AIA YAF Connection 21.03 - Educate for Impact

This issue: Educate for Impact

In this issue, education is highlighted at all levels. With experts from across the world, educational initiatives will be explored in various lenses, from K-12 outreach programming, university partnerships, professional development opportunities, and diverse pathways to fellowship.

Above Black Architects in the Making (BAM) Florida participants lead a design charette for students

2023 Young Architects Forum Advisory Committee

2023 Chair Matt Toddy, AIA

2023 Vice Chair

2023 Past Chair

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

Jason Takeuchi, AIA

Jessica O’Donnell, AIA

Kiara Gilmore, AIA

Anastasia Markiw, AIA

Gabriella Bermea, AIA

Sarah Nelson-Woynicz, AIA

Kate Thuesen, AIA

Jeanne Jackson, FAIA

Karen Lu, AIA

Rachel Graham, 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

38 Practice Simulation Lab: Real Insights from Hypothetical Firms

Seth Duke, AIA + Alex Oetzel, AIA

41 The Value of Participation

Dan Stine, AIA

44 Align Mentor/Mentee Interviews

Sarah Nelson Woynicz, AIA + Jordan Kravitz, AIA

47 The Unconventional Journey: Achieving Architectural Licensure through NCARBs Alternative Path

Mark Hadaway, Assoc. AIA

48 Artificial Intelligence

Sharika Tasnim, RIBA

51 Navigating the Gap between Architectural Education and Practice

Katelyn Rossier, AIA

54 Fostering Growth and Collaboration: Insights from the AIA 2023 Convention – COTE Open Forum

Wei Wang, AIA

55 Blueprints of Empowerment: Architects Crafting Tomorrow

Yash Mehta, Assoc. AIA, NOMA

57 The Milk District Design Charrette

Emily Anderson, AIA, NOMA + Carrie Manes, AIA

60 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 ARETE Design Group 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, NOMA

Abriannah Aiken, Assoc. AIA

Rourke Brakeville, Assoc. AIA

Shadia Jaramillo, AIA

Taisa Peree-Sehic, Assoc. AIA

Heli Shah, Assoc. AIA, NOMA

Meghann Gregory, AIA

Abby Benjamin, AIA

Tanvi Solanki, AIA

Navaz Bilimoria

Seth Duke, 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.

Alex Oetzel, AIA

Dan Stine, AIA

Sarah Nelson Woynicz, AIA

Jordan Kravitz, AIA

Mark Hadaway, Assoc. AIA

Sharika Tasnim, RIBA

Katelyn Rossier, AIA

Wei Wang, AIA

Yash Mehta, Assoc. AIA, NOMA

Emily Anderson, AIA, NOMA

Carrie Manes, AIA

YAF Chair’s message: Educate for Change

Education is a critical component of every architect’s career. From the long, arduous hours spent in the academic studio to the continuous pursuit of knowledge through professional development and continuing education, our profession is full of opportunity to grow and expand our understanding of the built environment, of each other, and of ourselves.

As chair of the Young Architects Forum, it is my privilege to contribute a few words each quarter in support of the incredible stories within, and offer a challenge to dream big, and act small as you consider your next move as a student of architecture. In this issue, we focus on the role education, professional development, and mentorship play in shaping us into the best version of ourselves.

Education lays the groundwork for understanding the intricacies of design, materiality, and technologies that shape our everevolving profession. A well-rounded architectural education provides the necessary tools to bridge theory with practicehowever oftentimes our formal education ends with a diploma or certificate in hand. What are you doing to ensure your education is continuing into practice? How are you pursuing exploration and self-discovery in your career? In my experience, this process is rarely linear, and often leads to surprising revelations about my own interests and capabilities as an architect. Take a moment to zoom out and consider what sparks your curiosity - then identify one step you can take this quarter to explore it further.

Education opens the door, but professional development guides us along the path to mastery. By sharpening our abilities through workshops, seminars, and research, we elevate our work as architects to the next level. Take a moment to think about the “gaps” in your career - what skills are you lacking? What would you like to do better the next time? What have you done lately to level up? Spend some time researching opportunities to fill those gaps - and then do it!

While education and professional development are critical components to a well-rounded, fulfilling career as an architect, mentorship is the glue that will hold it all together through the highs and lows of day-to-day practice. Mentorship is a symbiotic relationship where knowledge flows both ways - as mentors share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, they not only shape the trajectory of those they are mentoring, but also find renewed inspiration in their own journey. Take a moment to identify those who have provided mentorship for you, and those who you have mentored throughout your career. How have you been encouraged and inspired? What are you doing to build bridges for those coming behind you? As you consider these questions, identify someone who is 2, 5, and 10 steps ahead and behind where you are today - and schedule a conversation with each of them!

The essence of architecture remains rooted in the ideals of creativity, innovation, and human connection. Education fuels these ideals, professional development refines them, and mentorship nurtures them. As architects, our commitment to this pursuit of knowledge is not only an investment in our personal growth but a part of our responsibility to the profession. The challenge is great, but the opportunity is greater. Through this pursuit of knowledge we shape not only the spaces we design but also the legacy we leave behind.

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.

Editor’s note: Championing Excellence: Education Inspired

As we look towards our YAF 2023 Priority areas, Educate for Impact is our focus area for this edition. Architects and practitioners have a critical role to play in the mentorship and development of the next generation. By building an interwoven support network of architects, designers, and industry professionals, compounding on the experiences of one another, we can collectively bring an elevated experience for all in the business of architecture and empower our multi-generational workplaces. By fostering human connection and development for all, we ensure the advancements of technology, skills, and the built environment are utilized for the betterment of society.

In this issue, education is highlighted at all levels. With experts from across the world, educational initiatives will be explored in various lenses, from K-12 outreach programming, university partnerships, professional development opportunities, and diverse pathways to fellowship. Educational programs are being used to meet the current and future needs of our professionals.

Through education, we pass on invaluable knowledge at multidirectional scales. As we advance together, we contribute to a shared sense of community, collaboration, and innovation. We encourage you to delve deep into our stories and become inspired to ask the questions and lead programs of your own, leaning on our contributors and resources as guides.

Editorial committee call

Q4 2023: Call for submissions on the topic Equity and Belonging

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.

2024 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.

Gabriella Bermea, AIA, NOMA Bermea is an associate and design architect at VLK Architects in Austin, Texas and serves as the 2023 Communications Director of the YAF.

“Education is the most powerful weapon in which you can use to change the world” - Nelson Mandela.

In Advocacy of Amplifying Emerging Professionals Design Voices

In order to fully contend with the social, political, and technological futures of tomorrow, the field of architecture must shift its focus, engage in new design thinking, and amplify new voices. Emerging professionals are the key to this progress. The profession has the potential to reach new heights–heights that adopt emerging technologies, holistically embody sustainability, and lead conversations in equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The voice of the emerging professional is profoundly unique for two reasons: it’s constructed by the voice of the student and the voice of the employee. The former is newer to the experience of the profession and the constraints of construction realities. The latter is a sponge to new workplace techniques and methodologies used by the employer. The result is an amateur practitioner and an expert scholar.

Within the first few years out of school, emerging professionals are often molded by the place of work to conform to their practices. The benefit is that the emerging professional begins to grapple with the complexities of architecture from its codes and regulations to its intricacies and constructability. Through this, the emerging professional truly learns how to design considering the health, safety, and well-being of the practice. The shedding of the student cocoon metamorphosizes into an individual competent in management and production within the practice. Over time, the student-minded employee becomes the practitioner who has distanced themselves from the university setting both physically and mentally. And, yet, the emerging professional still has so much to offer: to the firm, to the field, to the world.

In university, students embodied radical thought processes and technologies that propose ways of transforming the field of architecture and the future as we know it. By distancing themselves from the pedagogy and academia that they once knew pre-graduation, their radical design thinking is lost. Therefore, it is up to the emerging professional to maintain that grasp on progressive forms of reality - to make a better future for tomorrow. Thus, emerging professionals must act as a bridge to bring pedagogy and practice together and positively impact the field.

Because of their unique perspective, emerging professionals must be empowered to impact design, professional organizations, and pedagogy in order for the field of architecture to move forward.

Pedagogy

As seen throughout the emerging generation, students are bringing their passions for climate justice, social activism, and future-focused technologies into the classroom and this criticality is blossoming in design schools, merging radicality with design thinking1. For this reason, emerging professionals are best situated to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and emerging technologies are fostered in new curricula and design thinking.

Ensuring that these emerging professionals have a space to engage in pedagogy after their schooling is critical to developing a culture of radical change within the design field. One such way is through empowering young professionals to become adjunct professors, serve on academic juries, and engage in institutional discussions. Similarly, by creating a culture of radical design thinking and doing within firms, the field will continue to foster equity, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and emerging technologies to positively impact the future of the built environment.

Design Practice

The emerging professional has no shortage of opinions and thoughts about the process of design. Going into practice with a background in unconstrained design thinking, they can see design opportunities others, who have been long-time practitioners, may not. For this reason, it is important to elevate their voices in design conversations and implementation. Although they have much to learn about the inner workings of design firms and the construction of projects, they can also offer insights that elevate the designs that can emerge from the professional realm. Even as they continue to grow in their experience, emerging professionals have a valuable voice that can contribute to larger design discussions.

Emerging professionals should have opportunities to speak up and offer insights into how the firm could improve, be involved

Case Study: Call for Decolonized Curriculums + Design Advocacy-Centered Pedagogy

Not every professional is willing to engage in experimental pedagogy and connect architecture to the political, social, and technological environment in which it is situated. In recent years, many students (as well as faculty) are making calls for pedagogical reform - to decolonize curriculum, de-center architectural eurocentric history courses, and infuse studio prompts with radicality connecting the social and political worlds into design-thinking. Architecture + Advocacy (previously the Comprehensive Diversity Initiative) is one such organization - founded through a survey distributed to the USC School of Architecture, asking for student input on the existing status of architecture school culture and curriculum2. What emerged were six demands to enact inclusive policies to improve the spatial and educational experience of systematically marginalized groups (ranging from hiring more BIPOC professors to restructuring courses to center BIPOC voices, to further outreach with marginalized communities surrounding the school). Through discussions with administrators and professors,

students helped redefine curriculum standards, even going as far as to help restructure introductory courses. Students have learned to leverage their voices to demand structural change inside and outside of the classrooms and connect architecture to the political society in which it is entrenched - something that students are excited to engage in. As they graduate, it is important to continue to stimulate their eagerness to change pedagogy and keep those conversations alive.

It should also be noted that there are limits to pedagogy, as seen with the ever-present NAAB and Universityspecific regulations. And, yet, as seen at USC and other such programs, there are opportunities to push boundaries, defy norms, and make structural changes to amplify marginalized ideologies, histories, and practices. With engaged students and emerging professionals, the opportunities for change are endless.

Above | Architecture + Advocacy brought 6 demands for systemic pedagogical change within the USC School of architecture, as illustrated above3

in design, and be allowed to represent their firm at conferences, workshops, or other organizations that could amplify and build their voices. Firms often give emerging professionals support towards licensure with study materials, mentors, and exam reimbursement. While extremely useful, these tools give the impression that one must pass their exams before one can sit at the design table.

By giving emerging professionals the opportunity to utilize their design voice, the field of architecture will holistically create a dynamic working environment that embodies bold and innovative design ideas that allow all participants an opportunity to learn and grow - producing the best design outcomes for their clients, the firm, and the built environment, as a whole.

Many firms hold a deep commitment to the mentorship of the next generation of makers, thinkers, and doers within the architecture and related design fields. DLR Group is one such firm invested in such a practice - hosting interns every summer and engaging with them, as well as new graduate hires, through the Emerging Professional Experience. Participation in this Experience allows everyone access to firm transparency, incorporates round table discussions with the CFO and CEO, among others, and creates the opportunity for everyone to amplify their design voice4 DLR Group and other such firms are pushing boundaries to create space for emerging professionals.

Professional Organizations

The emerging professional participates in professional organizations within the collegiate environment, and allowing their voices to continue to be heard nationally is crucial. Organizations like AIAS and NOMAS are key to cultural and professional growth within the student experience during college. This connection between students and large organizations in the architectural field is foundational for a life-long commitment. Ensuring that emerging professionals still have a voice within these professional organizations once they graduate is crucial to sustaining that strong connection.

Case

The Young Architects Forum is a perfect example of how emerging professionals can maintain their connection with professional organizations and have a space to amplify their voices. AIA YAF creates a space within the AIA for younger professionals to center programming and discussions on their communal needs and interests, something that not every professional organization has6. It creates a bridge between recent graduates and the AIA, many of whom might feel lost when transitioning out of college and emerging as newly graduated and newly licensed architects.

Above | YAF Richmond hosting a young professionals event emerging professionals7

Study: Young Architects Forum, AIA

Case Study: DLR Group Emerging Professional Experience

Above | DLR Group interns and emerging professionals engage in practice that amplifies their design voice5

It is necessary that emerging professionals be given the opportunity to continue their connection within professional organizations and have their voices amplified. They shouldn’t be excluded from conversations around practice and organization structure, nor should they be siloed into their own organization (YAF is a great space for emerging professionals, but it must be ensured that they also have a place within the greater AIA organization).

As professional organizations continue to emerge and develop, engaging and amplifying the emerging professional experience is critical to creating a solid foundation of memberships and maintaining life-long engagement. Conversely, emerging professionals who have a space to engage with others, raise their voices, and leverage their opinions will help them further develop their design voices and cause positive change within the field and the built environment, as a whole.

Conclusion

When it comes to emerging professionals, questions of

competency are not unfounded. After all, as architects, competency in maintaining the health, safety, and well-being of the public is the highest goal. Yet, what we want to assert is that a licensed professional is not the only mark of competency and competency is not the only determinant of a valuable voice. There is no doubt that emerging professionals have more to learn in practice but what they can do for pedagogy, a firm, or for a larger socio-political institution is constantly under discovery. Their ability to fail and try again should be seen as a valuable voice within the atmosphere of architecture. With the right advocacy, agency, and accountability, emerging professionals can impact architecture in profoundly positive ways.

If you have emerging professionals within your office, utilize your position and power to advocate and amplify their voices.

If you are an emerging professional, find ways to advocate for yourself, make sure you are still thinking and practicing radically, and get involved professionally and organizationally to align your passions within practice.

Annotated Sources

1 https://dailytrojan.com/2020/08/21/architecture-students-create-demands-to-improve-schools-inclusivity/

² https://architectureandadvocacy.org/

³ https://inclusiveinitiative.wixsite.com/mysite

⁴ https://www.dlrgroup.com/emerging-professional-experience/

⁵ https://www.dlrgroup.com/emerging-professional-experience/

⁶ https://www.aia.org/resources/195236-young-architects-forumhttps://www.aia.org/resources/195236-young-architects-forum

⁷ https://aiarva.org/young-architects-forum-yaf/

Abriannah Aiken, Assoc. AIA

Aiken is an activist/architectural designer at DLR Group in New York City, New York. Aiken is a co-founder of Architecture + Advocacy, Feminist Spatial Practices, and co-authored Disappearing Queer Spaces.

Rourke Brakeville, Assoc. AIA, M.S

Brakeville is a project coordinator at The Preston Partnership in Atlanta, Georgia. Brakeville is also a Part-Instructor at Kennesaw State University, has co-founded his own architectural practice, and coauthored Disappearing Queer Spaces.

Expanding Access: Black Architects in the Making (BAM)

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are vital elements of our culture’s growth, expansion and development. As humans we are all inherently diverse beings, and having an inclusive society should be something to aspire to. Expanding access and representation is an important part of empowering underrepresented communities.

Black Architects in the Making program is making just that; empowering students to achieve their goals in pursuing a career in architecture through mentorship and representation within the design industry. We had the opportunity to ask a few

A Conversation with BAM Leadership

Craig Aquart

questions to BAM Founders Craig Aquart, AIA, NOMA, and Naomi Harrison, Assoc. AIA., NOMA. They founded BAM in 2016, after seeing the need to have a program with a mission to mobilize architects that are passionate about their craft and serving communities where predominantly black families live, learn, and play to engage students in a creative and inspirational way.

While BAM’s primary focus is to reach African-American students, it is an equal opportunity program and as such all students regardless of race and ethnicity, are welcome to participate.

Craig Aquart is a licensed architect, and managing principal at MCHarry Associates, a firm that specializes in public sector projects. He has over 25 years of experience in the industry and is best known for his passion for the community and profession. This is best demonstrated through his leadership and commitment to the Architects in the Making (AIM) Program where he mentors young students exploring architecture as a possible career. He realized that educating middle and high school students about architecture is vital to the industry’s future and he is especially determined to improve diversity and inclusivity in the profession. On observing the lack of Black American presence in the industry, he founded BAM in 2016. BAM consists of dedicated professionals who immerse themselves in existing educational programs in communities where people of color live, learn, and play to enhance students’ knowledge about architecture.

Naomi Harrison

Naomi Harrison is a senior project manager at MCHarry Associates, a firm that specializes in public sector work. She has 20 years of experience in architecture and leads the firm’s mentorship programs. She is the co-founder of BAM, president of NOMA South Florida component, AIA Miami associate director, and the co-chair of the Women in Architecture Committee. Naomi is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the profession and the community she serves.

