Tag: Emerging Leaders in Architecture

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 (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 community engagement, collaboration, firm creation, financial management, advocacy, 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 2025 class will be available in August. 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 2024 the same five questions. Get to know them better by seeing their inspiring answers.

KJ Ammon, Assoc. AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
Growing up in New England, I’ve had a lot of exposure to the Boston City Hall, and I have disliked it since a young age. The building is an example of 1960s brutalist architecture which comes off as overbearing and aggressive due to its concrete material, large cantilevers, and lack of nature within the plaza.

What is the last book you read?  
The Guest List by Lucy Foley

How did you discover your passion for architecture? 
I’ve been interested in architecture from a young age. What started as an obsession with HGTV has turned into spending my days creating and designing. I love to build with my hands and explore how objects and the built environment impact our lives every day.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
My favorite activity to relax is to get outside and read a good book.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
My advice to any designer is to lean into your passions, the field of architecture can require long hours and lots of work so it’s important to remember the aspects that inspired you to become a designer in the first place.

Philip Baxter, Assoc. AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
What evoked a very strong reaction from me recently was the April ELA session regarding Community Engagement. Bruce Wardell’s story and his three-year journey of building trust and shifting the power in the hands of the residents of Southwood. It changed the way I viewed how impactful community engagement could be.

What is the last book you read?  
Missing Middle Housing by Daniel Parolek

How did you discover your passion for architecture? 
I rediscovered my passion for architecture in the ELA program by being exposed to so many different pieces of architecture and truly redefined what architecture could be to me.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
My favorite thing to relax is a good story.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
As architects we’re charged with health, safety, and welfare in city planning, so, people first always. Always give back. Architecture is a form of activism and education.

Zack Britton, Assoc. AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
I have long had a fascination with the role an architect can play into the design of a cemetery. This led me to revisit the Belvedere Gardens Mausoleum In Salem a few years back. I love the interplay between the site and the structure. 

What is the last book you read?
The Soul of a Tree by George Nakashima

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
In a way, it was something that was passed down from my dad. He studied architecture in college so from a young age I was introduced to books of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, drafting tables, and construction sites (in a OSHA approved manner). When it came time to start considering career paths the decision felt like an easy one.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
I can easily spend hours woodworking just testing different techniques and joinery. 

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Sometimes this job gets overwhelming. Do not allow yourself to be paralyzed from the fear of making mistakes. Just keep trying to learn and progress.

Danielle Corbin, Assoc. AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
When I visited La Basílica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, I knew that no building had ever evoked such a strong emotional response within me.  The use of light, sculpture and color were overwhelming, whether you are present during the cool greens and blues of the morning or the fiery oranges and reds of the evening, representing the passion of Christ. I visited with my mother, who had seen the Basilica before there was an interior.  We hope to return once it is finally complete after over 150 years of construction.

What is the last book you read?
I just finished reading The Forest of Vanishing Stars, a historical fiction about the Jews who escaped to the forest as a refuge from the Holocaust.  I love the genre of historical fiction because it gives us empathy for those who lived through the horrors of the past, and reminds us so we do not repeat history. 

How did you discover your passion for architecture?      
I discovered my passion for architecture through my love of drawing, painting and fine art. I chose to attend the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture because of their classical approach and focus on hand-drawing and hand drafting. I spent a summer of my undergraduate studies in Rome plein-air sketching and watercoloring, a practice that I continue to this day.  

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
This may sound counter-intuitive, but my favorite thing to do to relax is to go on a run, preferably on the beach. Running is what allows me to de-stress and refocus, and it gives me an overwhelming sense of peace.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
My advice for aspiring architects is to take advantage of the resources available to learn during your architectural education. During my undergraduate experience, I went to Europe four separate times through grants both within and outside the University. My travels to Scotland, Italy, Spain and London were eye-opening and formed the way I view the world as an aspiring architect. Never underestimate the time and energy that the most accomplished professionals will give to students who desire to learn. The incredible people that I met during my travels were so generous with their time; all I had to do was ask. 

Miguel Gereda, Assoc. AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
I was reading a magazine recently and saw imagery of Studio Gang’s Populus Hotel in Denver, CO. The window details and facade have a bone like appearance. It’s a very provocative building, but I am intrigued by how it comes together. 

