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 Some students have had their job offers delayed or withdrawn, while others are contemplating on pursuing additional academic degrees to pause entering the profession during these uncertain times.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, 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.