Shadia Jaramillo (SJ)/Gabriella Bermea (GB): What motivated you to create or join BAM?

Craig Aquart: In 2015, on my first visit to an Architects in the Making summer camp, I noticed only 2 black children, out of about 50 campers, participated. After that, I discovered that less than 2% of architects in the United States identify as black and less than 0.4% were black women. I’m familiar with being one of the only black architects in a room of over 100 architects. At some point, most of us come to the realization that there’s no better person to take action about an issue than yourself.

Naomi Harrison: I like to say I joined BAM in 2016 and 5 minutes. Craig stopped me in the corridors at MCHarry, just outside of his office and said, ‘Hey, I have this idea..’. He got half way through and I said ‘ok, I’m in!’ and as they say, the rest is history. Never ever questioned why he approached me for this,.. hmmm.. that is a question to ask. Sometimes we do not have the idea or even the knowledge that this or that needs to be challenged / changed / promoted, but it is what you do when something so profound and necessary is put before you. Do you dive in? Do you say, ‘eh, someone else is doing it, it’ll get done’. If it piques my interest or aligns with my passions, I am a ‘dive

right in and get it done’ person!

SJ/GB: What are your goals and vision for the program?

CA: BAM’s goal is deliberately simple – we deploy black architects along the frontline in communities where black families live, learn, and play to inform students about architecture in a fun, creative, and memorable way. The majority of the students we interact with, heard about architecture for the first time at one of our workshops. The interesting thing about what has happened thus far is, these students are hearing about architecture from black architects. When they think about architecture, they see in their minds professionals who look like them. They can relate and they think of the profession as being accessible to them because of these BAM interactions. They see our passion for architecture, and they get the idea that if they can do it, so can I. This knowledge serves them well as they explore and decide on a profession they’d like to pursue.

NH: I want the program to GROW. Take off and be everywhere in the country, to the point where there is no longer a need to have a BAM! And then we go on to what is needed of us next.

SJ/GB: What are some of the challenges or opportunities that you face or encounter as a black architect/designer in the United States?

NH: Being a black designer in the architecture industry has been a good journey for me. I have been blessed in that I have never really encountered direct challenges or discrimination. Although I have also said, I never realized my blackness until I came to the U.S. where race is so divisive. Growing up in a Caribbean country, Jamaica, race never really played a part. I came to Miami and went to an architecture program that in the 90s had great diversity, in ethnicity, culture and demographics, with a lot of Caribbean students, and then I started working for a firm where I was accepted as Naomi, not as a quota to be filled. My 2 greatest and earliest mentors are white males, and to this day over 20 years later we are still in touch with each other. But outside of these two silos, race was such a factor even, or especially, in Miami. Those earlier years in my silo were my greatest opportunities, unbeknownst to me at the time. It wasn’t until I was immersed into the community at the start of BAM that the realization hit me that I came from a place of privilege - a Caribbean privilege - and I needed to do a reassessment of myself and mindset to better serve. BAM has been a tremendous learning experience for me.

One of the greatest challenges I have faced also stemmed from my work in the community and having to carve and claw my way into recognition as, outside of work and the organization itself, I am often not recognized as a key component of BAM and my contributions and significance in it. This is not an easy thing to say or even experience as I do not do this for the recognition, but I also don’t want to be erased, especially as a black female.

SB: A challenge I face as a black architectural designer is having to educate my community on what it is that I do. Oftentimes when I mention architecture to my community, it is affiliated with interior design or even engineering. It used to annoy me, but now I recognize that not many people in my community can clearly identify with what we do as architects. That said, I find myself having to break it down for them. In addition to that, I find myself having to explain the value of what we do and bring to the built environment. This is not just in my community but across the industry.

CA: I think our challenge is also an opportunity. The challenge is there is so much work to do and there are not many black architects to do it. The solution is to replicate ourselves. We all have an opportunity to make a difference. You don’t have to be black to understand we all benefit from a diverse profession. We all have a role to play in making the profession more accessible and inclusive. One of the solutions to our challenge is to surround ourselves with like-minded people, it does not matter our ethnicity, empower ourselves to contribute in our own way towards the solution, and we need to do this as quickly and as often as possible.

Above | BAM Student Activity

Above | BAM work group and students

SJ/GB: How do you mentor and inspire young black students who are interested in architecture? What are some of the topics or activities that you share or facilitate with them?

CA: We each have something unique to contribute – our purpose. If we can somehow explore and discover our purpose, I believe we can be inspired to make our unique contribution to society. This does not need to be enormous. Our contribution can be small and at the same time impactful. Sometimes, all it takes is being a good example in your circle of influence. Now, an understanding about architecture and its importance to nation building is key to understanding the role of an architect in the community. This role can be enormous, and it can also be small and impactful. I find that when you listen intently long enough and ask the right questions, the mentee often finds their own. Oftentimes the inspiration comes from within with little or no direction from the mentor.

NH: I cannot stress this enough, SHOW UP. We show up to these students and the community - where the students are. We try not to be lofty, using pretentious words. We show them the world so that they can imagine that they can be anything they want. Speaking of architecture and how they know so much more about it than they even imagined they did. Make analogies to their everyday life and how the topics we speak on will help them in school projects, with problem solving, with interviewing or presenting projects, even if they don’t have an interest in architecture. Be transparent. Transparency is so important in our industry, but especially with those we mentor. We answer the questions asked of us, we do not make it seem like it’s an invalid thought or question. We encourage whomever we are speaking to and when we see or know there is a spark somewhere we nurture that.

Workshops:

• Introduction to architecture. Verb like an architect

• Speak like an architect

• Model like an architect

• Draw like an architect

• Sketch like an architect

• Write like an architect

SJ/GB: What are some of the projects that you are most proud of or excited about? How did you contribute to them?

CA: BAM has reached over 1,000 students since its inception in 2016. While the program started with a simple goal of informing students about architecture through creative presentations and memorable workshops, it has grown to include mentorship, scholarships, internships, and employment opportunities. However, if I had to identify something I’m most proud of, I’d say it is the replication of the program. We’ve created a model

that is easily replicated. Playing a role in the diversification of the profession and replication of the program in various cities throughout the nation is exciting. We are on the cusp of launching multiple BAM affiliates. We are working right now on how to do so efficiently and effectively.

NH: I once had to give a pecha-kucha-like presentation at a conference with seven other very talented women in design. I was immediately after a famous Miami architect who did this beautiful and fabulously designed $100M+ hotel somewhere in the Caribbean and I followed up with a school restroom renovations project and a school window replacement project. I used the tag lines ‘we all have to go, so why not go somewhere beautiful’ and ‘65 year old tired building looking for a facelift’ - I decided to have fun with what I was presenting (we cannot take ourselves too seriously!). I loved the 2 projects I presented. I was very proud of them. I was the team leader, the senior project manager and lead designer on both. I carved design out of a limited budget and went out of the box (the proverbial ask for forgiveness afterwards) on these, using colors and materials that the public school systems didn’t traditionally see, and I was firm with my design and saw it through to completion without value engineering and compromising any of it. Most think of architecture as glamorous new iconic buildings. The day to day design is for the everyday user and most architects and designers never or rarely design a complete from ground up new building. These everyday renovations are the projects I find joy in - how can I take something old, dated, with a limited budget and make it beautiful for the students and the staff that have to be there eight plus hours a day. So I ran through the presentation, got lots of laughs and wow, and afterwards I had so many people come up to me and even years later I will get ‘you were the one with the restrooms project! I loved it!’. The project with the window replacement, I had a student come up to me when I was on site and asked if I was the designer, and when I said yes he was in such awe and said thank you so much for making this place so much better. That is why I do what I do, it makes it so much better and worthwhile!

SJ/GB:What is the future of BAM? Are there plans to expand Nationally or internationally?

Above | Craig and Naomi lead a BAM course

NH: We are currently working on creating a National BAM, which then the ‘your city here’ BAMs will fall under. We recently rebranded towards that end and are going through the necessary motions and channels to make BAM National happen as well as launch more BAMs in other communities /cities.

CA: BAM is helping to increase the awareness of architecture in communities where black children live, learn and play. One way to do this is to expand the program. BAM has expanded from Miami to Orlando, Broward, but this is just the tip of the spear. We are in communication with several champions who are interested in launching BAM affiliates in their cities.

SJ/GB: How do you balance your professional work with your volunteer work for BAM? Is there a intertwined relationship between the both? (optional)

NH: A tough question since all the lines between work, community and personal are so blurred; mostly (or most times) in a good way. The people I work closely with, are also those that I serve with, and those that I do life with. So many of the things we do are so intertwined, I find myself hopping on a meeting and saying ‘ok, which committee is this meeting for’, and 9 times out of 10 we end up talking about all the different things we all have going on! I have formed such beautiful connections and

friendships through mutual passions and respect with these people. We plan events together, we work on projects together, we serve, we stress on things together, we show up together, we act, we raise our voices together, sometimes we raise our voices at each other - there are disagreements, heated discussions, just like family! We are the shoulders for each other as well as those coming up behind us, we go drinking together (sometimes this is necessary!), we encourage each other, we talk about our families and our lives, we vacation together. With all these blurred lines I have found my village of support in my career and in my personal life. I often say the ‘after hours /free time’ work we do together helps me stay sane in the actual day to day aspects of work and running millions of dollars worth of projects (the monetary paying job) and makes the stress of that life worth it.

Conclusion

As BAM looks to the future, the team hopes to launch the program in cities across the nation, with eventual full time support. Hundreds, if not thousands of students will continually be exposed to the power of architecture and design and its impact on our communities, neighborhoods, and businesses. The value-add of supporting programs rooted in education and equity will continually benefit the profession long after our tenure.

Shadia Jaramillo, AIA

Jaramillo is a pProject aArchitect at Goodwyn Mills Cawood in Pensacola, Florida. Shadia is a member of the AIA Florida and is currently serving as AIA Florida associate director at large, and the AIA Florida Northwest Women in Architecture co-chair.

Gabriella Bermea, AIA, NOMA

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.

RESOURCES

BAM Miami: caquart@mcharry.com nharrison@mcharry.com

BAM Orlando: malcolm@majarchdesign.com

BAM Broward: bambroward@gmail.com

BAM Miami on IG: @bam.miami

BAM Orlando on IG: @bam.orlando

BAM Broward on IG: @bam.broward

BAM Miami URL: www.bammiami.org

BAM Orlando URL: www.bamorlando.org

The Change Starts Now Empowering the Future through Education

I lay in my room. Through my stomach, I could feel the coolness of the wood parquet floor that I helped install with my father in the years prior. One square lay horizontal, the next vertical, horizontal, vertical; each ¼ inch piece, laid by hand. My nose was buried in a book, Tuck Everlasting. The smell of my middle school library, ever present within the pages.

My family did not have cable. I did not have a cell phone or an iPod (which was quickly becoming fashionable at the time); so, books provided an escape for me. I dreamt of what it would be like to have multiple lifetimes to achieve because one lifetime did not feel like enough at the time. I was starting so far behind the rest.

Would I have more luck then? Would my parents be happier? Would the ‘weirdness’ of not being the same as my peers wear off? Would my mom finally agree to let me eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch? Would I finally have grandparents who could attend my school functions or pick me up at carpool? Could I finally go to a summer camp or at least stay with my parents for the summer?

The questions were limitless as with any child, but they were never regarding what I would be when I grew up, or where I would go to school. Those answers were set. Whatever was affordable. Disposable income was not a luxury we had. Knowledge of how colleges and universities worked in the United States, was not a knowledge anyone in my family possessed. No one had ever gone to school in the United States; therefore, my understanding of the system came from television, film, and the few conversations with a guidance counselor.

When I did finally grow up and graduated with my Masters, it was during the recession of 2008. So, I quickly left the United States. I needed a job, to unburden my parents, and I needed to pay off my student loans as soon as possible. I found myself working as a Naval Architect and accommodation specialist in shipbuilding in the Netherlands with projects and teams across Africa, South America, and Asia.

With all this experience I came back to the United States in 2022 to pursue my licensure. Now a mother myself but still a minority, at least I could now afford a few more luxuries. I was honored to attend the Women’s Leadership Summit in San Jose in 2022 as one of the Architects Foundation Sho-Ping Chin grantees. It was here that I heard many conversations surrounding demographics, numbers, and follow-up questions as they relate

to the pursuit of Architecture as a profession. The one question that I was convinced I had an answer to was:

“Why don’t we see more female (minority) identifying architects? What is stopping them from taking their licensure exams?”

To me, the answer was simple. Why are we looking after university when most of us don’t make it to university? Our obstacles are different. Our priorities often lie elsewhere.

I immediately dialed to call the one person I knew would understand and could help make my dream a reality, the one person that I clearly remember standing up for me in life, being my support and helping me ‘fit in’ at school when I was so clearly different.

Our friendship story started, it was September 11th; we were in our classroom watching, on a roll away television, two enormous towers burning and crumbling in the middle of New York City. A fellow student sitting in front of me turned around to face me from their desk, “Aren’t those your people that killed all of us with the planes?”. Torrence stood up. “Why don’t you turn around and hush.” He asked the kid. Torrence turned back to face me, “Don’t worry, I got you.”

Nowadays our interactions, luckily, are less intense. Torrence graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and is active in our community already to help mentor young minds. My first call for help and to share my idea for making my dream a reality was to him.

Above | Taisa Perée-Šehić speaking with participants,

We discussed what the idea was and to me, it seemed quite simple. I wanted to release the tension and take away as many barriers that I knew I faced as an immigrant growing up. Whether that was as large as what I would be when I grew up or as seemingly small as what I could do this summer.

The first was that the week needed to be fully funded. Caretakers and the participants should not have to worry about the expense for the week, this meant everything from the time they spend at the camp, the cost for the camp, the lunches, the transport. It all had to be covered.

The second thing I was really passionate about stemmed from my upbringing and what I have come to test and prove later in my work and personal life— good warm food brings people together. If I can bring the participants to the table for a healthy lunch, something they can recreate at home (we need to be conscious about food deserts and accessibility to nutrition), and put the mentors at the table with them; lol of this would set a comfortable stage for real impactful interaction.

The third point was that we needed to be there after the fact. When all is said and done, the participants need to be able to turn to their mentors and get help with anything from applying to colleges and universities to finding scholarships and grants to help them pursue their dreams. This one week could not be the only interaction the participants have with us.

These ideas were the basis of our non-profit: The 38|85 Initiative. Set up in Smoketown in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Initiative focuses on 4 main points to help remove the obstacles faced by minority, refugee, and immigrant kids looking at their futures. We believe that various combinations of these obstacles need to be addressed to bridge the diversity gap in Architecture, Engineering and Construction.

1. Provide a safe and engaging space where the participants and mentors can interact, discover, and challenge themselves.

2. The event not only has to be free, but we also need to pay the participants a salary so they can justify participating when their circumstances might otherwise not allow them to indulge in self-betterment and empowerment during the summers.

3. Provide free and reliable transportation to our events.

4. Provide warm, healthy lunches with food that the participants can easily replicate at home (and enough leftovers to take home).

All four points are covered by local providers, businesses, and entrepreneurs and to the greatest extent possible, by minorities from their communities; because when you see better, you can do better.

We were fortunate enough to be picked up for our inaugural year in June 2023 by Mayor Greenberg’s SummerWorks program in Louisville, Kentucky. We teamed up with YouthBuild Louisville to help us with funding and the ins and outs for providing this weeklong event.

The amazing team at YouthBuild and Summerworks helped us achieve so much more than we thought possible in terms of funding and opportunities. The cooperation and work we did together showed through the week of the camp and the weeks that followed. The participants were truly given the opportunity of a lifetime and all the volunteers involved felt the motivation and fun that was emanating from the group.

In the end, we sifted through over 40 applications this first year, interviewed more than 15 applicants and ended up with 10 participants with various hopes and dreams for their future, backgrounds and life experience.

Each morning started with an icebreaker. Getting to know the participants and building trust was key to developing a finished product at the end of the week. The family style, warm hour long lunches with the mentors further built on this trust because food brings people together. The participants actually put their phones down and communicated in the analog world. The interaction ranged from the mundane, to advice, to career possibilities, to hopes and dreams and even the occasional argument over participants that were picky eaters. Many laughs and breakthroughs came at this time.

Our community banned together to make this an unforgettable time for the participants. The Epping District provided the beautiful old theater in Smoketown for us to use, not only as a space, but also to teach about architectural history of the neighborhood, structures, and reconstruction of historical places. The House of Marigold provided a lunchtime cooking class and lunches for the entire week for the participants. As

Above | Old theater in Smoketown

well as many volunteers and mentors that came out from the industries to support during the design process.

The participants spent the week designing and building models of their take on a collapsible shelter that included solar panels hooked up to an application of their choosing that best suited their design purpose.

They were split into two groups, two studios. Each with a clearly defined studio motto, name and logo. After that, the mentors came in for the week. Each morning was spent learning from interactive lectures from various mentors and work time in the afternoons. At the end of the week, the participants were nervous but ready to present to the many community members that came out to see what they had designed.