What is the last book you read?
Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

How did you discover your passion for architecture? 
From a very young age, I got obsessed with looking at building plans that I would see in free home books in the grocery store. One day I asked my grandmother, who are the people that draw those? The rest is history. 

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Be outside! Hiking, walking, or just enjoying the sun–whatever it is this brings me tranquility. 

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Push yourself to ask more questions and remember that you will make mistakes–just learn from them!

Noor Hadi, Assoc. AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
Recently, I had to the opportunity to travel to Peshawar, Pakistan where my ancestral roots lie. I visited this beautiful cemetery where my Nani and Nano (grandmothers) are buried.  The location of the cemetery is along a busy road, however once inside the area, the noise of the city evaporates. The terraced landscape, granite-stoned graves, orchard-like greenery, and small mausoleums throughout the cemetery nodded the Mughal and Islamic architecture.  Walking through this space, I appreciated how it could hold space for loss and grief, as well as serenity, history, and memories.

What is the last book you read?
Family Tree by Sairish Hussain

How did you discover your passion for architecture? Growing up always like to design and make things with my hands from chairs to longboards, but I could never put a name to my curiosity. The summer before my first year as an undeclared major, I enrolled in a few architecture classes to acclimate how life on campus would be . Taking those classes and being in an environment of the technical and creative, empowered me to pursue this field.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Sitting outside and drinking a hot cup of chai, listening to nature.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
“You’ll never find reasonable people on the top of a mountain” – Jim Basset. Be curious, ask questions and, be open to talk to different people from other disciplines.  There isn’t a “right” way to do architecture, the best a person can do is keep learning and use that knowledge to propel them forward in whatever way they would like.

Ananth Jayaraj (AJ), Assoc. AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
The Vessel at Hudson Yards hasn’t left my mind, it feels like a tenuous step in contemporary architectural practice. Perhaps we may be returning to our tradition as a species in building monuments which bring a sense of grandeur, a physical presence that defies our impermanence and daily cynicisms. On the other hand, the stairs that show how far the city has come does not allow all its denizens access to its greatest heights, but it’s a sad for me to think that we wont see another “great pyramid of Giza” built in our lifetimes. The view from said heights are great, but to be the last is a disturbing thought. It seems “Vessel” will continue to embody these thoughts, as great works do.

What is the last book you read?
Color and Light by James Gurney (A treasure for understanding, well, color and light!)

How did you discover your passion for architecture? 
Coming from Dubai does tinge my answer with the flavor of an inescapable destiny, being surrounded by skyscrapers and such, but realizing how the spaces that surround us shape who we were, are and will be was the beginning of this wonderful journey.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
I’ve always loved to sketch, it serves as a visual diary to me.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Explore your passions and remember what you like. My favorite experiences in this discipline weren’t when I played to win, but when I played for the love of the game. I hope you share my sentiment!

Tony Lin, Assoc. AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
Glenstone, in Maryland. One of the most tranquil experiences that so finely integrates nature with art.

What is the last book you read?
Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
A big influence on me was my older brother, who is an architect and professor. Early on in my life, he told me that architecture was the study of the human condition. I kept his words in mind, and it has helped me to see architecture as artifacts shaped by our communities, cultures, and environments. Furthermore, architecture has been a gateway to seeing “design” as something that is so intrinsically connected to everything else.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Listening to music and going for walks at sunset.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Open your mind, take inspiration from everything, and the path is made by walking.

Brynn McClatchy, AIAS

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
I just returned from a semester abroad in Europe and often reflect on my experience in the Sala Beckett Theater by Flores & Prats in Barcelona! The work done by the firm was a conversation with the memories and past uses of the building, a collection of its history. I left with a greater appreciation of architecture as a conversation between a building’s past, present, and future, but also a conversation between a building and the individual observations made by all who experience it.

What is the last book you read?
After visiting the Sala Beckett theater I mentioned above, I just finished Archives-Universum 01 on Flores & Prats.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?    
I discovered my passion for architecture once I got to college, but my passion for design started back in fourth grade. I decided then that I wanted to become a set designer, and when choosing a major for college, I found that architecture allowed me to explore storytelling and crafting experiences in the same way. Currently, my passion is also driven by my love for model making, hand drawing, and the traveling I have done while at the School of Architecture at Virginia Tech.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Cooking! I enjoy the process from planning to shopping to making to eating to cleaning up.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Your precedents are your best friends. Study them, learn from them, implement them, and don’t forget them!

