, we can help ensure that the field of architecture continues to grow and thrive.

Sharing experiences goes beyond just empowering others in their careers. It can also create a sense of camaraderie and support, particularly for those who may feel isolated or uncertain in their struggles. By sharing our own challenges and the ways we overcame them, we not only help others who may go through similar experiences, but we also create a sense of solidarity and community. Humans aren’t perfect, by highlighting our imperfection we can provide strength to others working through a mistake or challenge.

For recent graduates and young architects, in particular, the road to success can be a daunting one. The steep learning curve and demands of the industry can leave many feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about their abilities. However, by sharing our experiences and offering guidance and support, we can help ease those feelings and create a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Reverse mentoring is another powerful tool for growth and development in the architectural community. This practice involves younger or less experienced individuals providing guidance and mentorship to more senior professionals, often in areas related to technology, social trends, and innovative approaches. Embracing reverse mentoring recognizes that knowledge and expertise can flow in multiple directions, regardless of hierarchical positions. Seasoned architects can benefit from fresh perspectives, stay current with emerging trends, and tap into the digital skills of younger generations. This dynamic exchange of knowledge and ideas fosters a collaborative learning environment where both mentors and mentees can thrive, creating a truly inclusive and forwardthinking architectural community.

It’s important to remember that everyone faces challenges and setbacks in their career, regardless of experience or skill level. By sharing our own struggles and how we overcame them, we can help others feel less alone and more confident in their abilities. Ultimately, this sense of community and support can lead to greater success and fulfillment for all involved. So, don’t be afraid to share your own experiences and knowledge with those who come after you. You never know who you might inspire or help along the way.

Architectural Registration Exam blog series

MentorDINO.com is currently running a blog series that focuses on the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE). It tells stories of how other professionals succeed through the ARE’s. This series encourages and empowers others who are going through the exam process by sharing the personal stories and insights of others that have gone through the process. It is not a simple task, and I’ve learned through reading over 30 stories that there is no one size fits all, no perfect path, and no perfect timeline. The goal of the series is to provide a platform for individuals to share their unique experiences with the exam, including their challenges, failures, and successes. By sharing these honest experiences, I hope it helps others who are going through the same process to feel less alone and more empowered. You

may have just failed an exam and need some encouragement to get back into studying. You may need some help just getting started. You may have just failed your third exam in a row, but do not be discouraged, as you are not alone. Others have had similar experiences and persevered.

By understanding the importance of sharing experiences, no matter how positive or negative, we can help others going through the same process. If we become afraid to share our struggles, challenges, and unique experiences, how will the industry continue to grow? It is the power of community and support in the field of architecture that makes our profession unlike any other.

Gaining Insights from Experienced Architects

In the dynamic world of architecture, the journey from a novice to a seasoned professional can be challenging and filled with uncertainties. However, one invaluable resource that can greatly assist young architects in their professional growth is the wisdom and experiences shared by the masters of the field. By actively engaging in teaching, mentoring, sharing, and being part of the team, experienced architects not only contribute to the development of the next generation but also become more approachable and relatable to recent graduates.

Above | ARE Experience Stories: Gabriella Bermea - mentorDINO

Creating a Culture of Knowledge Sharing:

Experienced architects hold a treasure trove of knowledge acquired through years of practice. It is essential for them to recognize the importance of sharing this wisdom with young professionals. By cultivating a culture of knowledge-sharing within the firm, professional organizations, and academic institutions, seasoned architects can actively contribute to the growth and development of the architectural community as a whole. One way for experienced architects to share their insights is through teaching and mentoring. By allocating time in their workweek to engage with their teams and individuals, it can provide opportunities to share experiences, advice, and expertise. This effort builds trust and relationships throughout the firm.

When senior professionals make time for these activities, they not only showcase their expertise but also display a genuine interest in the growth and success of the next generation. This approachability fosters a positive and inclusive work environment, where young professionals feel valued and empowered.