Team K.A.T. produced a shelter for homeless cats that had two working fans hooked up to their solar panel. The insulation was made from used water bottles they had consumed during the week and hidden in the floor of their model.

Team Homes for All created a tessellation of a modular home that could be expanded as the owners’ means and disposable income expanded. Their electrical wiring and rainwater collection system was cleverly hidden within the structural core in the center of their hexagonal shape. The solar panel powered the light used in the home.

At the end of the week came the words that I did not know I was hoping to hear but that drove everything home for me: “Ms. Taisa, I made that. Can you believe that? It works. I made that.”

Those words brought me right back to that little girl, in her room, dreaming up lifetimes. The realization that my small idea is a part of something much bigger that goes beyond a lifetime: it’s a legacy.

When we can come together to help one young adult achieve something, helping boost our level, share with them our passions for architecture, construction and engineering; we are creating a new world that will encompass lifetimes. Building a world where that little girl worried for her parents and wishing to taste peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, can get all of that and a memorable experience and mentor in the world of architecture & design.

Taisa Perée-Šehić, Assoc. AIA

Peree-Sehic works at McCulloch Associates Architects in Louisville, Kentucky. When PereeSehic isn’t at the office or mentoring, she is spending time with her daughter and partner, snowboarding and dancing Flamenco. She received the 2023 AIA Kentucky Emerging Professional Award and is a grant and scholarship recipient at the Architects Foundation.

Above | Students developing a solution.

Above | Participants working together.

NAAB’s influence in the evolution of architecture

Many architects often reminisce about their time in school, filled with bittersweet memories of bonding with their peers during all-nighters and painful recollections of harsh critiques they once received during juries. Regardless of how one might perceive the tenacious nature of architecture school, for a handful of people, the chaotic and fast paced environment sparks creativity and innovation. Some might say the idea of design school is to rewire how students’ approach to design, methodology and creative intention. But often there is a disconnect between what students experience and their understanding of who determines what they learn.

Students are faced with a variety of options for their college education when it comes to architecture programs: four-years, five-years, sixyears, bachelor’s, master’s, integrated path to licensure (IPAL) programs, among others. For most students, this decision making is multifaceted. One specific factor of consideration is whether their program is accredited and what this means for the student, including if they intend to become licensed. Many jurisdictions require licensure applicants to have received a professional degree from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited architecture program in order to become licensed*.

The National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB) recently released their 2023 ‘NCARB By The Numbers’ which revealed an increase in enrollment in NAAB Accredited programs. 85% of licensure candidates received a degree from an NAAB accredited program and the proportion of architects without an accredited degree fell. Those with an accredited degree also had higher ARE Pass rates. NAAB programs have successfully grown over the past few years, as more and more programs are being accredited, including internationally with “over 9,200 new students enrolled in a NAAB-accredited program in the 2021-2022 school year,”. It appears accredited degrees may be the way of the future.

The impact of NAAB on education and the path to licensure is undeniable, yet there is a gap in understanding among both professionals and students regarding who NAAB is. In architecture education, student organizations such as the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and National Organization for Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) are often active not only throughout programs in the United States, but also internationally. Through this, students are able to network outside their school and state and are given leadership opportunities and ways to get involved in their local community and nationally. An often under-sought opportunity for students is to get involved in the NAAB as a participant on an accrediting team and seeing firsthand how NAAB impacts education through accreditation. “NAAB provides accreditation services and oversight to ensure architecture programs meet key quality assurance responsibilities” according to NAAB’s website. But NAAB’s role in architecture programs isn’t as straightforward as one may think. At its most basic, NAAB sets criteria that programs must meet while leaving the methods of achieving and assessing those criteria up to the programs themselves. This can prove to be an asset to programs,

allowing them to shape their culture and curriculum to best benefit their student population.

“Accreditation is a peer review process powered by volunteers: 140+ volunteers collectively spend 10,000+ hours each year to conduct NAAB site visits and evaluations.” (Credit - NAAB). For programs to receive accreditation, they must submit an Architecture Program Report (APR) as well as supporting materials and evidence. The program will host a visiting team, composed of volunteer representatives from each of the collateral organizations (AIA, NCARB, AIAS, and ACSA) which reviews this material and participates in meetings with staff, faculty, and students to validate the material’s accuracy. This process allows the visiting team to understand the program and write their Visiting Team Report (VTR) which goes to the NAAB Board for review. The NAAB Board makes the final decision on terms of accreditation. The APR and evidence are based on and respond to the current Conditions and Procedures published by NAAB. The latest set of criteria, published in the 2020 Conditions and Procedures, embraces a more comprehensive approach, creating greater flexibility to programs and focuses on program growth to assess programs continue to improve their student learning objectives. The conditions “utilize outcome-based criteria to assess not only whether a program effectively teaches, but also whether students are learning and demonstrating competency in their area of study”

The recent changes in the NAAB, including the new 2020 Conditions and Procedures support the organization’s four core values: Commitment to Excellence, Diversity and Inclusion, Effective Communication, and Spirit of Collaboration. In promoting diversity and inclusion, a core value central to the organization, NAAB is striving to increase access to architecture programs. Two new initial accreditations were granted at the April 2023 Board of Directors Meeting, including the first accredited program in West Virginia at Fairmont State University and a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, New York City College of Technology. Organizational stability, innovation, and stakeholder

engagement are also at the forefront of NAAB’s future thinking and shape its strategic plan.

The courses and subject area required for NAAB accredited programs serve as a foundation for the skills and knowledge students acquire before they enter the workforce, including environmental awareness, information on licensing and AXP hours, and efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The field of architecture as we know it has evolved vastly due to new technological improvements, with the digitalization of media, as well as AI applications that students are now beginning to incorporate into their design process. With the rapid progression of the practice, educators must keep up with demands of the industry, and better prepare their students coming out of their programs with diverse skill sets. Even outside the practice of design and architecture itself, the changes in the ethics of the industry are evolving for the better, with stronger understandings of cultural, social, and historical contexts. This new age of architecture requires its practitioners to be more socially aware and to understand how the implications of good design go far beyond what any architect thinks.

The demographic of students entering architecture are more diverse than ever before in history. Now, more people from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds are entering the field, and the content of what they would need to learn is constantly changing. It’s important that students are aware of what they are learning, and how it is relevant to them, regardless of what industry they enter. With student organizations and leadership opportunities, students have the opportunity to get involved in their own school and on the national level to advocate for aspects of their education they believe are crucial, as well as changes that need to be made. NAAB’s decisions directly impact what students learn during their time in college. Therefore, it’s important students understand how NAAB serves to better their education and remain engaged in order to continue to shape the future.

If you are an architecture student interested in getting involved with NAAB and serving on a visiting team, please contact AIAS Executive Directive Larry Hoffer at ExecutiveDirector@aias.org

Kumar is a fourth year architecture student at the University of Texas in Arlington with a minor in Economics. Kumar also works as a graphic designer, and has been involved with her local AIAS chapter and the mentorship program at her school.

Nicole Becker, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C

Becker is an Associate and Project Architect at ZGF Architects in Portland, OR, specializing in healthcare. Becker is Oregon’s representative to the YAF and long time NAAB volunteer.

Shillpa Kumar

Shaping Tomorrow: Exploring the Roadmap for New Graduates

As we make our way back into the post-pandemic industry, the norms of architecture, our practices and our culture, will be changed. As we begin to adapt to new realities, alter our priorities, and change our perception of the architecture industry, we have to ask ourselves how this will impact the future generation of architects and anticipate the change in their professional trajectories. In the fall of 2021, we spoke to six recent graduates in Georgia who shared their experiences, discussed current industry trends, reflected on their preparations for their upcoming departure from academia, and offered insights for current students.

Education: A Journey of Discovery

In addition to the stress of finals, studio presentations, and graduations, architecture students must face another impending challenge of entering the job market that has been turned upside down by the pandemic and ever changing industry trends. Some students have had their job offers delayed or withdrawn, while others are contemplating on pursuing additional academic degrees to pause entering the profession during these uncertain times. While each individual creates their own path, how has the current market affected your plans after graduation?

Morgan Fredrick: I recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree and have considered a Master of Urban Planning or Interior Design as well as other combined MBA Programs. The market is uncertain and it seems like the right decision to continue my academic journey.

Bangseh Akuchu: I am currently pursuing my MBA at Georgia Tech. As I experienced the change in the industry during the early days of the pandemic and saw the job opportunities deplete, I decided to apply for my MBA and complete it as a dual degree along with my M.Arch.

Leah Diebolt: Due to the limited opportunities in the industry, I considered changing career paths and researched other creative fields such as working at art museums and curating art.

With so many baby boomers retiring, the profession is about to undergo a massive “passing of the torch.” In recent years, we have seen young architects stepping up and undertaking massive responsibilities, yet often feeling underprepared for these roles. Are there any skills that you wished you focused on more during your academic career? What are some things you hope future graduates are more prepared for?

Daniela Marquez: I wish we discussed construction costs and estimating. Budgetary concerns often get overlooked in academics but that subject matter would be beneficial to students. I also hope that students become flexible and collaboratively work in an office environment with peers that have different skills and experience. Collaboration is key!

LD: I hope that students learn how to market themselves and the variety of skills they possess.

I believe that this generation is extremely capable and selfmotivated. With the world’s knowledge at our fingertips,

Original Interview Co-authored by: Heli Shah, Assoc, AIA, NOMA, and Sarah Nelson-Woynicz, AIA

Above Morgan Fredrick, Architectural Design Contractor

Above Bangseh Akuchu, Masters Candidate at Georgia Institute of Technology

Above Daniela Marquez, Design Professional at HKS

Above Leah Diebolt, Decatur, Georgia

Above Akhil Hemanth, Designer at HKS

anything is possible. I think self-confidence and marketing are both essential skills for all young professionals that should be developed in school.

I also believe that my degree has prepared me for the design industry, but no amount of education could have prepared anyone for this pandemic. During the pandemic, I realized the importance of networking and wished I had more networking experience.

Akhil Hemanth: Future architects need to focus more on user experience. Once we begin mapping, understanding, and plotting user experience, the built environment can become more dynamic and push the boundaries of the field of architecture.

As the job opportunities are fluctuating and with so many changes coming to the profession after the pandemic, how do you propose that recent graduates stay relevant and put their best foot forward?

MF: My recommendation would be to strengthen the connections you have with industry professionals and build those relationships. Send them holiday cards, share relevant articles, and promote the work you are doing.

BA: I think the best thing you can do for yourself is to continue improving. This can be in the form of a new degree, an accreditation, or even developing your skills to make yourself more dynamic. I would also suggest exploring different paths to achieve your goal. Your architecture degree offers so many more opportunities than just licensure and I encourage you to explore them all!

The Future of the Profession

The profession is constantly changing, and the pandemic has created more challenges. Many businesses had to pivot during the spring and move much of the workforce to a remote environment. Building on their experiences in the final semester of their education, we asked recent graduates on their experience moving into the profession.

What is your favorite and least favorite part about working from home?

MF: I miss daily interactions with my co-workers but we now conduct weekly project meetings which has been very helpful.

BA: The ability to work remotely has made it a lot easier to be able to dedicate my time between school and work and has helped me accomplish more in a day.

Architecture is a collaborative profession. What practices have you welcomed during the pandemic to maximize your communication and collaborations? Which practices do you

hope to continue after the pandemic?

DM: I have really enjoyed the ability to join client meetings virtually. It has allowed for more participation than I believe would have happened in person. I hope the flexibility for younger staff to partake or listen in on those meetings continues moving forward as they are incredible learning experiences for those of us starting our professions.

Architects are called to embrace resiliency and adaptability. Recent graduates are no exception to this and have shown that the profession has much to learn from this generation of young professionals. What insight do you have for those graduating in the coming years?

MF: Doors don’t open unless you open them, so don’t be afraid to reach out to people you believe will help you on your journey.

BA: If you are graduating during the pandemic, you have to be open and flexible to things that come your way. It might not be what you expected but this is the perfect time to experiment.

DM: There is never a single track for professional growth. While things can remain challenging during the pandemic, you can use this as a time to explore what other potential avenues there are for recent architectural graduates.

LD: It is important to continue to educate yourself and refine your strengths. Take any opportunities you can to learn on the job. Hands-on experience is always the best way to learn.

While the long-term impacts of COVID-19 are unknown and continually evolving, lessons learned in resiliency and adaptability by these emerging professionals give us hope for the years to come. The insight from the young professionals and recent graduates holds a lot of knowledge and energy. They have adapted, and leveraged their interests and talents, to explore a lot of different options, even if they fall outside the norms of traditional practice.

As the industry continues to adapt and settle into a new normal of zoom events, masked meetings, and virtual networking, we encourage all professionals to continue having candid conversations with your peers. To assist all members, AIA has created a COVID-19 portal that covers a wide range of topics such as business and career resources, to health insurance and relief. The page is intended to provide guidelines, policies, and tools for our members, and is updated as new resources become available.

In addition to resources provided by AIA, the members of the National Associates Committee (NAC) Knowledge Group on Professional Development are in the process of creating a handbook that will provide a variety of resources for all Associate AIA members. These resources will be focused on

four journey areas of a traditional emerging professional which will be grouped as follows:

• connecting students to AIA (two years before graduation to graduation)

• starting the career you want (six months before graduation to six months after graduation)

• continuing to build professional success (six months in through three years)

• pathway to licensure

The National Associates Committee of The American Institute of Architects represents the voice of associate members across the county. The purpose of the NAC is to serve as a source of communication and representation on issues pertaining to associate members through the lens of career advancement.

Morgan Fredrick, Architectural Design Contractor

Bachelor of Architecture | Kennesaw State University

Class of 2020

Bangseh Akuchu, Masters Candidate at Georgia Institute of Technology

Master of Architecture | Georgia Institute of Technology

Class of 2020

Daniela Marquez, Design Professional at HKS

Master of Architecture | Georgia Institute of Technology

Class of 2020

Leah Diebolt | Decatur, Georgia

Bachelors in Studio Art | Georgia State University

Class of 2020

Akhil Hemanth, Designer at HKS

Master of Architecture | Savannah College of Art and Design

Class of 2019

Heli Shah, Associate AIA, NOMA Shah is a designer at Cooper Carry in Atlanta, Georgia where she specializes in K-12 Architecture. Shah currently serves as the Georgia Statewide Associate Representative to the NAC, Co-Chair of the Research + Advocacy Committee of AIA Georgia’s Equity in Architecture and is an Advisor for the current AIA GA CKLDP.

Enhancing Architectural Education in West Virginia: Fairmont State University’s Unique Offering

When selecting an architectural school to apply to, most candidates have a plethora of options to choose from. However, when a resident of West Virginia makes the decision to pursue architecture, they can face numerous financial and academic hurdles. Fortunately, a significant change occurred in May of this year.

Professors and Faculty at Fairmont State University (FSU) have dedicated their efforts to enhance the academic opportunities within the state of West Virginia. FSU stands as the sole institution offering an architecture program in the state. In comparison, neighboring universities like West Virginia University (WVU) and Marshall University have established programs in engineering and interior design. WVU even boasts interior architecture and landscape architecture programs, which share similarities with FSU’s offerings, but not a focus on a professional track in the practice of architecture.

Numerous license-pursuing students have successfully completed the FSU architecture program, earning their four-year Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS Arch). These graduates have then pursued their further educational requirements through accredited programs located out of state. West Virginia, classified as a southern state, acknowledges the significance of the Academic Common Market Law (ACML). This provision extends the opportunity for eligible students in specialized fields, such as architecture, to attend out-of-state colleges while paying in-state tuition rates, mitigating the financial burden.

With FSU’s architecture program and the ACML provisions, the landscape of architectural education in West Virginia is undergoing a positive transformation. Aspiring architects from West Virginia now have a local avenue for pursuing their passion without being hindered by limited choices and financial obstacles.

NAAB accreditation is a rigorous, multi-year, three-step process. A program must pass an initial candidacy, a continuing candidacy, and finally, an initial accreditation step to be approved. Each of these steps requires the program faculty to produce and submit an Architecture Program Report to demonstrate that the program, curriculum, and student work meet the NAAB conditions and procedures for accreditation.1

Each of these reports, combined with insights gained during accompanying site visits, undergoes an intricate peer review procedure involving educators, practitioners, students, and regulatory authorities. The resultant Visiting Team Report is subsequently subjected to scrutiny and endorsement by the NAAB Board of Directors. The designation of Initial Accreditation spans a three-year period. Following this initial phase, subsequent reports, site visits, and approvals typically culminate in the extension of accreditation for an extended eightyear term. All these rigorous processes collectively contribute to upholding the paramount concerns of public well-being, safety, and the overall welfare concerning the constructed environment.

Accreditation holds paramount importance, particularly within rural states like West Virginia. This significance becomes evident as numerous students perceive their educational opportunities to lie beyond the state’s borders, often leading them to choose not to return – a pattern observed irrespective of their field of study, including architecture. Examining data from the West Virginia State Board of Architects, a concerning trend emerges. The statistics reveal a steady rise in the number of architects retiring or passing away, paralleled by a notable surge in reciprocity applicants.