Shukrullo Mirvaydullaev, Assoc. AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
Well, many amazing buildings have been created in the past or recently around the world. However, I think architecture is not just about buildings; it is about creating interesting spaces within a limited budget and enhancing the quality of the environment.
Nevertheless, all buildings and spaces evoke reactions and influence people, especially architects. The list of buildings that come to my mind is below and, in my opinion, they are very impressive and have a positive impact on the urban environment.
For instance;
Cultural Center Eemhuis by Neutelings Riedijk Architects in Amersfoort, Netherlands
The National Aquarium in Baltimore by Peter Chermayeff
Library Delft University of Technology by Mecanoo in Delft, Netherlands
Little Island in NYC by Thomas Heatherwick Studio
High-Line Park in NYC by Diller Scofidio + Renfro
Midtown Center in Washington DC by SHoP Architects
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. by Edward Durell Stone and the three-pavilion expansion to the center by Steven Holl Architects
FDR Memorial Park in Washington DC by landscape architect Lawrence Halprin.

What is the last book you read?
I’m reading the Vernacular Architecture of Northern Tajikistan by V.L. Voronina. For me, it is very interesting to rethink the vernacular architecture into the modern aspects or contexts.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
I discovered my passion for architecture during my time at Art College in Tajikistan. We had a project to “create an entrance to the college,” which profoundly changed my life. Working on that project, I realized my deep interest in designing spaces and structures. I knew then, at the age of 16, that I wanted to pursue a career in architecture. Since that day, I’ve only looked forward.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Walking in nature, spending time with parents and family, reading architectural articles, being alone with my thoughts about architecture, and drawing my thoughts. These are some of the activities I enjoy.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Just trust yourself and hard work on it. Try to build connections. We all learn and make mistakes, I think it is okay.

Niki Pardakhti, Assoc. AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
I recently visited Robie House. There are a lot of things I like about Robie house, but what resonated with me the most is the architect’s attention to the design and construction details. Wright not only designed the building but also every furniture in the house, believing that “it is quite impossible to consider the building one thing and its furnishings another. … They are all mere structural details of its character and completeness.”. You can also see traces of Wright’s design in construction details. From the color of the mortars that is selected in a pattern to the roof drainage system that blends with the design of the house, are all testaments of the architect’s impeccable attention to detail.

What is the last book you read?
Missing middle housing.

How did you discover your passion for architecture? 
An Architect’s ability to create a physical space initiating from a concept led me to this field. I was a biology major in college and had never thought about Architecture as my major until I visited a friend in Architecture school. I enjoyed the studio’s creative environment, and being a spatial thinker, seeing all the school projects my friends were working on was very exciting to me, so I decided to pursue an architecture degree.   

What is your favorite thing to do to relax? Read, paint. 

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Work on your soft skills as well as technical skills. As you grow in your career, it becomes even more important to communicate and work effectively with your clients and teammates. 

Amari Ross, AIAS

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
Dscape Cafe in South Korea by DENOVA Architects. The building evoked a positive reaction with the placement of windows, openings, and even the wall color; it feels like a cafe I’d go to daydream.

What is the last book you read?
Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood

How did you discover your passion for architecture?      
I always drew floor plans of my dream home when I was younger. I didn’t think of Architecture until I watched Netflix’s Most Extraordinary Homes which gave me a deeper understanding of the design process. 

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Throwing ceramics on a pottery wheel, reading, or gaming depending on the day.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
It’s you vs you in your college career. Leave yourself room to grow and adapt within college while giving yourself grace. Reward yourself often and enjoy hobbies outside of architecture.

Emily Savoca, AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
Yad Vashem, Holocaust History Museum in Jerusalem. I don’t think I can adequately put into words how emotional and surreal of an experience it was to visit this place. I traveled with my husband (whose family is Jewish) and 30 other individuals, about half of whom are also Jewish; many with families who have personal connections to the Holocaust. By the time we arrived at Yad Vashem, we had spent over a week together with our tour guide, a native Israeli. Her first-hand stories and knowledge, combined with the exhibits and the museum’s architecture, made this more moving than any other Holocaust museum or site I’d been to before. There are moments of relief and light throughout the museum that attempt to break up the dark, tense, and challenging exhibits. Once you reach the museum’s end and you exit out onto the terrace, an open-air gallery looks out to the city and the building frames your view of a valley of trees.

