AIA Virginia’s award-winning Emerging Leaders in Architecture (ELA) program was developed in 2009 to jump-start the careers of young professionals. Conceived of and lead by a passionate steering committee of successful architects (now ALL past ELA alumni!), the program was designed to share the things they wished they had learned in architecture school.

Each of the seven day-long-sessions focuses on developing essential skills like financial management, communication and negotiation, advocacy and public service, and much more. The remaining monthly sessions are dedicated to their class project from a region around the commonwealth.

Want to be a member of this elite group of leaders? The application for the 2022 class will be available later this summer. Contact Cathy Guske for information on how to nominate an emerging leader or with any questions about the program.

We asked members of the ELA class of 2021 the same five questions. Here are their inspiring answers.

Barbara Benesh, AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
I’m very proud to currently be renovating a farmhouse-turned-restaurant for the local non-profit, Vanguard Landing. If you’re not familiar, Vanguard Landing offers a safe, intentional, interactive and inclusive community where people with intellectual and developmental differences can thrive and achieve their life’s full potential. Besides being proud to support a wonderful cause, it’s been amazing to hear the stories this historic home has to tell. There’s something very special and humbling about being a part of a building’s story—I’m grateful to help write this chapter.

What is the last book you read?
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
My passion for architecture began while growing up in the American South East, surrounded by historical buildings and learning about stories of the interesting people who lived and worked in them. Understanding the way in which architecture expresses our past and present ways of life felt (and still feels) magical to me. I began to see buildings as time capsules, pillars of adaptation with layers of cultural context. Sometimes architecture feels akin to archeology, and I love that intersection.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Taking walks on the Elizabeth River Trail brings me so much peace. There’s something very therapeutic about being in nature, especially on the water. I find the ERT an especially calming space to connect with myself and organize my thoughts.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Embrace the challenge. If studied right, I promise you will grow from it.

Marcos Alberto Borjas, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
I will never forget visiting my grandmother’s house ten years later. The feeling of nostalgia leaves a personal imprint that I never experienced in any other place.

What is the last book you read?
Call of the Wild

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
Through my endless obsession with skyscrapers

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Hot chocolate on a rainy day

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Architecture is not defined, and it never will. Use your aspirations as a guide to creating your own definition. You may have to go against everyone and everything, but if you are protecting your values, that is completely fine.

Kayla Bromley, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
The Caperton House by Fernau + Hartman Architects (my firm has the honor of designing new additions/renovations for this house and I recently went to visit it).

What is the last book you read?
The Overstory by Richard Powers

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
I think I just fell into the profession. I’ve always enjoyed creating things–like making box forts and always playing with K’Nex and Legos when I was little–so in high school, my brother told me, “You should go to Virginia Tech and study architecture.” I thought “Okay, sure, I’ll try it,” and the rest is history! After my first year studio, I knew I was exactly where I belonged, pursuing a career that was constantly inspiring and challenging me.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Play board/card games (current favorites are Dominion and Terraforming Mars)

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Architecture is largely about listening and communication! As designers, our work extends beyond the built; We can positively impact our communities by simply starting with, “how we can help,” and listening/responding empathetically.

Haley DeNardo, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
My childhood home in upstate NY. Being home during the pandemic reminded me of memories, love, and stability, which was a great reminder to not take those things for granted. Emotion and inspiration can be drawn from any type of building. For more of an ‘architectural building’ it would be the Beinecke Rare Books Library at Yale University. The thoughtful and detailed use of material is inspiring.

What is the last book you read?
Eat a Peach: A Memoir by David Chang

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
I discovered my passion of architecture through communication. Public speaking and enhancing others lives is really important to me. Creating impact and community through the built environment brings importance to our work to do right by the community and established relationships. I strive to meet people’s needs and my goals through architecture and communication.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Cooking, embroidery, or hiking depending on the season and what I’m decompressing from.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Never forget to be your authentic self. There is room for everyone in architecture, and sticking to your gut and using your voice is critical. We all have things to contribute and learn, no matter our age or status.

Maggie Dunlap, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
David Adjaye’s Francis Gregory Library in Washington, DC is one of the most successful pieces of community architecture that I’ve seen in recent memory. The building uses materials efficiently and creatively and is tucked into a woodland environment. Overall, it is accessible, functional, and fun – everything a great building should be!

