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.