Comparing the years 2022 and 2023, the landscape of licensed architects in West Virginia underwent change. In 2022, a total

Above | Hardaway Hall at FSU

of 1,354 active architects were recorded. Among these, 115 were situated within the state, while a larger contingent of 1,239 practiced outside its borders. The most recent data indicates a marginal increase, culminating in a total of 1,414 active architects. This shift is accompanied by a transformation in the distribution, with 112 architects practicing within the state and a larger cohort of 1,302 enjoying reciprocity.

These figures signify not only the fluid nature of the architectural profession but also the role of accreditation in retaining talents within the state. The data paints a picture of architects either seeking opportunities elsewhere or contributing to the state’s built environment with acquired expertise from other jurisdictions. This emphasizes the need for fostering local architectural education, potentially stemming the outflow of talent, and enhancing the overall architectural landscape in West Virginia.

From an architect positioned among the in-state talent pool, I am honored to represent not only as an alumnus of FSU but also as an adjunct faculty member who participated in NAAB meetings and interviews, alongside numerous other young professionals. Moreover, I take immense pride in my decision to return to this thriving state, contributing my skills and knowledge to its architectural endeavors. This endeavor is a testament to the potential of local education and the appeal of cultivating West Virginia’s architectural future. As we navigate the evolving architectural scene, collaboration between academic institutions, practicing professionals, and the state’s architectural board will play a pivotal role in shaping a robust and sustainable architectural community for generations to come.

1 https://www.fairmontstate.edu/news/2023/06/ national-architectural-accrediting-board-approves-initialaccreditation-master-architecture-program.aspx

Meghann S. Gregory, AIA

Gregory is a Project Architect at K2M Design, AIA West Virginia Young Architect Representative and Director, and a proud FSU graduate.

Above | Senior Studio

Above | Sophomore Studio

Equity in Practice: NOMA HBCU Professional Development Program

Supporting the ideals of a prosperous and successful profession starts with a step toward justice and equity. The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Professional Development Program accomplishes exactly that, by advancing the promise to diversify the architectural profession. Inspired by Moody Nolan’s CEO, Jonathan Moody, in the Architects Newspaper webinar titled “Concrete Steps to Improve Racial Equity in the Architectural Workplace”, co founders Melvalean McLemoreCantina, AIA, NOMA, Anzilla Gilmore, FAIA, NOMA, and Zhetique Gunn, Assoc. AIA, NOMA launched into action. They devoted months developing national relationships to advance student access and exposure to architectural practice. Moody left listeners with the charge that for our industry to acquire more racial diversity, it is imperative to increase the number of touch points with HBCUs. With NOMA’s Professional Development Program (PDP) now wrapping up its second year, the program’s impact is only getting started.

Program History and Goals

Historically Black Colleges and Universities were established in the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, are defined as “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans…”. These programs have a well-known history of contributions and advancements to the nation and beyond and foster a sense of belonging, culture, and recognition. Currently, 101 HBCUS remain today, with seven NAAB-accredited programs that represent 5% of the 139

NAAB-accredited schools. Tuskegee University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, Morgan State University, the University of the District of Colombia, and Prairie View A&M University. Each of these programs has partnered with NOMA and the NOMA Charitable Education Foundation to foster direct opportunities with architecture firms to engage in mentorship, recruiting, and general networking for talented and underrepresented students studying architecture.

The HBCU PDP has three primary goals:

1. To help students and HBCUs build a pipeline with awardwinning firms across the country that have expressed interest in advancing diversity in the profession.

2. To support students from HBCUs in securing entry level positions with these large-scale architecture firms.

3. To develop a community of professionals in architecture that will continue to support diversity within the profession through continued mentorship of minorities working in the profession.

In the 2021-2022 Program year, there were 68 cohort members, with 120 participating firm representatives and volunteers and 9 Prescott Reavis* grants awarded totaling $14,100. Most notably, in addition to the success of the program, 43% of the cohort secured an internship or full-time position.

I had the opportunity to speak with PDP leaders and beneficiaries across the country to hear more of their experience with the program and their inspiration for the profession ahead:

Alexis Adjorlolo (AA): As an architectural graduate of Prairie View A & M School of Architecture. Her efforts in student activities has led her to participate in the summer 2021 fellowship with Gensler, where she collaborated with her team and associates to research the human experience in the workplace setting; served as a board member of Prairie View AIAS, President of Prairie View NOMAS, and Secretary Prairie View WIA; She completed a furniture exhibition for the Brazos County African American Museum In Brazos, Texas with the Texas A&M University College of Architecture. The exhibition was highlighted in the Texas A&M Round Table with Chancellor John Sharp. Alexis’s most recent architectural position has been interning with PGAL working closely with her principal and lead architect on assessing complex program requirements for government facilities in Conroe, Tx. She currently works for the EPC company, KBR. Her interests lie in the fundamentals of leadership in minority spaces and the importance of having these voices heard in the architectural industry. Alexis hopes to expand on the skills learned through these experiences through licensure, design, and collaboration.

Soleil Sipes: (SS): Emerging Professional and Graduate student of Prairie View A&M University. She has served in a multitude of organizations including Habitats for Humanity, The National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB), The National Trust for Prehistoric Preservation, The American Institute of Architects(AIA). Also she has served as a leader with the PVAMU Women in Architecture (WiA), and the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). With a strong passion for leadership and service within the community, Soleil strives towards helping other students following a similar path who may not be aware of all the resources that are available for them. Her goals include being a well-rounded and talented individual where she can showcase her talents in many circumstances. She believes in staying true to who you are, and always keeping your end goal in mind. “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit”, meaning that the words and actions you choose to put in this world have a significant impact following.

Nea Maloo, FAIA: Nea is an award-winning educator and currently teaches building science, and professional practice classes at Howard University. Her research includes the intersection of reducing carbon footprint and environmental justice. She is a robust role model and has presented at several local and national conventions on architecture, women, equity, decarbonization, and sustainability and was recently elevated to the Fellow is AIA.

She is the founder and principal architect of Showcase Architects, an award-winning practice focused on environmental architecture, carbon planning, and biophilic design.

The Student and Educator Impact

Gabriella Bermea (GB): From your lens, how has the NOMA PDP benefited your development in the realm of professional practice, belonging, and improving the built environment?

AA: As a student, my involvement with The NOMA PDP program expanded my network to a variety of professionals that provided their experiences as designers and how to adapt to the changing industry. It felt good to have these conversations with people that either just started in the field or have been practitioners for years and listening to honest opinions on our work and how to properly convey our concepts to market ourselves. I see that the value of this program prepares students for a world that will be challenging. Addressing people and environmental conditions, we are able to consider factors in our studio design that may have not been discussed with professors.

SS: The NOMA PDP has been a remarkable experience that has introduced me to emerging professionals in the field as well as other students from other HBCUs. This opportunity is unlike others, and it provides an environment that focuses on teaching aspiring professionals in the field of architecture. I’ve gained tons of new knowledge that I have implemented within my professional practice. Since the end of this cohort, I have recently been offered full time employment with Browne Mcgregor Architects Inc. Although I did not meet my employers through this experience, I used some of my learned skills through this program to help me secure this new opportunity. As a humble recipient of the Prescott Reavis Grant, I used the funds to further invest in my architectural studies, and I am currently pursuing graduate school at Prairie View A&M University. Being

recognized by the amazing leaders of this cohort has also given me recognition within this community and has also opened new doors for myself. I’m truly thankful for this experience in its entirety, and I will continue to share my testimony to help others.

NM: I teach professional practice at Howard University, Washington DC. Our program primes HBCU students for leadership, creating an essential pipeline for diversity and environmental justice. Her inclusive teaching integrates global equity with climate action and transforms architectural education to advance the profession worldwide.I strongly believe education is the foundation for the next generation. Education needs to be multi-faceted, interdisciplinary, and collaborative to make students leaders of the profession. The NOMA PDP supports the diversity and mentorship essential for success in the profession.

GB: You’ve both now worked with some of the top firms in the nation and have been recognized for your exceptional contributions through scholarship and recognition. What would be your words of wisdom for students thinking about pursuing the program? And professionals interested in mentoring?

AA: Take advantage of as many opportunities that are presented to you. What I’ve done is ask myself “would I regret saying no or regret saying yes to something like this.” ‘This’ being the student organizations board positions, designing furniture for a historical museum, speaking/ introducing myself to an influential professional. More often than not the answer is no, I won’t regret putting myself out there.

SS: Understand that when you plant the seed, you don’t eat the fruit the same day”. Meaning, that all the hard work you

implement in your life now, you will start to see your results in the future. College can be overwhelming at times, especially going through Covid, when I lost passion for pretty much everything. It took me failing 8 classes to really realize that if I continue this path of failure, that’ll be the result for my future. It took one day to really tap into myself and realize that if I want to accomplish my goals, I have to start today, and give it my all with no excuses. You may have the best, and most reasonable excuse.. but that still won’t push you forward. My old band director used to say, “We don’t wanna see excuses, we want to see results.” Hearing that everyday, you start to really understand, so I began implementing this tactic in my everyday life. Opportunities like the NOMA HBCU PDP don’t come everyday, and you shouldn’t miss out on an opportunity like this. This opportunity could be the beginning of what’s in store for your future.

GB: Your work is bountiful and sure to leave a lasting impact as the future of our profession. What does the future of architecture look like from your perspective? What are you most inspired by our profession and practice?

AA: I personally believe that the future in architecture is in government leadership or to heavily influence the policies that affect communities. The influence that architecture has in these spaces is often received positively. Examples I’ve seen of the positives that architecture has had on modern societies are present in the considerations of firms like BIG, Kere Architects, Adjaye Associates and other firms like them. The activism required to push the needle towards true sustainability (social,

environmental, the larger picture) is something I hope to be a part of in the future.

SS: The future of architecture is limitless. With more things coming to light in this generation such as AI and improving technology, architecture could change completely from what we know. I’ve heard that lots of people are concerned for the stakes of architects soon, as AI has been improving every day, but I don’t believe that it’ll replace, but enhance our experience. I’m not sure what that’ll look like, but I’ll be interested to learn. I’m most inspired by everything! I don’t have one particular thing that I’m most excited about. I’m young, ambitious, and I’m always ready to learn and encounter new things.

NM: Professional practice is a life-long experience starting from communication and education skills in academia to the experience in practice. It is the essential course needed for students to practice. Students need compassion, mentorship, and skills; share your expertise, share lessons learned, help one student towards licensure one step, and keep finding time to encourage and give hope.

The Impact on Young Architects and Associates

GB: You both have played a large role in the success of the program and in diversifying the landscape of our profession. Can you describe your role and how you’ve prepared students for successful outcomes?

Ricardo Maga Rojas, Assoc. AIA, NOMA (RMR): Ricardo is an emerging professional with experience working on a range of projects, including higher education, commercial/office, and government. He is passionate about exploring the relationship between architecture and social issues and has been recognized as an emerging leader in the field of architecture. Ricardo is also a leader in his community, having founded a scholarship for architecture students, and served in several advisory and leadership roles at the state, national, and local levels of the AIA. He led the efforts to start the NOMA of Central Texas Chapter in 2020. Beyond work, Ricardo finds solace in Afro-Cuban folkloric music, dancing, and singing.

Melvalean McLemore-Cantina, AIA, NOMA, NCARB (MMC): With over 14 years in architectural practice, Melvalean McLemore, AIA, has led and designed mixed-use, commercial, residential, k12, and higher ed projects throughout her career. She is one of the first 500 licensed black women architects nationally and the 16th in Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from the University of Houston and is a Senior Associate and Texas Studio Design Leader at Moody Nolan.

She is an advocate for social justice through design and has spent many years volunteering for various community-based organizations in Houston. Melvalean enjoys collaborating with others and was a co-founder of AIA Houston’s Women in Architecture (WiA) Committee, co-chair of the Texas Society of Architect’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee for four years, and co-chair of WiA Houston’s Women of Color Steering Committee for three years. Notably, she co-created the NOMA National HBCU Professional Development Program in 2020, fostering connections between the AIA’s Large Firm Roundtable (LFRT) members and architecture students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Her influence continues as President-Elect of AIA Houston’s Board, Parliamentarian for HNOMA, Vice-Chair of WiA Houston’s Women of Color Steering Committee, and a contributor to NCARB’s Continuing Education Committee. In 2022, she received the Early Career Achievement recognition from the Texas Society of Architects and AIA Houston’s Ben Brewer Young Architect Award in the present year. Beyond her architectural endeavors, Melvalean embraces roles as a wife, mother of two preschoolers, food enthusiast, and avid traveler.

MMC: When I conceived the idea for the program back in 2020, I was uncertain about how to transform it into a reality. Fortunately, I received immediate support from one of my mentors, Anzilla Gilmore, FAIA, NOMAC, who not only offered to leverage her extensive network to help the students find opportunities but also, without hesitation, said to count her in as she was an HBCU alumnus and knew firsthand of the challenges she faced when she finished school. She also brought on board Zhetique Gunn, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, who is an incredibly creative and talented person who happened to also be an HBCU alumnus and was the final piece to the puzzle that we needed to create the HBCU PDP. They became what I referred to as the “Dream Team” and it only got better when Ricardo joined us in 2022. In our inaugural year, when we opened Zoom for the first Speed Networking event, we were blown away to see so many students and firm leaders show up from around the country. In many ways, so much of our first year felt like a miracle as things just happened to work out. Nevertheless, we quickly realized that facilitating students’ preparation for success demanded more than merely offering a platform for them to engage with firms. At times, we found ourselves going beyond the call of duty to support students facing distinct challenges that impeded their progress. Some students flourished with minimal intervention, while others required a more hands-on approach.

Late into the program one student reached out to let us know that they had no success in securing follow-ups with any of the firms they had met with and asked for one-on-one mentorship from us. We met with this student for months after work for a couple of hours several times a week. We helped them drastically improve their resume and portfolio and they ended up getting one of the best job offers of that cohort. The program turned into a passion project for which we had not anticipated how much more rewarding the work would be than we had imagined.

RMR: My journey began with my participation in the 2020 Career Fair, where I was struck by its efficiency and felt compelled to contribute. Joining the HBCU PDP team in November 2022, I’ve taken on the role of coordinating seminars and involving volunteers from participating architectural firms. Collaborating with Melvalean, Anzilla, and Zhetique, I’ve been dedicated to preparing the next cohort and facilitating volunteer-led seminars. Stemming from Melvalean’s visionary initiative, I find deep honor in giving back to NOMA through this role. As a beneficiary of an HBCU education who has navigated the field of architecture, my contribution is humbling. Our mission centers on connecting HBCU students with industry professionals, extending mentorship beyond academia, providing employment prospects, and nurturing enduring bonds. Our commitment to student success and meaningful job opportunities is exemplified by our career fair and the volunteer-led seminars. We hold strong belief that program graduates will secure employment or establish mentor-guided trajectories, fostering professional parity.

GB: The NOMA HBCU PDP is a primary example of equity

in action, demonstrating a reach that will open countless opportunities for students and families. What is the inspiration you would like to leave our readers with on empowering a program as powerful as this?

MMC: I believe it’s important to understand that equity is about the removal of barriers. Not everyone needs the same things to have access to the same opportunities. In the context of our initiative, the HBCU PDP helps to remove barriers that prevent students from having access to the opportunity to introduce themselves or get jobs at some of the largest and most reputable firms in the country, where they have been historically underrepresented. The origins of these barriers are diverse, encompassing factors such as exclusive recruitment from non-HBCU institutions by firms; firms citing isolated instances of unsuccessful HBCU hire- suggesting that this one student somehow represented all other HBCU students or that unsuccessful recruits do not happen at non-HBCUs (which we all know isn’t true); or relying on generalizations like “we recruit the best and brightest” without critically evaluating the biases inherent in their recruitment procedures that result in homogenous pools of labor resources. So, overcoming such barriers requires intentionality from our firms. Also, it is worth noting that access to opportunity does not guarantee success. In our program success depends on the ambition and drive of the students as well as the commitment of the firms to investing in their growth and professional development, while concurrently fostering inclusive and supportive environments.

RMR: The NOMA HBCU PDP radiates the potency of inclusiveness in action. My aspiration is that readers are stirred to embrace active participation—volunteering, extending job prospects, or sharing guidance. Your contribution holds the potential to mold these students into triumphant achievers. Seize the opportunity to forge connections with our students, be privy to their blossoming, and add to their odyssey. This program resonates as a powerful testament to the alchemy of equity and inclusivity within our realm.

Resources

1 NOMA HBCU Professional Development Program

2 “How HBCU’s Benefit Architects and Architecture” Architect Magazine, 2021.

3 Accredited HBCU Listing, US Department of Education

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Gabriella Bermea

AIA, NOMA Bermea is an associate and design a`rchitect 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

Creating a Culture of Licensure to Support a Diverse Future

Introduction:

As a newly licensed architect, I found myself wondering how I could pay it forward to support the next generation of licensure candidates. Through this curiosity, I found myself volunteering with AIA New Jersey as the licensing advisor and now the young architect representative, supporting Architectural Experience Program (AXP) candidates within my firm as an AXP supervisor and assisting our Architect Registration Examination (ARE) test takers in navigating the journey. With this effort, I unknowingly created a culture of licensure within my firm.

What is Culture?