What is the last book you read?
I always have a stack going simultaneously but the most recent ones that I’ve finished are Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, Memorial by Bryan Washington, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Kimmerer, and a biography of Frederick Douglass by David Blight. These all explore themes of culture, belonging, climate awareness, love, and identity, and have found their way into my professional and student work in the past months.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
At different points, I’ve been interested in interiors, textile design, fashion, and music. I’m always inspired by a wide range of sources, and architecture has always been the career that seemed to marry my dual personalities of the technical and artistic.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
I love hiking, traveling, and visiting museums with my family – something I’m looking forward to doing again post-pandemic. One of my other hobbies is genealogy, which I love as a puzzle and as a way to explore cultural narratives.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Research, research, research! Architecture should never exist in a vacuum, and listening to history, culture, community, and above all the environment, is critical to creating conscious, humble, and inclusive architecture that adds value and a sense of place to the natural and built environments.

Alex Foster, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
It wasn’t as recent, but of course, the Pantheon. I arrived prepared to be skeptical, but when I walked in, I remember not even having air to gasp. You know that feeling? Serendipitously, it actually started raining. I grabbed a friend’s hand, we ducked under the dividers, and stood under the oculus, looking up through the drizzle at what was still a surprisingly sunny day. Although we were promptly escorted out, it reinforced for me that a big part of architecture is placing ourselves in those unique positions that leave lasting impressions and change our perspectives.

What is the last book you read?
I recently wrapped up two books: Walkable Cities, by Jeff Speck and Scarcity, by Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir. It was really interesting to read these two in tandem, as at surface level, they are relatively unrelated. However, Scarcity helped to frame many of Speck’s urban planning strategies in a way that better helped me understand not only the missing pedestrian vibrancy in our downtowns but also the motivation and approaches our communities use to replace it.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
As a child, a future mentor demonstrated that stair dimensions shape people’s behavior: long, monumental steps induce a leisurely stroll and steep, narrow terraces provoke a driven, vertical sprint. The experience made me think about the impact of design on the human experience and later influenced my thesis decision to explore architecture as a medium for transformative dialogue.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Throughout the week, I enjoy staying busy after work. But, when I get a chance to decompress, I love to get out to bike or golf, practice my bagpipes, and play backgammon over a beer with friends.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Find good mentors and keep your ears open. The best advice I was given was to never wear headphones in the studio. Architecture doesn’t exist in a bubble – and neither does a good design process! Listen and participate in the conversations around you!

Gary Glinsey, AIAS

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
Foster + Partners’ RCC Headquarters in Yekaterinburg really caught my eye. It is such a visually stunning building that has quality interior spaces.

What is the last book you read?
The Fire Next Time
by James Baldwin. Written over 50 years ago, but just as timely as ever. It is definitely a must-read for everyone this year.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
My passion began with growing up in Chicago. The diverse neighborhoods really influenced my eye for drawing the environments around me. Coupling that with the exceeding amount of art classes I took in high school, my love for buildings grew. At first it was skyscrapers, but gradually museums, houses, and other building types got me to love the field of architecture.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Listening to music has to be at the top of the list. Spotify has to be my most used app on my phone!

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Being an aspiring architect myself I think making time outside of work/class is extremely important. You have to know when to close the computer or wrap up the trace and get out once in a while. Design takes a lot out of you, so knowing when to give yourself a little free time to clear your head is key. For me, bike riding is essential to my process, however, some may have different methods. Once you’re able to give yourself time away from projects, you can come back more level-headed and focused.


Aria Hill, AIAS

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
Architect Michelle Ja and her studio JaJa Co are currently working on a private studio gallery in Chesapeake, VA. The exterior formal language is quite striking! The project uniquely attempts to further the contextual vernacular of the local big box store claddings. I welcome more architecturally “funky” projects to the Hampton Roads area.

What is the last book you read?
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates! A must-read.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
I discovered architecture through my dad who suggested that my interests in mathematics and crafts would make me an ideal candidate for architecture school. Though, I would say architecture became my passion after an invigorating 2nd year of architectural studies in which the innumerous possibilities of architecture were revealed to me.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
I really enjoy cooking new (plant-based) recipes to de-stress after studio! Put on some alternative soul music and just cook–a perfect stress relief. And then I will get my family to taste test the final product. 🙂

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
I recommend that everyone in this profession find their niche. I know–pretty easy to say, harder to do–but over time, I have come to discover a few passions that motivate me in my endeavors. I am strongly convicted to become licensed after graduation due to the lack of licensed Black female architects at the moment (~500).