What is the last book you read?
I recently finished Michelle Obama’s Becoming
I am currently reading Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming as part of my office sustainability council’s book club.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had strong interests in the arts and technical drawing. I was initially planning on going to college for engineering until my grandfather suggested I look into architecture. Even though he was not an architect himself, he had always had a passion for learning about buildings, architecture, and design. The more I researched the practice and profession, the more I felt it would be a good fit. I love how architecture is not only about the built environment, but also art, history, science, technical expertise, community, society, and so much more. I am also passionate about lifelong learning and love that, as an architect, I am able to learn something new every single day. 

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Yoga, traveling, or spending time outside and near the water. A combination of all three would be ideal!

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
First, give yourself plenty of time in the profession to discover what aspects of architecture you are truly passionate about. It is a diverse field with seemingly endless opportunities.
Second, never be afraid to advocate for yourself; your wellbeing, the types of projects you want to work on, and what direction you want to take your career.

Irem Sezer, Assoc. AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
Central Control Building, Bilgin Architects… Recently, I came across comments and discussions regarding the solar power plant architectural design competition and, of course, the first-place winner, Bilgin Architects. Designing in the middle of nowhere is one of the most challenging situations an architect finds themselves in, but the team managed to create reciprocal dialogues between the earth-sky-ground zero trio and the identity of the building, its function, its oasis, and how it represents itself.

What is the last book you read?
Forget Foucault by Jean Baudrillard

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
After starting architecture school!

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Anything connects me to the sea… Including road trips that lead to the sea!

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Learning how to ask ‘good’ questions and having the ability to ‘question’ are much more important than they may seem!

Jessica Somgynari, AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently?
The Bethlehem Steel Stacks in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania evoked both strong positive and negative reactions from me. I enjoy traveling to various industrial sites around the U.S. with my husband to learn more about the history of America’s workforce. I attempt to capture the energy that used to bring these places to life through sketching them. So many of these places that were essential to the rise of America as it is today are in the process of decay. It caused conflicting feelings in me to behold the towering blast furnaces as I read about the dangerous and often life-threatening processes workers encountered every day, encapsulating the metal behemoths in my art. It bothered me how this site was a hub of boisterous camaraderie, then one day in November 1995, the roaring furnaces went completely quiet, and for the last time, Bethlehem Steel workers filed through the plant, not knowing if they’d ever see their coworkers again. While it is a beautiful site, I was frustrated that the site does not seem to be actively preserved, and the docent was unfortunately unable to indicate if any efforts to “arrest decay” were in the works. Overall, I would return to this site, but I hope these buildings are preserved in a more meaningful way in the future.

What is the last book you read?
The Faceless Old Woman Who Secretly Lives in Your Home by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor. If you are interested in the surreal, action-packed world of the Welcome to NightVale podcast, this book provides an insightful look into one of the most prevalent but underrated characters’ lives, and how she came to be the Faceless Old Woman Who Secretly Lives in Your Home. A swashbuckling adventure with love, betrayal, and revenge, this is a great novel if you like twists, because it is definitely NOT what you’d expect. Beautifully written – Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor have built an incredible universe with NightVale.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
I loved art when I was in high school, and wanted to continue this throughout my career. Telling stories through the built environment is such an important aspect of architecture, and it is critical to me that harmony between humans and buildings exists. Well-designed buildings tend to take on the spirit of their inhabitants, and it is fascinating to see the humanity in our environments by how items we use every day are arranged. Whether it is stray papers on a desk, or a slightly skewed chair, placement matters, and buildings should help the people inhabiting them to thrive.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
I love hanging out with my husband and three black cats, Night, Luna, and Abba. Aside from that, I relax by reading, dancing in between lifting weights at the gym, making art, hiking/ interacting with nature, and most of all, cooking. I enjoy creating both new and tried and true recipes to share with friends and family, as I believe good food helps bring people together. My favorite recipe is traditional spaghetti carbonara, which I learned to make when I was studying abroad in Rome during my fourth year at Penn State. What advice do you have for aspiring architects? Go to networking events and building tours, be engaged with your work and your community – find the balance so you can enjoy a full life. Maybe it’s an overstated cliché, but seriously: communication is key – learn how to say the same thing in multiple ways, and communicate on the level of your audience (expertise, understanding, etc.). Enjoy the process, keep growing, and ask questions – you can never know everything! Learn to be ok with that and ask for help. You’re good enough, you’re smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like you!