In order to create a culture, we must first understand what is a culture, specifically with regards to architecture licensure. A

culture is the intersection of what we believe, what we see, what we do and what we say. Through polling over 30 participants in a recent workshop, we were able to define a culture of licensure as a supportive, encouraging environment where candidates could build confidence, find resources and motivation to cross the finish line to earn their initial license.

Components of Licensure

Once we understand the broad aspect of culture, we must also understand the components of licensure and the nuances of the individual paths. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) breaks the path to licensure into three distinct categories: education, experience and exams. Within each category, there are multiple paths by which a candidate can fulfill the requirement, which also varies based on

their jurisdiction. To create this culture, we must acknowledge and support the various routes to licensure, which in turn, will help to create the diverse workforce for which we strive.

Creating a Mindset of Opportunity

Oftentimes, licensure candidates can get discouraged by challenges on their path. As supervisors and mentors, we need to work with candidates to reframe these challenges into opportunities. For instance, not all degree programs and schools are created equally, but NCARB has a variety of pathways available based on length and type of program. AXP candidates report having trouble understanding how or when to open an NCARB record and begin logging their experience. Quite often, they worry it is too late to receive credit, without realizing that NCARB allows candidates for partial credit up to 5 years after the fact and for full credit within 6 months. With regards to the exam portion, candidates can sometimes be intimidated by the cost of each exam and study materials, but are not aware of scholarship opportunities from local AIA components or firm materials or financial support. By working with candidates to reframe these challenges into possible opportunities, we help to remove roadblocks in the path to licensure. Taking the time to sit with individual candidates and turn their struggles into opportunities can be the single most impactful aspect of creating a culture of licensure and building a diverse future in the profession.

Variables

There are a number of variables that can shape a candidate’s

path, including firm size, their preferred level of formality, their level of commitment and their financial situation. WIthin a larger firm, a candidate might have a peer group at a similar point in the licensure process, whereas in a smaller firm, a candidate could be the only one. To reframe this, although a candidate in a small firm might not have peers to share the experience with, they likely get more one-on-one opportunities to learn with their principals. Regardless of firm size, we can remind all candidates that they always have access to NCARB materials including the ARE 5.0 demonstration exam, practice exams, and the ARE 5.0 community. It is important for us as leaders to understand the varying levels of formality and commitment align the path to licensure, as these have a direct impact on the culture that we create. For instance, structured mentoring programs, like those put together by local National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and AIA chapters, can be very formal in structure, whereas impromptu office hours with candidates or quick coffee chats can be just as impactful but seemingly less formal. Finally, one of the biggest variables is the financial aspect of licensure. As leaders we can help candidates to understand what portions of the process are covered by the firm, ie. NCARB record renewals, exam fees (just passed or are any attempts reimbursed?) and any study materials. The greater the firm’s input, the more open and diverse the culture can become.

Implementing a Culture of Licensure

Now that we have established the components of licensure, defined culture and looked at the challenges and variables along the path, we can look at implementing a culture within our firm.

Above | Photo

Within my firm, I am a studio leader, overseeing a team of twelve, eleven of which are actively on the path to licensure. As a leader, it is important to acknowledge that this journey to licensure may not be for everyone and understand each of their nuanced routes. We have a variety of educational backgrounds ranging from the five year NAAB accredited degree to foreign degrees. We also have a variety of experience levels, with some new graduates on the team, ranging up to more senior staff with nearly 20 years in the field. To create this diverse culture, it was very important for me as a leader to understand all of the possible paths to licensure, not just my own. Most importantly, we embrace and celebrate the process, both successes and failures, and support each other in a noncompetitive environment.

Abigail Benjamin, AIA, NCARB, CNU-A

Benjamin is an associate and New Jersey commercial studio leader at AECOM, licensing advisor at AIA New Jersey, and the young architect representative for AIA New Jersey.

Navigating Your Design Career

MENTORSHIP

Kids + Architecture

Geared towards elementary and middle school students, the Kids + Architecture Committee is an outreach effort by American Institute of Architects (AIA) Houston that focuses on teaching concepts about the built environment through sketching classes, model making workshops, site tours, and presentations. There are similar events for grades K-12 offered by other AIA chapters across the country.

With Kids + Architecture as his first experience working alongside groups of younger students, Eric Ventura discusses his aim in volunteering with the committee:

“I joined the committee to help young children become more familiar with the world of design. It is a great program for us designers to network with each other, as well as a way to give back to the community and educate how important design really is. Architecture is a discipline of many hats, and this is a way to educate the younger society about the many impacts of design and to empower them to be a part of it.”

The early stages of one’s design career can be marked with several challenges and unknowns. Since the pandemic, it has been even more difficult for emerging professionals to navigate the professional world and find the right path for them. Aiming to clarify some of those uncertainties, this article explores a few of the avenues that are available for networking, volunteering, and professional growth.

Opportunities for mentorship, education, and leadership can arise at any stage of your career. All of these organizations and activities presented are arranged by common interests and goals. Depending on your values, experience level, and resources, you may find some of these pursuits to be relevant to you at different milestones of your professional journey. Read what resonated with others to partake in these activities.

Project Pipeline

With a long-term goal of increasing licensure among underrepresented groups, Project Pipeline was created as an National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) initiative to expose architecture and planning to minority students. There are summer camps held independently in several cities across the United States that engage middle and high school students with hands-on activities. The curriculum of these camps cover topics such as diagramming, physical model making, and presentation skills.

After experiencing in university how NOMA broke down barriers of entering the professional environment for her, Ariana Flick was inspired to be a champion of design thinking through Project Pipeline:

Summer Programs

Many design schools offer preparatory summer classes for high school students. Curriculum often covers first-year concepts, and it can give a glimpse into academics at the post-secondary level. College students and professionals may be eligible to be teaching assistants for these programs.

“A lot of kids I have worked with have never envisioned pursuing architecture as an option for themselves. I believe architecture and design education to be a universal subject; after all, we all create and shape the environments around us from the first moment we redecorate our rooms as kids. Project Pipeline is a great ice breaker for the next generation of designers to find their place in the architecture world, and a way for me to be that same kind of window into the real world as countless other mentors have been for me.”

Youth programs can benefit both the student and the volunteer. They are a vehicle to engage students with the design profession at an early age and a means for volunteers to learn how to teach and simplify architectural concepts. When working with those outside of the field, you may also encounter ideas and questions you might not have considered otherwise. This cross-pollination of viewpoints is mutually beneficial in understanding how to make design accessible for all.

Although it is important to support the younger generation, mentorship can be integral to anyone’s career. If not through a structured program, seek out informal opportunities to connect with those who have already achieved a goal that you may be working towards. You may have several mentors - one for each area of interest, with some of these interests falling outside the professional realm. Reach out to your peers and community leaders for a coffee chat. These informal interactions can build trust in and out of the workplace.

EDUCATION

Design Competitions

There are various design competitions offered by independent organizations globally, with prompts ranging from doghouse designs to city planning. These short-term commitments allow for individuals to experiment with design styles, learn how to work with others as a team, and hone their technical skills. Participating in these competitions can open the door for scholarships, fellowships, and employment opportunities.

Camille Vigil talks about her experience collaborating with a colleague on a design competition:

“Since my teammate had several more years of work experience than I did, along with an education from abroad, working with him was a very impactful learning experience as he brought an expanded set of design and presentation styles to the table. This influenced our building proposal and the storytelling of our submission deliverables. We worked to meld and negotiate our design approaches without conceding to compromise, and our project eventually earned a spot as a finalist.”

Michael G. Meyers Design Competition

The Michael G. Meyers Design Competition (MGMC) is an annual design ideas contest for high school students in the Houston area. Students work over the course of 3-4 months to put together deliverables similar to a first-year architecture school project. A volunteer-led workshop, site visit, and interim review session are also offered for students to learn about design principles and to garner feedback on their submission. Volunteers on the committee include architects, designers, and university students from across the city. The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and select AIA chapters across the nation host comparable scholarship competitions for eligible high schoolers.

Brian Thompson, former Chair of the Michael G. Meyers Committee, explains the intent and benefits of the scholarship competition:

“Working with this program gave me the opportunity to tie all of the skills I learned in school to a genuine purpose that gives back to the future of the profession. I had no exposure to this industry prior to college, and the learning curve was steep. MGMC gives students the opportunity to think freely about architecture from their own perspectives and the ability to learn at their own pace. It is rewarding to see the positive impact this competition has on their journey into architectural design. ”

Reach out for a coffee chat!

Mentorship Programs

With mentor programs set up through workplaces, schools, and professional organizations, anyone can be a mentee or a mentor at any point in their career. One example is the ACE Mentor Program, which allows high schoolers to explore different career paths, while allowing mentors to learn from their industry peers.

Externships

An externship is a short-term learning experience intended for individuals to explore a career path or learn about a specific company. Often unpaid opportunities, externships can last anywhere from a day to a few weeks, and they mostly include observational activities that capture a snapshot of a firm’s culture and daily activities. Although externships are most commonly offered by some universities during school breaks, similar shadowing opportunities can be independently hosted by firms and organizations.

Rinika Prince recounts a memorable moment during her week-long externship:

“I was externing with a design firm in Boston that curated an experience for me by taking me to site visits, attending consultant meetings, and giving me small tasks over the week for their ongoing projects. The Principal, who also happened to be one of the board members at the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA), took me along for one of their board meetings. I was suddenly sitting in a room with Boston’s leading architects, and that to me was something I had never imagined to be a part of!”

Whether you are a student or a seasoned professional, learning is a constant. Universities and colleges can provide a framework for formal education, but there are diverse experiences available beyond the classroom.

In addition to design experience, find ways to dabble in adjacent disciplines. Habitat for Humanity relies on volunteer help to construct homes for families across the country. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) hosts conferences covering building materials and technologies. There is no better way to explore what truly interests you than by immersing yourself in a variety of activities.

Internships

Internships are employment opportunities that allow for individuals to acquire hands-on experience with projects while familiarizing themselves with a specific workplace. Summer internships are most common, but these can translate into full-time job opportunities if the individual and company are the right fit for each other. Many universities offer formal experience programs for academic credit, but one can also find an internship through online postings, career fairs, or networking.

Alicia Chen describes her experience during her six-month academic internship at a design firm in Los Angeles:

Fellowships

Fellowships are merit-based awards given to individuals for a specific purpose, often intended to advance knowledge in a profession. Fellowships have varying awards; some provide funds for independent study or travel, while others provide work opportunities. Universities most commonly offer fellowship opportunities to students and faculty, but there are other institutions that award similar grants for research outside of a formal academic setting.

After studying architecture, Tian Tian was awarded a fellowship that resulted in a sustainability internship:

“My internship with Green Building United (GBU) was my very first job in the sustainability field. There, I participated in organizing a conference, received a chance to grasp the latest local practices, and communicated not only with architects, but all upstream and downstream professionals in green finance and education. This experience with GBU was so different from design work; it expanded my vision and provided an integrated preview of my career for me.”

“It was an impactful experience that gave me insight into how a firm operates, especially one that heavily prioritizes design. The firm's processes were highly collaborative, so much so that sometimes typical hierarchical staff responsibilities were not as rigid. I worked on a competition project and sometimes the design director would make physical study models alongside the interns, asking us for our opinions on their work. There was a sense of trust, morale, and commitment to high-quality work that cultivated an open and active design culture, which made me excited to come to work every day.”

Traveling Experiences

When possible, find moments to explore beyond your locality. There are short-term volunteering, research, and employment opportunities available across the world. These experiences allow for an exchange of cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives and can impact the way you design.

LEADERSHIP

Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program

Offered by select AIA chapters, the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) is a program dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders in the community. The scholars selected for the program are emerging professionals who have demonstrated commitment to the design profession and are within ten years of their first licensure. Monthly sessions are hosted by scholars, with session topics ranging from entrepreneurship, equity, current design trends, negotiation, and beyond. By organizing these sessions for their fellow colleagues, scholars have the opportunity to speak with community leaders, fundraise with vendors, visit important sites in the locale, and broaden their worldview.

Former CKLDP scholar, Norgerie Rivas, describes a pivotal moment at a session where the group participated in a focusing exercise called “Pass the Clap.”

“We participated in an activity that asked everyone to send signals by clapping. As the exercise progressed and became more complex, there were claps from every direction, and we all became overwhelmed. The coordinator leading the activity reminded us that in life we are bombarded with situations, but we have to focus on the task at hand instead of being distracted by everything around us. After that metaphor, we succeeded in listening and finishing the activity together. Since the program, I have seen a difference in my coordination and management of projects and how I mentor others by putting that lesson into practice.”

Examination and Licensure

There are many different certification, accreditation and professional exams in the design world that evaluate one’s proficiency in a practice area. In all 50 states of the U.S., the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) is currently one required component to obtain one’s license to practice architecture. Although there are several study guides and preparation material readily available for the exams, finding a support group of aspiring architects, whether online or in-person, can ease the licensure process. Several AIA chapters organize study sessions and provide resources to help with the examination process.

Sarah Killingsworth, chair of the AIA Houston Emerging Professionals Committee, speaks about licensure as a group effort:

Supplementary Skills

With a variety of resources available online, you can learn a multitude of skills. You can innovate with artificial intelligence, write about your passions, or even fabricate products. These skills can translate into freelancing opportunities or aid creatively in your primary job function.

“Emerging professionals as a membership category experience more frequent transitions in their professional path, which means their needs and values tend to be the most varied. We sought feedback from emerging professionals to focus on what our members found most valuable. Since licensure pursuit was one of those areas, we actively support licensure candidates through various rotating programs, including our study group nights and pub quiz formats that engage employers to host us at firms around Houston and group ARE candidates together for peer mentoring. We strongly believe that licensure is a community pursuit, and that sharing knowledge and studying together benefits us all.”

Get Involved Early and Often

After taking on roles within various organizations like the AIA and United States Green Building Council, Colley Hodges discusses the importance of participating in different organizations:

“Volunteering early in your career is really valuable. It gave me access to mentors outside my firm and wider knowledge networks, and it helped me cultivate skills that most firms just aren’t set up to help develop. Don’t let imposter syndrome or your youth stop you from stepping into leadership roles early. These are great environments to grow with organizational safeguards to keep you from falling flat. Volunteering can also expand your network outside of traditional architecture, which can help you find synergies with other fields or even develop your career outside of traditional practice.”

Leadership is not just about influence. It’s about working with others to achieve a common goal. Everyone has unique skillsets and ambitions, and an effective leader is one who highlights each individual’s strengths for the benefit of the group.

The more you actively get involved, the better you are positioned to understand your own values and skyrocket your journey accordingly. If you have a cause you are passionate about, don’t be afraid to bring those ideas into the limelight. You may even find yourself in leadership roles outside of a structured organization by advocating for what you believe in.

Lead with Your Passions

As a founding member of Latinos in Architecture (LiA), Ricardo Martinez explores how his interest for bringing diversity to the forefront has impacted him and the community at-large:

Get involved and skyrocket your journey!

A Leader is a Team Player

Benjamin Peace recounts being the chair for Gulf Coast Green Conference as a rewarding, collective experience:

“The committee supported me throughout the process and allowed me to lean on their experience. What was incredible, though, was when we were focusing on speakers for the conference, different committee members offered to put me into contact with industry leaders that I would otherwise have no opportunity to meet with, like senior leaders of a local hospital, as well as the head of sustainability for a global developer. The best part was, when you share a common goal, like sustainability, the discussions are organic and natural.”

“In the short span of four years, LiA has allowed me to interject myself to champion for the transformation of the architectural profession to acknowledge the importance of diversity and inclusivity. LiA has provided me a place on the platform of Latino architects and design professionals to collaborate and foster a supportive community for all its’ members. As current Co-Chair, I’ve cultivated leadership skills, provided mentorship opportunities through the scholarship and outreach subcommittee, and provided a stage to present my culture to the architectural community through TertuLiAs and COLORES events.”

Networking in the Digital Age

Building connections in the industry can lead to incidental collaborations. Online platforms, especially in the post-pandemic era, have faciliated networking. However, remote options can hinder active engagement. Whether you connect with others online or in-person, be present to get the most out of your interactions.

While these examples are meant to encourage young professionals to broaden their horizons, they only provide a small glimpse of the plethora of education and professional development opportunities available. In order to make progress in your journey, you need to shed your inhibitions. Become a champion of design, take on that leadership role, and reach out to people in the industry. You will find that if you traverse with zeal, others will be receptive and willing to connect you with the right resources. To conclude, we share snippets of our journey to highlight how some of the avenues presented here have impacted our growth.

Seeking diverse learning experiences like interning in different countries, collaborating on research with the United Nations, and volunteering with various organizations, has shaped my professional growth. During my internship in Vietnam, the language barrier between myself and my co-workers meant that I directly worked with a firm director who was bilingual. Understanding his design philosophy and being able to communicate my own design ideas with him reinforced my passion for sustainable design, which resulted in my pursuit of a Master's Degree in Building Performance. Post-graduation, I volunteer with organizations like the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE), International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA), and the Gulf Coast Green Committee. These opportunities have helped me network and collaborate with like-minded sustainability design professionals.

