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

Each of the seven day-long-sessions focus on developing essential skills like financial management, communication and negotiation, advocacy and public service, and much more.

Want to be a member of this elite group of leaders? Apply to be a member of the ELA class of 2015. Contact Rhea George for more information on how to nominate an emerging leader or with questions about the program.

We were curious about these leaders, so we asked members of the ELA class of 2014 the same five questions, and this is what they had to say.

Jason Albers, AIA
Jason Albers, AIA

Jason Albers, AIA

Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?

A: I went to New York last summer, and while it wasn’t quite finished, One World Trade Center seemed like a missed opportunity.  The design wasn’t very exciting or dramatic, overall pretty tame actually.  It could have been much more than a really tall glass box.  Though, I also visited the memorial grounds and that was a very solemn and powerful experience.

Q: What is the last book you read?

A: A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens.  A while back, I thought it would be a good idea to try and read some of the classics of literature, at least one per year.

Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?

A:  That discovery has been a continuous, gradual process over the years, and is ongoing.  I first became interested in architecture when, in high school, my family was moving to a new house and I enjoyed looking through the sample floor plans and imagining the space in my head.  But now, after moving to the dense urban D.C.-area, I have really come to love the challenges of designing within tight urban infill sites while contributing to the downtown experience.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

A: This is going to sound strange, but playing soccer.  While it can be strenuous, exhausting, exciting and frustrating at times, I can become completely absorbed into the game and forget about everything else in the world.  I love the game so much and have been playing for so long that I can rely solely on my instincts, turn my mind off for 90 minutes and just enjoy myself.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?

A: The best architects are the ones that find a good balance between showing confidence and humility, between being opinionated and deferential.  Much of practicing architecture is working with people, be it clients, consultants, contractors and coworkers, so being approachable and collaborative is important.  Though it’s also critical to be able to stand up for what you believe in, and know when the time is right to do that.

Alicia Canady
Alicia Canady

Alicia Canady

Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?

A: The Chicago Tribune building in Chicago recently caused a strong reaction of admiration.  I love Neo-Gothic architecture when it comes to studying older architectural styles.  It was impressive to see this building still standing and dominating the city block while next to buildings like the Trump Tower.

Q: What is the last book you read?

A: The last book I read was They Tell Me of a Home by Daniel Black.

Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?

A:   I discovered my passion for architecture during my junior year of high school when I realized I loved art and math.  I had watched my father design and build our basement.  It made me want to be able to create spaces that help improve people’s lives through very strong artistic qualities.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

A: My favorite thing to do to relax is split equally between about four different things.  I either play video games, watch movies or shows, drive without a destination, or listen to music.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?

A: I would advise aspiring architects to always stay true to their style of design and learn to handle constructive criticism to make yourself better.  I would also suggest to be open to any advice from your peers and mentors. Most importantly, just love what you do no matter how hard it gets.

Alex Helms
Alex Helms

Alex Helms

Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?

A: Hancock Tower – Chicago, Ill.

Q: What is the last book you read?

A: Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?

A: As a kid, my tools for building were tape, cardboard and Lego. Ever since then, I’ve always had a passion for learning how things went together and architecture allowed me to pursue that passion at various scales (master planning to wall assemblies).

Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

A: Woodworking and building furniture

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?

A: Passion trumps talent. Skills utilizing architecture tools develop over time and with practice; talent uses those tools to design creativity. Passion for architecture allows you to love what you do and not give up through the coming struggles.

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Emily F. Hogan, Assoc. AIA
Emily F. Hogan, Assoc. AIA

Emily F. Hogan, Assoc. AIA 

Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?

A: I visited Graceland last summer.  It was simultaneously both.

Q: What is the last book you read?

A: The Kaplan ARE study guide.  Before that: Lean In by Sheryl Sandburg.  The latter was a brilliant, inspiring must-read that I can’t recommend highly enough; the former—not so much.

Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?

A: I always had an interest in design and making, and that initially led me to pursue a degree in interior design.  Early in my undergraduate studies, however, I realized my interests aligned more closely with the field of architecture.  Once I got to architecture school a few years later I was hooked.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

A: Spend time in the back yard with my husband, dog, a magazine, and the grill.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?

A: If you’re considering becoming an architect, make sure you’re 100% committed.  This profession requires intensity and passion.  It’s not for the half-hearted.

Evan MacKenzie, Assoc. AIA
Evan MacKenzie, Assoc. AIA

Evan MacKenzie, Assoc. AIA

Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?

A: I had the opportunity to enjoy an evening picnic with some friends from Spatial Affairs Bureau on a farm outside of Gordonsville where they designed and helped build a series of pavilions. They curated a beautiful experience — smells of cedar and fresh rain, the flickering of fireflies, croaking frogs, laughter and beer — and the sense that we were meant to be there.