Iroda Karimova, AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
I love Zeider’s American Dream Theather in Virginia Beach Town Center, It came out to be one of the best and successful public urban spaces, including an inviting upper-level terrace. It enhances the adjacent plaza, and the terrace offers the best spot for picture taking with Town Center behind. The massing of the building is very dramatic and modern. I always visit it with the Cold Stone Ice cream in my hand.

What is the last book you read?
Big Magic, Creative living beyond fear, by Elizabeth Gilbert

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
Interior Design Magazine, as a 10-year old, I used to recreate the floorplans on my sketchbook. Then started making my own dream house floorplans. I also admired the new type of residential construction in my neighborhood.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Reading a book, painting with watercolor,  swimming at the beach, and shopping.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Dream Big and Take Risks!

Sasha Light, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
The Glenstone Museum in Potomac, MD is a local project that I was very impressed by. The exhibit spaces use primarily natural light, and provide a very tranquil and minimalist experience. The museum is heavily focused on a connection with nature and how it accentuates the displayed works. The detailing – especially the concrete work – was stunning and exemplified how details and a minimal material palette truly can create a timeless design. Visiting Glenstone made me further appreciate the importance of dialogue between designer, contractor and manufacturer, as it is clear that strong coordination can produce such amazing work.

What is the last book you read?
I am currently reading Creativity Inc. by a co-founder of Pixar, Ed Catmull. It details his experience in the animation industry and the critical components of creating a productive and positive work atmosphere. He focuses on the balance between fostering creativity and highly conceptual ideas with the realities/struggles of a young company. The situations and experiences of Ed Catmull’s career can be easily applied to the architecture industry and was very insightful to read, I recommend everyone to give the book a shot.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
I think all designers growing up have a fascination with the tangible products of human creation. When I was young I absolutely loved everything related to construction, the yard was littered with Tonka trucks and my mothers flowers were always dug up (woops). That really began my appreciation for the built world and the amazing feats of engineering and designs many buildings have employed. Sketches and technical drawings have always given me a sense of wonder and pleasure, seeing how conceptual ideas can be developed and meshed with reality to create a physical product, and the human expression that inherently comes with that. I think everyone is a designer in some sense, and to be able to exercise creativity and decision-making is a very important human trait.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
I will never turn down a good movie, especially one by A24 studios. If I am not vegging out on the couch, I really enjoy sketching, cooking, backpacking and skiing (followed by a nice cold beer of course).

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
An inherent attribute about the architecture industry (or any design focused industry for that matter) is the vulnerability when an idea is presented. Do not be afraid to share your own ideas, no matter how awkward or uncomfortable it may be. You will grow as a person and, although there may be harsh criticism at times, you will find some of the most rewarding experiences in life and situations that you can learn from. I still look back at some of my school projects and wince, trying to understand how in the world I would want to put that in front of other people. It was those situations though, that allowed me to grow, whether I knew it or not.

Ashley Montgomery, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
Stephen Lawrence Center | London UK, Adjaye Associates. I saw a couple of photos recently and fell in love with the façade pattern. The textures and patterns on the façade and the shadows they emit on the interior walls are beautiful.

What is the last book you read? The last book I read was Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by Adrienne Maree Brown, highly recommend it! And I am about to start a new book, Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
I have always had a deep passion for creating, and culture how the two relate to one another. I wanted to be able to contribute to the narrative of our culture and our environments and Architecture for me is a connection between the two.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
A good, long nap!

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Some things I have learned along the way are, don’t be afraid to ask questions and be comfortable with not having an answer but being willing to find one. Also, find your voice, figure out what makes you want to practice Architecture and do that.

Hayley Owens, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
I would not normally say my apartment, since it is no architectural wonder, but over this past year, I have spent an amazing amount of time in this space. This experience has intensified my awareness of how important it is to have high-quality, affordable, and beautiful places to live. Places that are restorative and allow one to express themselves while also fostering connection with others and the natural world. It all starts at this intimate scale. Affordable, quality housing and neighborhood design should be available to everyone. Having this experience has definitely awakened a sense of activism for me around this.