- Navaz Bilimoria

I had known I wanted to be an architect since middle school. The goal was clear, but the path to it was not always straightforward, for I was unaware of resources that I could consult. However, when I entered high school, I found the Michael G. Meyers Competition which set the foundation for my design career. This event alone enabled me to obtain a scholarship, the opportunity to attend a summer design program, and land an internship. After enrolling in architecture school, I was able to intern at several firms throughout the years with the help of my network of friends and colleagues. Graduating amidst the pandemic, however, caused a bit of a disconnect for me. Post-graduation job opportunities slipped away from me, and I was left to study for the AREs in an isolated and uncertain future. Slowly, I was able to transition into the professional world by balancing the “new normal” of online and in-person engagements. Today, not only do I volunteer with programs like the MGMC, but I work alongside the same professionals who had mentored me during my high school days. It takes only one event to start a domino effect, and I hope to be able to contribute to someone else’s “full circle” moment.

- Tanvi Solanki

CONTRIBUTORS

Eric Ventura, LEED Green Associate is a Project Designer at Kirksey Architecture in Houston, Texas.

Ariana Flick is a Project Designer at Kirksey Architecture in Houston, Texas.

Brian Thompson is an Associate and Project Coordinator at Kirksey Architecture in Houston, Texas.

Camille Vigil is a Project Coordinator at GFF in Dallas, Texas.

Rinika Prince is an Architectural Designer at Sasaki in Boston, Massachusetts.

Tian Tian, LEED Green Associate is a Sustainability Designer at Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture in Chicago, Illinois.

Alicia Chen is an Architectural Designer at STG in Austin, Texas.

Sarah Killingsworth, AIA, NCARB is a Project Manager at Goree Architects in Houston, Texas.

Norgerie Rivas, AIA, NCARB is an Architect and Project Manager at eStudio Architecture in Houston, Texas. She is the creator and host of She Builds Podcast.

Colley Hodges, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, SITES AP is the Sustainability Manager at the Houston Zoo.

Benjamin Peace, AIA, NCARB is an architect and Associate at Gensler in Houston, Texas.

Ricardo Martinez, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C is the President at Martinez Architects in Houston, Texas.

Navaz Bilimoria, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate

Bilimoria is a Building Performance and Sustainability Specialist and an Associate at Kirksey Architecture in Houston, Texas.

Tanvi Solanki, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, SITES AP

Solanki is an architect and an Associate at Kirksey Architecture in Houston, Texas.

Practice Simulation Lab: Real Insights from Hypothetical Firms

In an effort to reconnect early professionals and young architects across the state following Covid-19, the AIA Ohio EP and YAF leadership teams coalesced around an idea to rethink the Practice Innovation Lab. The Practice Simulation Lab (PSL) was created to not only explore the development of innovative business models for the architectural profession but also simulate the conditions of running a practice both now and looking forward to the future.

Simultaneously confronted with an urgency to connect across a growing generational knowledge gap, we focused our efforts to connect Fellows, young architects, emerging professionals, and students in an interactive and engaging manner. Instead of presenting the business of architectural practice as a lofty goal outside the reach and confidence of many early professionals, we wanted our participants to be immersed in the day-to-day decisions of their employers. Ultimately, PSL was structured to challenge participants with creating a hypothetical firm, confronting them with questions about how to create a diverse and equitable firm, how to create tangible change in our practices and built environments, and how to build a sustainable future for the profession.

The event took place over a day and a half in Columbus, Ohio, a relatively central location for members across the state. We began with an initial keynote from Evelyn Lee, FAIA. Evelyn emphasized the importance of understanding and establishing values that guide your practice and the basic building blocks of a successful business. She also dove into some of the operational trends currently affecting businesses such as the rise of hybrid work, the importance of equity, diversity, & inclusion, and the rise of artificial intelligence in everyday practice. She introduced several case studies of alternative practices, illustrating the potential breadth and feasibility of approaches future architectural practices may adopt.

Following the keynote, participants from across the state assembled in their pre-assigned teams, balanced based on the relative experience and geographic location. Fellows were contacted directly prior to the event in effort to carefully build a diverse group of mentors. Confronted with these new, unknown teammates, they were then asked to create their own practice - prompted by questions about their vision for their work, the expertise they have or wish to have, as well as practical questions about their business structure, size, and location of their practice.

“I’m sure any time we have a discussion of where our profession is - where it should be going - there will always be something that if you listen you should be able to learn from.” Daniel Hanes

After establishing the ins and outs of their practice, these firms were then presented with a variety of challenges based not only on the realities of the practice of architecture but also where the profession is headed. We asked firms to handle how to maintain operations when severe weather hits their office and/or project locations, how to recruit and retain talent with an emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion, handling the loss of a partner to another practice, as well as planning for a leadership succession strategy.

After running the firms through this gauntlet of challenges we provided a template for them to develop their presentations to share to the group as a whole. The evening wrapped up with dinner and drinks at a local venue for all of the groups to mingle and share their experiences before regrouping the next day to present.

Highlights from the event

In hindsight, we’ve been able to identify a number of critical concepts that have resulted from the collaborations. We found that teams emphasized community engagement and service beyond any individual project or building. Some teams sought to expand their services while others narrowed their expertise, but all agreed that a successful firm is a meaningful one. Spoken values were made tangible in the project pursuits, recruitment strategies, and daily operations of the firms. Below we’ve briefly summarized the six future firms so that you might see the range of their approaches:

• The Advocate Lab is organized around providing stellar owner’s representative services, “advocating” for their clients beyond any singular project or building.

• Studio, i.e. is looking beyond buildings to identify upstream

Above | Weather discussion.

Above | Discussing partner loss.

Above |Post event happy hour.

Above | Studio IE Presentation.

opportunities and develop groundbreaking research that serves communities in need.

• THX is adopting an architect-developer strategy to manage high-profile adaptive reuse projects, such as downtown office to housing conversions.

• Community Collaboration (COCO) is a Women Business Enterprise, examining sustainable growth and redevelopment in communities and within their own business structure.

• Volent is exploring the ethics of architecture and business, attempting to turn a profit while balancing an aggressive build-nothing-new attitude.

• Design Futures is focused on pre-project services and visioning, delivering long-lasting, impactful designs to communities.

“A firm today isn’t just architects, [...]” said Angela Mazzi, FAIA, FACHA, EDAC, commenting on the structure of her team’s hypothetical practice. It’s no surprise that this statement summarizes nearly all of our activities over the course of the PSL, as we jumped from questions about measuring continued impact to mitigating financial risk. We at AIA Ohio feel that our future firm owners present an encouraging and interesting vision for the practice of architecture, and they’ll be uniquely positioned to lead as a result of our mentorship and investment. We’re grateful to facilitate their education.

Seth Duke social media handles: Instagram & Twitter: @DukeInMinor7th, https://www.linkedin. com/in/dukeseth/, https://www.facebook.com/sethduke194

Alex Oetzel social media handles: Instagram @oetzelpretzel

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-oetzel-a7732b125

Alex Oetzel, AIA

Oetzel is an Associate Project Architect at Moody Nolan and an Adjunct Faculty at the Knowlton School at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She also serves as the Senior Early Professional Director for AIA Ohio.

Seth Duke, AIA

Duke is an architect at Bialosky Cleveland in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Young Architect Representative for the state of Ohio.

The Value of Participation

Everyone’s journey through their career in architecture is unique. We all have varied opportunities, challenges, setbacks, and goals, which considerably influence who we are as designers or architects at any given point in time. In this article, I would like to share an opportunity I took advantage of early in my career to participate in the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF), which resulted in lasting friendships, opportunities, and support. YAF influenced my journey that led to working at Lake|Flato, a top-ranked architecture firm, as a director and leading an internal research program called Investigations, as well as being appointed to the national AIA COTE Leadership, among many other exciting things!

I was involved in YAF in Minnesota in the early 90’s when the AIA program was just starting. I lived in two regions and had

the opportunity to participate in multiple AIA chapters’ YAF programs: AIA Northern Minnesota (Duluth) and AIA St. Paul / AIA Minneapolis (Twin Cities). While I was not involved in a leadership capacity, I often participated in various events that, as the AIA YAF website aptly states, are meant to help foster professional development. I want to share two very memorable YAF events, which always included meeting new people and learning about the work of other firms.

Multi-YAF-chapter camping trip and project tour

The three AIA YAF chapters listed previously convened in Ely, Minnesota, to camp overnight and tour Jim Brandenburg’s Ravenwood.

About 20-ish YAF’ers got an amazing and intimate tour by Brandenburg himself, a famous nature photographer (featured on multiple National Geographic magazine covers). We walked on the green roof, scaled the precarious open steps to the upper level, and walked the beautiful property. We learned how a feature integrated into the architecture helped with work-life balance… his studio, a separate structure (center right in photo), has a ridge beam that extends out with a large roof overhang. A steel cable extends down from this beam, where a large stone has been attached a few feet above the ground. Mr. Brandenburg said that each morning, he gives the rock a push, and 6-8 hours

later, when it stops moving, he stops working for the day. He added that “the push” is more gently on days he does not want to work as much��

Ravenwood was designed by an award-winning architect, David Salmela, from my hometown, Duluth, MN, whom I have admired for years. He has won many national AIA awards, including a COTE Top Ten award for a project at the University of Minnesota, Bagley Outdoor Classroom. A favorite Salmela projectproject Salmela of mine is the Gooseberry Falls Visitor Center on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Above | Revenwood was designed by David Salmela FAIA, photographer Peter Kerze

State Capital Tour

A few years later, while living in the Twin Cities and working at BWBR Architects in St. Paul, I attended a memorable tour of the Minnesota State Capital. We learned about a significant mistake the design team doing restoration work had made, and I had another much more dramatic “precarious stair” experience.

In the last part of our tour, with the restoration design team leading us, we had the unique opportunity to go up to the cupola, which is the highest point on the building that people can reach without special equipment. This involved climbing a very steep stair with minimal railings that were in between the inner and outer domes. Moreover, there were only a few light fixtures, and most of the bulbs were burnt out! Like I said… memorable, and a little scary to be honest.

Once we got outside, at the cupola, the design team pointed out spalling marble! It was remarkable how honest and open they were about the problem and what they were doing to fix it. It turned out that the mortar specified as part of a major tuckpointing project was stronger than the stone. With the large temperature swings in Minnesota and expansion during freezing, the stone started spalling at the joints. I remember listening in a state of shock, thinking about how we could do irreparable damage if we were not careful… fast forward to today, and the same sentiment is also true regarding climate change!

Conclusion

These are just two examples of many wonderful events and experiences I had while participating in AIA YAF early in my career. I also want to acknowledge the early and thoughtful leadership of the YAF group in Duluth, MN, by the late Rebecca Lewis… one of the first female architectural interns in northeastern Minnesota.

Fast forward to today, and YAF is so much more valuable to the profession but still has that same grassroots spirit. I love the webinars I’ve seen organized and the dissemination of helpful information by and for young architects. On the national AIA COTE Leadership Group, we have a YAF liaison currently filled by Wei Wang! We try to keep current on YAF activities and provide support where possible. I also love the state and national YAF of the Year awards. A quick shout-out to my friend Simona Fischer, who won both last year (and her firm just won a COTE Top Ten 2022 award)… also, I presented with her a few months back at the Minnesota AIA Conference!

Hopefully, this article offered inspiration and encouragement for all aspiring and new architects. I highly recommend that you actively participate in YAF and COTE! Together, we can make a difference!

Above | Minnesota State Capital, photograph by Stine

Above | Dan and Wei at her office in NYC

Dan Stine, AIA, IES, CSI, CDT, Well AP Stine is the Director of Design Technology and leads the internal research program, Investigations, at the top-ranked architecture firm Lake|Flato, in San Antonio, Texas.

Above | Dan, Simona Fischer (MSR Design), and Allisa Kingsly (HGA) at AIA MN Conference 2022

Align Mentorship Program Connection + Community

The Young Architects Forum and College of Fellows Align Mentorship Program is a long-range initiative (think ten years, not one) that connects young architects with AIA Fellows. Through a grouping system referred to as “pods”, the program pairs four to six emerging professionals with two to three fellows, facilitating professional and leadership development. Founded as a pilot program in 2019 by Ryan McEnroe, FAIA, the Align Mentorship Program launched its first full cohort in January of 2022. Since the program’s founding, 69 young architects have been grouped with 29 Fellows, for a total of 98 participants across the three years of the program’s formation.

The overarching program objectives are:

• To support young architects in defining their legacy within the profession while navigating their career paths.

• To create a vehicle for mentorship and career development that connects young architects and Fellows with peers across the country.

• To accelerate contributions of young architects and develop regionally diverse collectives to contribute more in the future.

Pods are currently categorized around three main focus areas - Practice (Institute and Design Leadership), Scholarship (Education and Research), and Civic (Community and Public Leadership). Experience levels within each pod varies, but is focused on supporting licensed at the point of 10 years or less since licensure. Each AIA Fellow’s Object of Nomination typically aligns with the main focus area of their respective pod. Of the thirteen current pods, focus areas range from AIA leadership to advocacy to design and firm management to the Young Architect Award submission to small firm ownership and more.

We asked a handful of the 2023 Align Mentorship Program cohort to share their experiences and insights from participating

Above | The Align Mentorship Program connects young architects and AIA Fellows from across the world.

in the program for nearly a year. Ashley Snelson, Spencer Sommers, Vaama Joshi, and Jonathan Fischel, FAIA, share their insights below.

the course of my career in architecture, and in large part from my AIA volunteer opportunities and those leaders who I served with, especially John Syvertsen, Steve Saunders, Doug Steidl and Kate Schwennsen, along with Alice Sinkevitch, former AIA Chicago Executive Director.

What are one or two goals you have as a part of the program?

AS: I have applied for this program at a critical juncture in my career where I am incredibly ready to learn, grow, and give back at a whole new level. To build relationships and engage in mentorship of this value and magnitude would be a successful outcome of participating in this program.

SS: One goal was to have quality conversations with FAIA members for their insights on their professional experience as there are currently no living FAIA members in South Dakota.

VJ: By participating in the 2022 YAF Align program, I intend to develop skills to encourage clients and designers to choose sustainable & resilient design practices.

What value have you seen and experienced as a part of the Align program?

AS: So far, it has been a really great cohort of fellow highachievers. As we have grown to know each other, the conversations have been more and more thought-provoking and supportive of tangible aspects in navigating an architecture career at this moment in time.

Why did you decide to apply to the Align Mentorship Program?

Ashley Snelson (AS): I was seeking mentorship as I explore what it means to be in middle management, and how I can advance myself in support of advancing our profession for all people.

Spencer Sommers (SS): Align/YAF seemed like an exciting program to connect with architects outside of my usual network.

Vaama Joshi (VJ): I have been impacted tremendously by the support of mentors in the past. The Align program seemed like a perfect opportunity to connect with like minded peers and mentors.

Jonathan Fischel (JF): I applied to the Align program to engage with young architects beyond that possible within an office environment. The foundation of that process is built on a spirit of engagement, sharing, and caring that I learned during

SS: YAF has introduced me to both young architects and FAIA members who I would otherwise likely be unable to have indepth conversations with. I’ve gained great insight that helps with my professional life from people with experiences different from my own. It’s refreshing to hear what other architects with similar interests are involved with nationwide.

VJ: A lot of times, you don’t have mentors outside of your workplace. This program offers you a support system that’s beyond your workplace and provides fresh perspective on issues through conversations with peers and mentors.

JF: Several monthly meetings into the Align program, my fellow FAIA participant, Bob Yohe and I suggested a reading list of leadership books and guides that we could read together and would become part of our discussions. For the first book, the Young Architects in our pod selected Adapt as an Architect, a Mid-Career Companion, written by Randy Deutsch. Reading ‘Adapt…’ has promoted wonderful discussions on personal experiences associated with career path and leadership, with considerable openness and sharing within our pod.

Above Ashley Snelson, AIA (Seattle, Washington)

Above Spencer Sommers, AIA (Aberdeen, South Dakota)

Above Vaama Joshi, AIA (Charlotte, North Carolina)

Above Jonathan Fischel, FAIA (Washington, D.C.)

What encouragement or insight would you share for those who are not a part of the program but might be interested?

AS: I would encourage you to take that spark of interest and start writing down your specific reasons why you would want to apply to the program the next time applications are open.

SS: The reward vs. time investment is ten-fold. It’s not just a useful mentorship program; I genuinely look forward to the monthly meeting with my peers.

VJ: By participating in this program you will make long term connections & friends.

JF: Understanding that we are just past mid-year on the first of hopefully a multi-year voyage, I highly recommend this program for Fellows for the opportunity to engage with Young Architects, and to give back to the profession we love: To share your knowledge, experience, and expertise, and develop relationships with bright, open, high-achieving, passionate and appreciative Young Architects in a setting outside of work. You will learn from them as well, and from your FAIA colleague. I would also hope that for Young Architects, it is an opportunity to develop relationships with peers and members of an older generation from across the country, along with the benefits of open discussion and sharing of knowledge on topics that each of you bring to the group.

Applicants for the Align Mentorship Program typically open during September of each year. If you are interested or know someone who may be, please visit the AIA Young Architect Resource page and email Sarah Nelson-Woynicz.