Q: What is the last book you read?

A: I’m in the middle of several books, but over the last couple of years nobody has made me think more than The Atlantic’s Ta-Nehisi Coates. His blog posts and articles are human and illuminating and important, and it’s been enthralling to see his thoughts and ideas evolve in the blog format as part of a conversation with his readers.

Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?

A: Honestly every day is a struggle to find it — my passion is for people and ideas, and at its best architecture provides an avenue for engaging that passion in a very real way.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

A: Sit on a rock in the James River.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?

A: 1. We’re all in this together.

2. Get some sleep.

3. Draw every day.

Lauren A. Nelson
Lauren A. Nelson

Lauren A. Nelson

Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?

A: Studying this summer in Rome, I am inspired by the history and the layering of new and old in the buildings.  I am also impressed by the piazza archetype as a successful model for urban public space.

Q: What is the last book you read?

A: The Defining Decade by Meg Jay.  I am also reading articles for independent research on the effects of daylighting on design and health.

Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?

A: I first discovered that architecture might be for me when I attended an AIA Shadow Day in high school in the Hampton Roads area.  I then applied to architecture schools for college, and my passion really developed through the process of learning, thinking, drawing, and making.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

A: Figure Skating, Sketching, and Painting

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?

A: Develop your interests and passions for architecture by seeking out opportunities and by learning as much as you can.  Be inspired to ask new questions and to push the boundaries of the discipline.  Remember, architecture is just as much a process as it is a product, so allow yourself the opportunity to make new discoveries along the way.

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Kylan Shirley, Assoc. AIA
Kylan Shirley, Assoc. AIA

Kylan Shirley, AIA

Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?

A:  The Hunt Library at NC State

Q: What is the last book you read?

A: Six Thinking Hats by Edward De Bono

Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?

A: My father is an architect and I knew as soon as I got my hands on a lead holder and a scale

Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

A: Ride a bike

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?

A: Learn about everything.

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Nicholas R. Valadez, Assoc. AIA
Nicholas R. Valadez, Assoc. AIA

Nicholas R. Valadez, Assoc. AIA

Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?

A: Villa Müller by Adolf Loos.  The intertwining spaces in this house seem composed as it were were the program for its inhabitants’ lives.  Informing their actions rather than responding to them.

Q: What is the last book you read?

A: I’m currently reading Shogun by James Clavell. A fictional account of the West’s early encounters with feudal Japan.

Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?

A: Although I had a strong interest in architecture, I did not discover my passion for it until I was in college. Eero Saarinen’s MIT Chapel taught me that buildings could be more than the sum of their parts.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

A: I spend time outdoors.  Hiking, cycling, and even yard work.  I’m happy as long as I get some fresh air.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?

A: Try to understand how building elements work and why designs are successful.  More importantly, ask questions, be curious, and never forget to be patient.  It’s easy to know good work when you see it but significantly more difficult to create it.  View your work with the same eyes you view others’.

Tyler Whitney
Tyler Whitney

Tyler Whitney

Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?

A: Calatrava’s new PATH station near the World Trade Center – you cannot step into that space without feeling awestruck

Q: What is the last book you read?

A: How Music Works by David Byrne

Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?

A: In high school the new building was being built around our trailer units and I found myself looking out the window for whole class periods.  Watching workers sculpt the earth and erect buildings out of that void sparked my interest in design.  We moved into the new building and I had an appreciation for the thought and the work that went into the design and construction.  Luckily they still had to build the stadium – I got to keep watching.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

A: Turning on some tunes, grilling some food, and tossing some Frisbee.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?

A: Go out and draw.  Explore the world around you and take in as much as you can.

Rachel I. Williams-Clark, Assoc. AIA

Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?

A: Everything Gaudi did in Barcelona. I had always loved his work from afar, but when I finally got to see it in person I loved it even more. Whether a park or building, his work is always captivating.

Q: What is the last book you read?

A: The Psychopath Test (Jon Ronson) – I like to mix it up. A Walk in the Woods (Bill Bryson) – about hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?

A: I grew up in a family of artists and always had a natural inclination towards the arts, but I also did well in math and science. By the time I got to college I realized I wanted to study a more “structured” art (I loved the precision of drafting). The University of Georgia didn’t have an architecture program so I studied interior design. However, I realized architecture was really what I wanted to do my junior year because I was always frustrated that my class projects never allowed me to explore the site or building exteriors. So, I finished up my undergrad degree and enrolled at Virginia Tech to get my masters in architecture.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

A: Running. Sleeping. Sitting down with a nice IPA!

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?

A: Diversify – become a jack of all trades and you’ll always be busy.

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