Fostering a Collaborative Environment:

By actively participating in collaborative projects and being part of the team, experienced architects can demonstrate their willingness to work alongside young professionals. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and encourages open communication and the exchange of ideas. When senior architects actively engage in teamwork, they become more approachable and create an environment where recent graduates feel comfortable seeking advice and guidance.

In situations where senior architects are less present or less actively engaged in team meetings and design discussions, it is possible for the team to interpret this as a result of their busy schedules rather than intentional neglect. As a consequence, they may inadvertently begin excluding the senior architect from important discussions and decision-making processes, leading them to feel as though they are left to independently navigate the project’s complexities.

Sharing Experiences and Lessons Learned:

Experienced architects can significantly contribute to the professional growth of young professionals by sharing their own experiences and lessons learned throughout their careers. This can be done through informal discussions, presentations, or even writing articles that provide insights into overcoming challenges, navigating project complexities, or embracing innovation. By openly sharing their successes, failures, and the lessons they have learned, senior architects provide valuable guidance and inspire young professionals to navigate their own career paths with confidence.

Imagine a scenario where guest speakers, invited to give lectures at an architectural university program, chose to shift their focus from design-centric topics to discussing the challenges, hardships, and valuable lessons learned from their own projects. By sharing these real-world experiences, students would gain a deeper understanding of the practical aspects of architecture and gain insights into the complexities and triumphs that shape the profession.

Embracing the act of sharing experiences with younger generations holds immense significance in the empowering of others and the fostering of a strong sense of community within the field. By imparting your knowledge and skills you have the power to inspire and guide future architects, while simultaneously cultivating a supportive network of professionals. The exchange of personal stories and insight establishes connections and facilitates mutual learning, thereby nurturing a culture of openness and collaboration. The Architectural Registration Exam blog series serves as a prime example of how sharing experiences can empower individuals, help provide motivation, and assist with navigating their own unique path to licensure. We all have a role to play in this cycle of empowerment. By fearlessly sharing our own experiences and remaining receptive to the wisdom of others, we can continually evolve, both as individuals and as a united design community. Embrace this opportunity to contribute your stories, by doing so you enrich the legacy of knowledge and support within the realm of

Katelyn Rossier, AIA, NCARB, LSSBB Architect and Associate at SmithGroup in Pittsburgh, PA. Driven by a passion for mentorship, she founded mentorDINO to provide training and knowledge sharing for AEC professionals.

Community Wish:

Collaboration/Creativity/Community

2022 Component Grant Recipient, AIA Richmond YAF Chapter

Each year the AIA College of Fellows provides funding to assist AIA Components in the development of programs that will enhance the work of Emerging Professional, Young Architects and/or Associate members of the Institute. In 2022 the program sought projects that directly involved Emerging Professional with a specific community outreach activity, and engagement with disadvantaged communities in the planned activity. AIA Richmond’s Community Wish program met and surpassed these expectations. According to Jacob Sherry, AIA, LEED AP BD+C AIA Richmond Board + RVA YAF Chair, and An Liu, Associate AIA, “The funding of this grant propelled our committee to new heights this year. The experience working on the Community Wish project brought invaluable hands-on, collaborative experience as well as a kick-start to our future community engagement efforts.” The following final report and photographs submitted by the grant recipients, clearly describe the high aspirations and success of this project.

• Community Wish is an architectural installation assembled onsite at the 2022 Richmond Folk Festival addressing urban environmental needs in support of Venture Richmond’s Brown’s Island Improvement Plan, which was approved by the City of Richmond Planning Commission in 2019.

• As part of Richmond’s Folk Music Festival – one of the most popular events in Virginia welcoming thousands of visitors from around the country – the installation is an opportunity to engage the community in envisioning the “Community Wish” project. This experiential project was led by Venture Richmond, YAF RVA, and Hanbury Community Design Lab to create a public structure offering shading, seating, and space for community interactions.

• This installation – organized and designed by AIA RVA YAF, built by volunteers, and funded by the AIA College of Fellows 2022 Emerging Professionals Component Grant and YAF RVA – presents a meaningful collaboration among non-profit leaders, architects, graphic designers, and community helpers. It is an experiment of deconstructable design that highlights the interplay between humans and the natural world and the impact each person can have in responding to their surrounding environments.