Immense thanks to the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF) Community Focus Group, the AIA YAF College of Fellows Liaisons Kate Schwensen, FAIA, and Jeanne Jackson, FAIA, and Jordan Kravitz for your leadership in the organization and continuation of the Align program. Additional thanks to the AIA College of Fellows and all Fellows who serve as mentors (but also are mentored!), providing invaluable guidance, insight, openness, and conversation.

Nelson Woynicz is a Project Architect and Associate at HKS, Inc. Sarah is the Founder of Pride by Design and an “Out in Architecture” author. Sarah serves on the AIA YAF Advisory Committee as Community Director and is the incoming 2024 Vice Chair.

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

Sarah Nelson-Woynicz, AIA

Jordan Kravitz, AIA

Above | Align Mentorship Group Calls.

The Unconventional Journey

Achieving Architectural Licensure through NCARBs Alternative Path

My passion for drawing, building, and creating began when I was very young. I envisioned myself as an architect. Unfortunately, as you all well know, life doesn’t always turn out the way you planned. The architecture degree gave way to an art history degree. This prepared me for the study and interpretation of historical buildings and monuments. It didn’t take me long to realize how art and architecture were connected.

Having said that, here I am today, working in architecture. What you may find interesting is that I didn’t get where I am today by following the usual path. I’m going to show you how to become an architect without an architectural education via the NCARB Alternative Path.

Here is the process. Start by going to NCARBs website. https:// www.ncarb.org/get-licensed/ licensing-requirements-tool Once there, click the button in the left column: “Additional experience can be accepted as an alternative to the educational requirement.” This highlights all the states and territories that allow licensure via experience. Be aware, not all states allow for experience as an alternative path.

Decide which state you want to be licensed in and research the required AXP hours. Set up your NCARB account and choose your selected state of licensure. High school and college transcripts will be required, so upload them to your account. Set up your AXP reports page to record your hours. Seek a licensed architect to be your mentor as they will approve your AXP hours. I strongly suggest you work with a mentor you like, because you’ll spend a lot of time together. Start recording the hours for the architecture work you’re doing. For example, I submitted mine once a month, but recorded them daily.

It’s vital to understand, if you’re starting from scratch, it will take about eight years to qualify to take the AREs. Nevertheless, if you’ve been in the industry for some time, it’s possible to backlog your hours. Let me explain. You can record your previous 5 years of work and 50% of that time will be applied toward your AXP hours. That said, for anything that is 8 months in retrospect you get 80%.

After completing the required AXP hours, submit them to the state you have selected for licensure. You’ll get an email letting you know you have been approved to take the AREs.

So, what’s next? Once you’re licensed you must remain in good standing with the selected state for 3 years. At that point, you can apply for reciprocity and become licensed in your home state. This is only applicable if you have applied for licensure in a state that is not your residential state. For example, I am in Iowa and the state I applied for licensure in was Colorado. This applied to me. In the case that you are a resident of Colorado, (or any state in this program) you won’t need 3 years of good standing process, you will be licensed immediately in that state only.

For those of you who will need to experience that 3-year process, it may sound like a long time. But the good news is depending on the state you want to be licensed in you may be able to reduce that amount of time. It’s up to the NCARB division of each state to decide if they’ll allow a shorter time frame for reciprocity. For more information, contact your state’s advisor.

I hope this helps. If you need additional information or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me (hadaway22@yahoo. com).

If there’s anything I could add to conclude this article, I would say: don’t be afraid. Everything worth having takes time. Good luck!

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

“Additional experience can be accepted as an alternative to the educational requirement.”

I strongly suggest you work with a mentor you like, because you’ll spend a lot of time together.

Mark Hadaway, Assoc. AIA, NCARB, BEC

Artificial Intelligence:

Leading Architecture on a Futuristic Field Trip!

Many positive outcomes have resulted from architects’ use of AI. One benefit is that it allows architects to replicate and evaluate alternative design options quickly. It has led to better decisionmaking and more creative design solutions, as Soliman et al. (2019) discovered. Mainly in residential and commercial building design, where customization is vital, a tailored design solution bears the tremendous appeal that AI may deliver (Kloeckner 2018).

Artificial intelligence is also used in design decision-making by analysing large datasets. As a result, architects gain valuable insights into user preferences, market trends, and historical design data. This analytical approach empowers architects to make design decisions with greater discernment and ensures

that their creations align harmoniously with the wide range of user needs and preferences (Karan et al., 2020; Gilner et al., 2019).

Various aspects of sustainability, such as energy efficiency, daylight utilization, thermal comfort, and the wise use of materials, are evaluated and improved with the help of artificial intelligence simulations. Designs that prioritize environmental sustainability and sustainability, in general, may be created using cutting-edge technology. Because of this, we can reduce our energy use, save costs, and lessen our footprint on the planet (Merabet et al., 2021). AI-enabled intelligent building systems as discussed by Panchalingam and Chan (2021) allow real-time monitoring and analysis of building performance data.

Above | Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications. Image created by Sharika Tasnim

Architects can use this method to identify areas that require improvement and make changes to optimize energy efficiency and improve occupant comfort.

Artificial intelligence systems facilitate the cooperation of multidisciplinary groups with distinct areas of expertise by providing a central hub for the sharing and iterative improvement of designs. This occurrence leads to better communication and a more unified, collaborative design process (Saba et al., 2021). Risk mitigation involves the utilization of artificial intelligence to thoroughly analyse historical project data in order to identify and predict potential risks and challenges that may arise. According to Kayis et al. (2007), using AI architects can proactively address important issues and effectively prevent project delays.

Cost estimation tools employ sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms to analyse complex design parameters and extensive historical cost data with meticulous accuracy. The projected project costs are reliable and precise. Therefore, it facilitates efficient financial resource management for architects (Mislick & Nussbaum, 2015). According to Wan et al (2020) the computing powers of AI tools are so advanced that they can accurately conduct complicated computations and simulations. Consequently, they cut down on design mistakes and the need for expensive fixes. Realistic visual representations of designs are made possible by virtual and augmented reality technologies powered by artificial intelligence, which helps customers and stakeholders better grasp the result.

The importance of resource efficiency in the construction industry cannot be overstated. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a significant asset in tackling this concern. Using AI enables us to maximize material efficiency, streamline construction procedures, and improve the allocation of resources. This process, in turn, significantly reduces waste and fosters the adoption of more sustainable construction practices (Waltersmann, 2021). In case of renovations, artificial intelligence is crucial in analysing relevant data on existing structures. The analytical process outlined here serves as a guiding framework for renovation and retrofit projects, ensuring that any upgrades implemented align seamlessly with the building’s performance and specific needs (Cisterna, 2021).

According to Cardoso and Ferreira (2020), predictive maintenance involves using artificial intelligence to systematically monitor and analyse the different systems and equipment within a building. Conducting a thorough analysis allows us to identify and predict maintenance needs, ensuring optimal functionality is achieved and costly breakdowns are avoided. Lastly, artificial intelligence algorithms enable the perpetual acquisition of knowledge from each design endeavour, accumulating a repository of wisdom and discernment that can be effectively applied to subsequent projects, thereby facilitating continuous improvement and refinement (Kontogiannis &

Selfridge 1995).

Embracing AI applications in architecture allows professionals to tap into their creative abilities, producing visually captivating designs that excel in functionality, sustainability, and adaptability. It involves providing buildings with a specialized solution that addresses the requirements of inhabitants and the environment.

Footnotes

B., Kayis., G., Arndt., Mingwei, Zhou., S., Amornsawadwatana. (2007). A Risk Mitigation Methodology for New Product and Process Design in Concurrent Engineering Projects. CIRP Annals, 56(1):167-170. doi: 10.1016/J.CIRP.2007.05.040

Djamel, Saba., Youcef, Sahli., Abdelkader, Hadidi. (2021). The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Company’s Decision Making. 287-314. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-52067-0_13

Diego, Cisterna., Simon, Seibel., Svenja, Oprach., Shervin, Haghsheno. (2021). Artificial Intelligence for the Construction Industry - A Statistical Descriptive Analysis of Drivers and Barriers. 283-295. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-87687-6_27

Diogo, Cardoso., Luís, Carlos, de, Souza, Ferreira. (2020). Application of Predictive Maintenance Concepts Using Artificial Intelligence Tools. Applied Sciences, 11(1):18-. doi: 10.3390/ APP11010018

Ebrahim, Karan., Mahdi, Safa., Min, Jae, Suh. (2020). Use of Artificial Intelligence in a Regulated Design Environment – A Beam Design Example. 16-25. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-512958_2

Ewa, Gilner., Adam, Galuszka., Tomasz, Grychowski. (2019). Application of Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Building Design - Optimisation Methods. 81-86. doi: 10.1109/ MMAR.2019.8864698

Ghezlane, Halhoul, Merabet., Ghezlane, Halhoul, Merabet., Mohamed, Essaaidi., Mohamed, Ben, Haddou., Basheer, Qolomany., Junaid, Qadir., Muhammad, Anan., Ala, Al-Fuqaha., Ala, Al-Fuqaha., Mohamed, Riduan, Abid., Driss, Benhaddou. (2021). Intelligent building control systems for thermal comfort and energy-efficiency: A systematic review of artificial intelligenceassisted techniques. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 144:110969-. doi: 10.1016/J.RSER.2021.110969

Gregory, K., Mislick., Daniel, A., Nussbaum. (2015). Cost Estimation: Methods and Tools.

Jiafu, Wan., Jianqi, Liu., Lingxia, Liao. (2020). Guest Editorial: Special Issue on “Advanced Artificial Intelligence for Industrial Internet of Things”. Journal of Internet Technology, 21(5):14771478.

Kristof, Kloeckner., John, Davis., Nicholas, C., M., Fuller., Giovanni, Lanfranchi., Stefan, Pappe., Amit, Paradkar., Larisa, Shwartz., Maheswaran, Surendra., Dorothea, Wiesmann. (2018). AI for Solution Design. 57-73. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-94048-9_4

Kostas, Kontogiannis., Peter, G., Selfridge. (1995). Workshop report: The two-day workshop on Research Issues in the Intersection between Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence (held in conjunction with ICSE-16). 2(1):87-97. doi: 10.1007/BF00873410

Lara, Waltersmann., Steffen, Kiemel., Julian, Stuhlsatz., Alexander, Sauer., Robert, Miehe. (2021). Artificial Intelligence Applications for Increasing Resource Efficiency in Manufacturing Companies—A Comprehensive Review. Sustainability, 13(12):6689-. doi: 10.3390/SU13126689

Seungsu, Paek., Namhyoung, Kim. (2021). Analysis of Worldwide Research Trends on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Education. Sustainability, 13(14):7941-. doi: 10.3390/SU13147941

Sara, Saad, Soliman., Dina, Taha., Zeyad, Tarek, El, Sayad. (2019). Architectural education in the digital age: Computer applications: Between academia and practice. alexandria engineering journal, 58(2):809-818. doi: 10.1016/J.AEJ.2019.05.016

Rav, Panchalingam., Ka, Ching, Chan. (2021). A state-ofthe-art review on artificial intelligence for Smart Buildings. Intelligent Buildings International, 13(4):203-226. doi: 10.1080/17508975.2019.1613219

Sharika Tasnim

Tasnim 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).

Navigating the Gap between Architectural Education and Practice

Embarking on the path to becoming an Architect is like a journey that intertwines theoretical knowledge and practical application. As aspiring architects step out of the confines of architectural education and into the dynamic realm of professional practice, they often traverse a considerable gap. Architectural academia imparts a foundational toolbox encompassing time management, stress resilience, quick decision-making, creative problem-solving, idea formulation, and design acumen. However, the transition from the controlled and limitless environments of educational studios to the multifaceted world of real-world architectural firms can be a profound culture shock. While academic training lays the groundwork, it’s imperative to recognize that it doesn’t encapsulate the intricacies of actual practice. Negotiating the profound learning curve that bridges the educational realm with professional architecture is a transformative experience, encouraging architects to embrace growth, glean wisdom from each encounter, and bridge the crevasse between theoretical enlightenment and practical proficiency.

This gap between the theoretical foundations and practical realities can be a bewildering threshold for fresh graduates. The controlled and often idealized studio settings of architecture schools do not mirror the demanding and dynamic conditions of real-world architectural projects. Concepts that appear straightforward in classrooms can unveil layers of complexity when confronted with budgetary constraints, intricate regulations, and the pragmatic considerations of clients. As recent graduates step into professional roles, they often face a sharp learning curve that introduces them to the nuances of project management, effective communication with clients and collaborators, and navigating the multifaceted landscape of our industry. This disparity between education and practice underscores the importance of embracing the learning curve as an essential bridge that guides graduates from theoretical proficiency to the mastery demanded by real-world architectural endeavors.

There is a lot a recent graduate will need to learn, which may require time outside the 9-5 firm hours to tackle the situation. If your firm uses software that you have limited experience, it may require you to do some training on your own. If you need to understand a detail better, there are many videos, resources,

and continuing education credit courses you can leverage to boost your understanding about a task. But how else can you embrace the learning curve to build your confidence and expand your knowledge?

Embracing the Learning Curve: 10 Tips for Success in Architecture

As a fresh graduate venturing into the field of architecture, it’s crucial to approach the learning curve with an open mind and a commitment to growth. The journey may be challenging, but it’s through these challenges that architects emerge stronger, more skilled, and more capable of producing remarkable work. Here are ten tips to navigate the learning curve and thrive in the architecture profession:

1. Be Patient and Persistent in Your Learning Process:

The journey from architectural education to professional practice requires an understanding that expertise is an evolution, not an instantaneous attainment. As recent graduates embark on their careers, it’s vital to remember that proficiency takes time to develop. The learning curve demands patience with oneself and the process. Embrace the notion that becoming an accomplished Architect is a gradual process of accumulating experiences and insights. Maintain persistence in your commitment to learning and self-improvement. Challenges and setbacks are integral components of this process, offering valuable opportunities to grow and enhance your capabilities. The steep learning curve in architecture necessitates diligence and resilience, and with unwavering patience and persistence, you will gradually amass the knowledge and skills essential for success.

2. Learn from Your Mistakes and Failures:

Embracing the learning curve involves recognizing that errors and failures are stepping stones to improvement. Mistakes are not indicative of incompetence but rather opportunities to refine your craft. When encountering setbacks or witnessing a design solution fall short of expectations, avoid self-critique and instead focus on the lessons they carry. Analyze the root causes of your missteps and glean insights into how to avoid similar pitfalls in the future. This approach to learning from your mistakes can

lead to profound growth as an Architect, nurturing your ability to make informed decisions and apply innovative solutions. By reframing failures as learning experiences, you empower yourself to consistently push the boundaries of your capabilities and develop into a more adept and resourceful professional.

3. Seek Out Constructive Criticism and Feedback:

Growth within the architecture profession thrives on constructive criticism and feedback. Rather than fearing evaluation, actively seek feedback from mentors, peers, and stakeholders. By having open conversations about your work, you invite specific insights on areas that warrant improvement. Constructive criticism is a lens that offers fresh perspectives on your designs and approaches. This feedback-rich environment encourages iterative refinement, helping you cultivate a discerning eye for detail and an understanding of the factors that contribute to successful designs. In embracing feedback, you harness the collective wisdom of those around you, transforming criticism into a catalyst for evolution. This willingness to engage in constructive dialogue nurtures an environment of continuous improvement, fostering a cycle of learning that propels you forward in your architectural journey.

4. Reflect on Your Experiences and Apply Lessons Learned:

Reflection is a cornerstone of the architectural learning curve. Take deliberate moments to contemplate your experiences, assessing the successes and areas for improvement. What strategies yielded favorable results? Where could you have applied alternative approaches?

This introspective practice guides you towards a deeper understanding of your design choices and their real-world ramifications. By actively reflecting on your past projects, you elevate your architectural skills from an intuitive level to a conscious and strategic one. Apply the insights garnered from these reflections to future projects, enriching your designs with the accumulated wisdom of your architectural journey.

5. Learn from Experienced Architects and Peers:

In architecture, learning is a collaborative endeavor. Seasoned architects offer invaluable insights honed through years of practice. Seek out their mentorship and guidance to gather pragmatic advice that transcends textbooks. Similarly, engaging with peers introduces fresh perspectives, igniting innovative ideas and fostering a collective growth mindset. Collaborative discussions and shared experiences facilitate the exchange of diverse viewpoints, shaping a well-rounded understanding of the profession. By tapping into the wealth of knowledge that experienced Architects and peers provide, you expand your skill set and accelerate your architectural development.

6. Continuously Seek Out New Learning Opportunities:

Architecture is a dynamic field where continuous learning is a necessity. Embrace a proactive approach to your professional development by actively pursuing new learning opportunities. Attend local industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to immerse yourself in evolving trends, emerging technologies, and innovative practices. Leverage opportunities of virtual events to learn from those from around the country.

This commitment to staying informed equips you with the tools needed to adapt to the rapidly changing field of architecture. By dedicating yourself to ongoing education, you position yourself as an agile and versatile Architect prepared to tackle challenges with innovative solutions.