What is the last book you read?
I have just finished reading Cradle to Cradle by architect Bill McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart. I keep coming back to the fact that it is written in 2002 and that the ideas are as revolutionary now as they were then. I am someone who frequently feels guilty for the impact I have on the environment and am forever carefully calculating ways to minimize my waste and be “less bad.” This book flips this scarcity mentality on its head, instead proposing that the way we make things needs to change and uses natural systems as a model. Our products and buildings should be delightful, safe, prolific, and not elicit guilt. Very hopeful and inspiring.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
As a young person, I spent a lot of time making mini-worlds out of polymer clay, mud, and whatever I found in the woods. I never connected this to place-making but certainly made places through narrative and storytelling with found items. It wasn’t until I participated in the ACE Mentoring program in high school that I was exposed to the different creative careers of landscape architecture and architecture. Getting to know professionals and have their support with a group project helped me get excited and commit to architecture as a career path.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
I love spending time carefully cleaning, folding, organizing, and thinking through how everything is put away. This could be in my own space, my mom’s house, or for someone I am dog-sitting for. I can get deeply immersed in the space and my own thoughts for hours. It is satisfying to step back and see something transformed. In my daily rituals I like to test how I have previously organized something — should it be redone next weekend?

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
We are all made up of multitudes. We have different interests, passions, personality traits, identities, and backgrounds that shape our experiences and thinking. It is so important that we bring our whole complex and curious selves to the table as designers; the design questions we seek to answer are equally complex and require a diversity of thinking and training. I have spent a lot of time fretting about not being “enough” or not fitting a perceived ideal. I encourage you to not limit yourself to who you think you should be, but to really examine who you are now and the great richness you have to offer with your unique experiences and interests.

Marium Rahman, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
The house across the street; I can see it from my chair as I look out the window while working remotely from my dining table. They recently painted it black and I wondered how hot that house will get during the summer?!

What is the last book you read?
I am currently trying to read the Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson, however, ARE books keep distracting me from finishing it.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
I discovered my passion for architecture during undergrad; I had started studying architecture without truly understanding how much I would enjoy it and its potential to shape my perspective in life. And even after 11 years, I can say I am still discovering it every day.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
A good meal with friends and family.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
You are always learning so try to absorb as much as you can, knowledge is one of your strongest assets, and most importantly have fun with whatever you are doing, architecture is hard work but it is definitely worth it!

Stephanie Smid, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
Right before the lockdown started I visited the International Spy Museum in DC. Having only seen the building in photos I was initially uncertain about the design, but experiencing it in person gave a whole different feeling. What appeared clunky in a photo felt dramatic and exciting when approaching the building. The bold colors were a great contrast to the surrounding brutalist concrete, but my favorite part was the staircase behind the curtain wall.

What is the last book you read?
Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. It’s one of my favorite stories that I try to reread whenever I have a lot of upcoming downtime, so this past year was perfect for it.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
I chose architecture in undergrad because I thought it would be a good blend of science and art, but it wasn’t until I took a digital fabrication class that it finally felt right. Exploring new ways to use materials by leveraging technology and parametric design combined all the skills and fields I was looking for- then the school got a robot arm. I was hooked.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
I love staying active and playing sports, so the lockdown was pretty hard at first. I got an iPad to start exploring digital illustration and I’ve become a bit obsessed! I also enjoy making small projects with my laser cutter and the occasional Netflix binge.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Try not to compare yourself to others, especially when it comes to licensure. Everyone has different interests and experiences that don’t all lead to getting licensed in the same amount of time. Architecture is a huge field, so don’t be afraid if your passion takes you down some twisty roads.

Lisette Stone, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia by Tod Williams and Billy Tsien. While the entire building is beautiful and impeccably crafted, standing under that monumental skylight made me feel small and inconsequential in the best way.

What is the last book you read?
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
My mother adores old buildings. When I was young, we would frequently take detours through historic districts and pick out our favorite details. Her fascination was contagious, and I, too, soon felt a rush at the sight of a good leaded glass window. Much later, my husband and I bought our own old house. The process of restoring it sparked that same excitement all over again that my day job at the time did not, convincing me to pursue architecture as a career rather than a hobby.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
I love to read on my front porch or take my dogs on a long walk with a true-crime podcast for company.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Have fun with your studio assignments while in school, and remember to keep learning and exploring after you graduate.

Taylor Terrill, AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
We recently purchased our first home and the words of Alain de Botton have never rung so true – “It (home) has provided not only physical but also psychological sanctuary. It has been a guardian of identity. Over the years, its owners have returned from periods away and, on looking around them, remembered who they were.”

What is the last book you read?
My wife recently gave birth to our first child, so sitting down to read has been few and far between. I do love a good podcast, a few of my favorites include Dolly Parton’s America, Radiolab, and 99% Invisible.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
I always found myself looking up – at an intricate ceiling, at houses that lined the streets in my neighborhood, at buildings as they were constructed piece by piece.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Make a massive charcuterie board and find something good on Netflix.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Have confidence in your abilities. Stop comparing yourself, instead learn to celebrate the creativity of others.