• Employing 4”x4” spacing galvanized fence, the design creates a reconfigurable framework of different formats to meet community needs. This includes, but is not

Above | Installation of a module.

Above | Participants work to build the installation..

limited to, a community pavilion, furniture, posters, a flag, drawings, and a space for gathering, sharing, connecting, observation, etc. The structure is built with modular components which can be relocated and reused for other projects to meet evolving community needs. The structure intentionally evolved throughout the three-day event with increased community interaction and involvement.

This project brought Richmond’s emerging design professionals together to learn how to work collaboratively through design and construction, while also learning what it takes to engage our diverse community.

THE COMMITTEE

Jacob Sherry, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, 510 Architects, AIA Richmond Board, YAF Chair

Ryan Alkire, AIA, NCARB, Wendel, AIA Virginia Board, AIA Richmond Board, YAF Co-Chair

Nick Cooper, AIA, NOMA, Hanbury, AIA Richmond PastPresident, YAF Member

Cody Solberg, AIA, NCARB, Marvel, YAF Member

Ally Maclean, AIA, ENV, YAF Member

Danielle Kassel, Allied Member, Lynch Mykins Structural Engineers, YAF Member

Tyler Currie, Allied Member, Shade & Wise Brick Company, YAF Member

Sal DiPietro, PE, Allied Member, Springpoint Structural, YAF Member

Jeff Weiseman, AIA Baskervill, YAF Member

Brendan Westfall, Associate AIA, PSH+, YAF Member

An Liu, Associate AIA, Hanbury, YAF Member

Thanks to:

AIA College of Fellows (Funding)

AIA Richmond YAF (Funding + Volunteers)

AIA Richmond

Community Helpers (Construction)

Hanbury Community Design Lab

Public Arts Commission

Richmond Community ToolBank (Tools)

Shade & Wise (Masonry and Pavers)

Somehow Something Studio + Erik Brandt (Graphic)

Venture Richmond

Photos by Mario @hanbury

Above | Participants sketching through ideas.

Above | Participants work to build the installation..

Kate Schwennsen, FAIA

Kate is a Professor Emeritus + Director Emeritus at Clemson University School of Architecture.

Connection and Chill

Cocktails and streaming content for the casual consumer

Each quarter, the YAF Knowledge Focus Group curates streaming video content and a cocktail recipe to salute each Connection issue theme. In Q2, we highlight Advocacy & Empowerment where we look at areas where we architects can make positive changes for a more equitable world for all.

Cocktail recipe: Consensual Sex on the Beach

As we are moving into the summer months and people are either looking for a new summer fling or to enhance their current relationship, this drink can help you get started! Regardless of your gender, let’s all make empowered and consensual decisions this summer, hopefully on a beach!

Ingredients

One shot of Vodka

One shot of Peach schnapps

6 oz of Cranberry Juice

6 oz of Orange Juice

Instructions

Add your shot of vodka and peach schnapps over ice

Pour in your Cranberry and Orange juice

Give it a good twist and mix

Garnish with an orange, cherry and umbrella!

Cheers!

The following recommendations follow the theme

Advocacy & Empowerment:

Just Mercy (2019) – Amazon Prime

Insecure (2016-2021) – HBO

Ms. Marvel (2022) – Disney+

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020) - Netflix

Authors: Kiara Gilmore, AIA, Ryan Lewis, AIA. Trent Schmitz, AIA, NCARB, LEED Green

Associate, Terry Zink, AIA, Arlenne Gil, AIA, NCARB, Melanie Ngami, AIA, Alexandra Tengco, AIA, Tanya Kataria, AIA, Nathaniel St. Jean, AIA

The YAF Knowledge Focus Group is dedicated to identifying important issues of recently licensed architects and the creation of knowledge resources to enable young architects to advance their careers.

Consensual Sex on a Beach