7. Be Open to Trying New

Approaches

and Design Methods: Architectural innovation thrives on experimentation. Don’t limit yourself to established conventions; instead, cultivate a willingness to explore novel approaches to design challenges. Embarking on unconventional paths can lead to unexpected breakthroughs that distinguish your work. Embrace the potential of failure and uncertainty, recognizing that they often pave the way to innovative solutions. By fostering a mindset of openness and adaptability, you infuse your work with creativity and originality, contributing to the industry with fresh perspectives.

8. Be Proactive in Your Professional Development:

Proactivity is the driving force behind personal growth in architecture. Set clear goals for your career trajectory and actively seek avenues to attain them. Waiting for opportunities to present themselves may stifle your potential for advancement. Instead, take charge of your journey by seeking experiences that challenge you and expand your skill set.

Above | Every day is a chance to learn something new and grow

Is there a project type or market sector you are interested in? SAY SOMETHING! Are you more interested in exterior design rather than interior fit outs? SAY SOMETHING! Firm leaders aren’t mind readers. The more you learn to advocate for yourself, the more likely you are to be on projects you want to work on. We all know that when we have a passion and excitement for a project that we have more fun, provides motivation, and boosts excitement.

By embracing a proactive stance, you position yourself as an empowered architect capable of shaping your career in alignment with your aspirations.

9. Embrace Challenges and Take on New Responsibilities:

Challenges are the crucible of growth. Embrace each challenge as a chance to refine your capabilities and enhance your expertise. Voluntarily assume additional responsibilities that stretch your comfort zone, whether it’s overseeing a project phase or collaborating with diverse teams. Each challenge conquered further hones your abilities and strengthens your adaptability. By seeking opportunities that push your boundaries, you cultivate versatility that positions you as a multifaceted architect prepared to navigate a variety of professional scenarios.

It can also lead to you learning more about yourself. Even if you learn you dislike something, that is still value to you. You will need to complete the task, but afterwards you can advocate if you don’t want to continue on that path. For instance, if you work on a workplace project but it didn’t feel challenging enough for you or exciting enough. Then you can say something to express disinterest, but you should also be able to identify something you ARE interested in trying. Early in your career, you should experience and try as many different things as you can so that you can define where you want to take your career. Sometimes that firm project type you will absolutely love! And that is great if you want to continue more of that type of work. Again, speak up and let people know!

10.

Celebrate Your Successes:

Amid the trials of the learning curve, remember to celebrate every success, regardless of its scale. Each accomplishment signifies progress and warrants recognition. Acknowledge your achievements as milestones on your architectural journey, providing motivation and a positive outlook. Furthermore, extend this celebration to your peers and colleagues, fostering a culture of support and camaraderie. By embracing your successes and sharing in the achievements of others, you cultivate a nurturing environment that fuels continued growth and collective excellence.

A Journey of Profound Transformation

The architectural profession is a realm of perpetual learning and growth, underscored by the transformative learning curve. The tips presented here serve as your compass, guiding you through the intricacies of transitioning from academia to practice. Embrace each challenge, draw wisdom from experiences, and continually refine your craft. Navigating the learning curve requires an unyielding commitment to development, a receptive mindset, and an insatiable hunger for new insights. As you integrate these principles into your journey, you will not only excel as an Architect but also contribute to the evolution of the field. Ultimately, the learning curve is your vehicle for profound transformation, propelling you towards architectural excellence and a legacy of impactful design.

Katelyn Rossier, AIA, NCARB, LSSBB Rossier is an 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.

Above | Obstacles are the stepping stones to achievement

Fostering Growth and Collaboration:

Insights from the AIA 2023 Convention – COTE Open Forum

Stepping into the AIA 2023 convention as the national AIA COTE liaison for the Young Architects Forum (YAF), I was filled with anticipation and did not know what to expect. This year’s AIA COTE Open Forum sought to unravel the practical implications of “climate action” and “climate justice,” exploring how designers and communities can collaborate to redefine value, embrace a culture of care, reuse urban fabric, and practice climate-responsive design centered on health and equity. Our breakout session delved into the specific challenges and opportunities surrounding the establishment and growth of COTE chapters. Here are the topics that stood out to me from my breakout sessions.

Continuity of COTE Leadership and Nurturing Succession

Discussions around the challenge of leadership transitions illuminated the importance of knowledge transfer, mentorship, and leadership training in sustaining momentum at both the state and local levels. By fostering collaboration between outgoing and incoming leaders, we can empower emerging professionals to carry the torch of sustainability. The resources and support offered by YAF and National Associates Committee (NAC) communities become invaluable on this journey.

How to Establish a COTE Chapter - Seeking Common Ground

Navigating the landscape of states which do not have a COTE chapter proved to be an important topic. The conversations shed light on the need to build relationships and find common ground with stakeholders who may hold differing views on sustainability. Sharing successful frameworks from neighboring states provided inspiration and a foundation for sustainable design initiatives. It’s advantageous to utilize existing resources and frameworks that can serve as a starting point.

The Relationship Between State and Local COTE Chapters

The dynamics between state and local COTE chapters exhibited intriguing variations across regions. In cities such as New York and San Francisco, there are multiple local chapters that almost operate at a state scale, while others, like Texas, found

strength through collaboration during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening connections and facilitating communication between state and local chapters amplify the collective impact of COTE initiatives. It becomes essential to find the path that works most efficiently for each state or local chapter, fostering collaboration that suits their unique context.

Engaging the Next Generation

As a YAF State Representative, I firmly believe in the power of member groups like YAF to inspire and cultivate emerging professionals. Mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and tailored educational initiatives become the catalysts for igniting their passion and fostering leadership in sustainability efforts.

The AIA COTE Open Forum Discussion provided an enriching platform for dialogue, sparking new ideas and challenging existing paradigms. Through the breakout sessions, I was able to learn more about the specific challenges and opportunities surrounding COTE chapters. I extend my gratitude to the national AIA COTE Leadership group for curating these meaningful conversations and to the voices from different corners of the country that contributed to our collective understanding. The insights we discovered are not definitive answers but rather invitations to explore, question, and evolve. As we forge ahead, let us savor these moments of food for thought.

Wei Wang, AIA, NCARB

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.

Blueprints of Empowerment: Architects Crafting Tomorrow

Amidst the lush landscapes of Madagascar, the hum of a 3D printer crafts a narrative not of mere brick and mortar, but of hope. With a vast percentage of its denizens below the poverty line and educational access sparse, there emerges an imperative: Architecture must evolve, not just in form but in purpose.

Historically, architects molded the world around us, capturing epochs in steel, stone, and wood. Yet, the pressing demands of today summon a deeper introspection. It’s no longer just about “What do we create?” but rather, “How do we foster change?”

Enter the realm of Defining Humanity, which embodies a novel architectural ethos. Their kaleidoscope of projects, ranging from peaceful sanctuaries in the turbulence of Ukraine to innovative utilities for ADHD students, propounds a singular maxim: Design, with empathy at its core, wields transformative power.

Underpinning their strategy is the IMPACCTS framework, a beacon guiding their every endeavor:

1. Innovation: Merging architecture and design seamlessly with empathy, the mission is to continuously foster creativity and originality, offering a fresh lens to view the built environment.

2. Material: It’s not just about using materials but weaving them with intent. The quest is to accentuate aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, all while honoring the guiding tenets of architectural harmony.

3. People: Every line drawn, every structure erected, emphasizes human-centric design. The well-being and fulfillment of its users stand paramount, both in the ideation phase and in the tangible built form.

4. Architecture: Beyond structural marvels, the goal is to craft solutions that harmoniously blend empathy, aesthetics, and purpose, yielding spaces that resonate with souls and stories alike.

5. Challenges: In the maze of design complexities, the aim is to navigate with a compass of empathy. Every hurdle is an opportunity, every constraint a canvas for innovation.

6. Community: Design isn’t in isolation; it’s a dialogue. A dialogue with histories, cultures, and aspirations. The architecture, thus, becomes a bridge, fostering belonging and echoing the community’s collective heartbeat.

7. Technology: As the world leaps technologically, the challenge is twofold: seamlessly integrating advancements to enhance design, all the while ensuring sustainability and empathy aren’t overshadowed.

8. Sustainability: In every brick, beam, and blueprint, there’s an unwavering commitment to the planet. A pledge to intertwine sustainable practices in every phase, nurturing the delicate balance between man and nature.

A shining testament to this ethos is their 3D-printed school in Madagascar. Erected in just 18 hours, it’s not just a marvel of speed but a beacon of change. By harnessing technology, prioritizing sustainability, and placing the community at the helm, they’ve not only constructed a building but kindled hope.

Above | Campus Aerial

Above | Classroom Cluster

For the new wave of architects, this evolution paints a vivid path. Design isn’t a mere profession; it’s a calling. A call to infuse every endeavor with empathy and innovation, crafting not just structures, but legacies.

As they stand at the crossroads of creation and change, a quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry rings true, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” As custodians of the future, let architects craft a world where every design, every structure, echoes with hope, empathy, and transformative potential.

Yash

Mehta is an Architectural Designer at Lamar Johnson Collaborative in Chicago, IL. An award-winning designer, Mehta has realized global projects. Founder of two nonprofits, he holds dual master’s degrees in architecture and urban design, championing socially impactful, innovative design solutions.

Mehta, Assoc. AIA, NOMA

Above | Empower Women

Above | Wall Mockup

Above | Locals Being Trained

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

-Antoine de SaintExupéry

The Milk District Design Charrette

At the intersection of Bumby Avenue and Robinson Street in Orlando, Florida, a 1950s auto repair shop sits vacant, as it has for over 30 years. Diagonally across the street is an empty grass lot. Passing through, it’s not evident that you are at the heart of the Milk District, one of Orlando’s twelve Main Street Districts. It’s not the entry point one would expect such a vibrant and creative business community to have. For a weekend in August, a group of students and young professionals met to envision ways to change that.

It was the second annual Milk District Design Charrette hosted by the AIA Orlando Young Architects Forum in collaboration with the Milk District Design Committee.

The Milk District is a commercial district about a mile and a half east of downtown Orlando. It was named for T.G. Lee Dairy, which started as a dairy farm in 1925 and is still in operation today. Established in 2016, the Milk District was the tenth district to join the Orlando Main Streets program. It has become a cultural hub, home to a variety of unique small businesses and a popular destination for food, entertainment, fashion, arts and events.

The idea for the first charrette came about in early 2022, when members of the AIA Orlando Young Architects Forum were seeking a way to flex their design muscles. Committee member Carrie Manes also co-chairs the Milk District Design Committee, and proposed that the design focus on that neighborhood. The charrette was a way to quickly focus design ideas and offer them up to the community. With direct access to the Design Committee, we knew these proposals could influence the future of our city.

The charrette took place over the course of five days in August. The kickoff meeting on Thursday evening introduced the design prompts and organized the teams. Using information from the signup forms, participants were grouped so that teams had a variety of backgrounds and experience levels. In addition to young architects, students from Valencia College, the University of Central Florida, and the University of Florida Graduate School of Architecture - CityLab Orlando were invited to attend. There were also team members representing civil engineers, city planners, Orlando Urban Sketchers, artists, and community residents. The blend of experiences allowed students to look at real world scenarios, while working professionals had some freedom to propose ideas beyond the limits of their day-to-day practice.

Above | Guest judge Alex Spock, a broker associate with Atrium Capital Group and listing agent for the Hoods Up property, views the team presentation boards. Image Credit: Eric Trull Creative

Above | Presentation attendees view the team presentation boards. Image Credit: Eric Trull Creative

Above | Presentation attendees view the team presentation boards. Image Credit: Eric Trull Creative

From Friday to Monday, teams worked on a flexible schedule to address the design prompt. Some participants chose to take a day or two off of work to focus on the charrette, but the majority put in time either after hours or on the weekend. The charrette was also set up to meet the requirements of a design competition for participants working on AXP to receive credit. It culminated with a presentation the following Tuesday evening to the entire Milk District Design Committee and representatives from various community organizations. The teams shared their ideas and received feedback from the stakeholders present. The event was a conversation about what is possible both in terms of how much can be produced in a weekend, but also the future of the Milk District itself.

It was so successful, the planning team from YAF and the Milk District Design Committee decided to bring it back for a second year.

The general structure of the charrette for 2022 and 2023 was the same. The timing to align with the very beginning of the academic year, before students were too bogged down by studio, was also the same. However, the first year, multiple design prompts of varying scales were prepared and teams were allowed to pick the one that most aligned with their skill set. After the first year, one of those design prompts, the auto repair shop (called Hoods Up) property seemed to generate the most discussion of possibilities for the community. The timing of creation of the design prompt for the second year also coincided with the release of the Florida Department of Transportation complete streets plan for Robinson Street, which the Hoods Up property faces. The second year’s design prompt was created to focus on what can be done with a property that is not ideally sited, but serves as a landmark to the community. How can the complete streets strategy be used to make that location a true arrival point to the Milk District? What street treatments can connect that site to the rest of the district? How can art be used to make those connections?

Participants didn’t hold back and both years created an astonishing amount of work in such a short time span. They pushed boundaries and presented innovative work. They seemed surprised to receive feedback that their ideas weren’t too far out of the realm of possibility. Hopefully, they will take that lesson that they don’t need to self-censor their creativity back to their practice. By working with community members and nonarchitects, they also learned the value of having stakeholders involved in the process. The collaborations led to some concepts that would not have been thought of by siloing disciplines into separate teams.

Team members expressed that the charrette helped them to broaden their experiences in the architecture and planning fields while doing something fun that also gives back to the

Above | Emily Anderson welcomes guests to the 2023 charrette presentation event. Image Credit: Eric Trull

Above | Team presents their work at the 2023 charrette. Image Credit: Eric Trull Creative

Above | Presentation attendees at the 2023 charrette. Image Credit: Eric Trull Creative

community. Several have expressed interest in participating again in the future and inviting friends and classmates to join. For the Milk District, ways that the ideas generated in the design charrettes can be brought to life are already being seen. The Hoods Up property was recently listed for sale. The listing agent served as a judge at the 2023 charrette presentation, and prospective buyers have asked to see the proposals for inspiration. In the meantime, the lot is being used for weekly food truck events to activate that corner. The district is looking at ways to utilize nearby parking lots during off-hours to help businesses where parking is limited, and create safe, walkable connections between those parking lots and businesses. The

goal is that people don’t just visit one business and go home, but they visit the Milk District as a destination.

There are plans to expand the idea of the design charrette beyond the Milk District, including the possibility of working with other Main Street programs on their own charrettes or hosting a creative competition between districts.

Great discussion has come from both years’ charrettes, and we’re looking forward to continuing the conversation and finding ways to make some of the proposed ideas a reality.

Before joining NCARB as the Outreach Manager for Experience + Education, Emily worked in the architecture and engineering industry for 17 years at various firms in Florida.

Carrie is a Project Architect at DLR Group in Orlando, Florida, specializing in Justice+Civic projects. She is a current board member and Design Committee co-chair for The Milk District Main Street program, and a past board member and Women in Architecture committee chair in AIA Orlando.

Emily Anderson, AIA, NOMA, NCARB

Carrie Manes, AIA, NCARB

Above | Participants and charrette planning team with presentation boards at the 2023 charrette. Image Credit: Eric Trull Creative

Above | Participants, charrette planning team, guest judges and attendees with presentation boards at the 2023 charrette. Image Credit: Eric Trull Creative

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 Q3, we highlight Education and Professional Development.

Cocktail recipe: “Career Booster Cocktail”

The Career Booster Cocktail is a delightful and inspiring drink that’s perfect for discussing professional development. This cocktail combines a blend of flavors to symbolize different aspects of growth and success in one’s career. Remember, just as crafting a cocktail takes a balance of flavors, your career also requires a blend of ambition, growth, wisdom, passion, continuous learning, and progress. Cheers to your successful professional journey! Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

1 oz Ambition Amaretto

1.5 oz Growth Gin

0.5 oz Wisdom Whiskey

0.75 oz Passion Fruit Puree

0.5 oz Continuous Learning

Cointreau

0.25 oz Simple Progress Syrup

Fresh Lemon Juice

Ice

Edible Flower (for garnish)

*Liquor brands up to you

Career Booster Cocktail

Instructions

Prepare the Glass: Chill a coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes. Once chilled, take it out and rim the edge with a mixture of sugar and a pinch of finely grated lemon zest.

Shake the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add Ambition Amaretto, Growth Gin, Wisdom Whiskey, Passion Fruit Puree, Continuous Learning Cointreau, Simple Progress Syrup, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

The following recommendations follow the theme of Education and Professional Development:

The Intern

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Steve Jobs: One Last Thing

Eames: The Architect and the Painter

Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the top.

Shake Well: Put on the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This will mix the ingredients thoroughly and chill the mixture.

Strain into the Glass: Remove the chilled coupe glass from the freezer. Place a strainer over the top of the shaker and pour the cocktail into the glass, leaving any ice behind in the shaker.

Garnish: Float a delicate edible flower on top of the cocktail. This represents the blossoming of your career through continuous development.

Serve and Enjoy: Present the Career Booster Cocktail to your guests and let them enjoy a sip of ambition, growth, and wisdom, all in one elegant drink. Use this opportunity to discuss professional development and share your insights with each other.

Author: AIA YAF Knowledge Focus Group (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)

Author Bio: 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.