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 community engagement, collaboration, firm creation, financial management, advocacy, 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 2023 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 2022 the same five questions. Here are their inspiring answers.

Shahadah Allah, AIAS

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
I recently had the opportunity to study abroad in France and I was able to see some really beautiful, thought-provoking architecture. Of course, seeing Notre Dame in its current state was the most impactful. Centuries’ worth of work and craftsmanship brought us one of the most iconic cathedrals and being able to witness the restoration progress was a very cool experience. However, I will say it has left me pondering will it return to its former glory or will there come a time when the building takes on a new life and purpose

What is the last book you read?
The last book I read was Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali. I remembered skimming through it as an adolescent but decided to pick it back up for some design inspiration. It was a great read, and a reminder to always stay generous with your kindness.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?  
I come from a family of creatives (artists, curators, writers, etc). This coupled with my love for math and science led me to the field of architecture. From an early age, my elders would always mention that I was going to become an architect one day. It started with legos and forts and progressed to room planning and landscaping my backyard with my grandmother. When I got a little older, I ventured into graphic design. Once I began designing I instantly fell in love. The transition from graphic design to architecture was a smooth one. It was challenging and I felt I was able to express my thoughts in my work. After my first rigorous semester, the satisfaction that came with seeing my work on the wall is when I knew I discovered my niche.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Anytime I need to recenter myself and relax, I like to take the day to do all my favorite self care activities. I brew some tea and sit on the patio and listen to the sounds surrounding me. My fur friend, Saturn, tends to join me. It’s always refreshing to see the clouds and stargaze at night.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
My advice for aspiring architects is to be open to varying perspectives.I’m always pulling inspiration from the craziest of places because I find it keeps the work fresh and fun. 

Christopher Brown, AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
Chichen-Itza and the Mayan ruins.  I admittedly don’t know enough about the history or culture of the Maya, but the intentional way in which their world seems to be designed let me feel that something was important beyond my own comprehension.  That feeling resonated with me for quite some time.

What is the last book you read?
A Year of Playing Catch by Ethan D. Bryan

How did you discover your passion for architecture?  
In high school, I loved the structure of technical drawing.  I was attracted to the idea of putting something together on such a grand scale, so I pursued it.  I didn’t yet understand what it was I was drawing, but I knew it was a space I could dream within.  As my education progressed, I became more and more interested in the way the built environment was a reflection of our experience.  My interest had evolved to question why we build and why it matters.  As I pushed myself to satisfy this question I found such a beautiful answer that it shaped my outlook on the human experience and I knew that my place was in architecture. 

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Go for a long run, work on my garden/yard, or simply taking a step back and watching my family as they experience the world. 

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
No matter how public or private a structure may be, its architecture is a representation of culture and values in a specific period of time.  Take the time to discover what matters to you and the people around you, and find that idea in your design.  Be slow to judge, quick to learn, and always open to what your environment is telling you. 

Preethi Chitharanjan, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
One of the most evoking architectural masterpieces I have seen is the City Palace in Udaipur, India. This palace is one of the most intuitive and magnificent pieces of architecture I have ever seen in the most recent times. Historic architectural styles have always fascinated me. This palace was built in the 1600s and served as the home of the ruler of the city. The intricate detailing showcases the power of architecture in ancient India.

What is the last book you read?
Harlen Coben’s The Woods.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?    
As a kid, my parents used to take me and my brother on vacations all around the country. Every city had a unique style of building and urban fabric…. How do these buildings all look so different and unique?  India is a county filled with unique historic-style architecture. It was at that point that I got curious about how they are built and their unique styles of architecture. The more curious I got the more I read about the different styles of architecture. That was where my passion for architecture was evoked.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Play Badminton.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Follow your dreams. Curiosity can take you a long way, never shut it down until you answer your thoughts.

Cody Dodd, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
Visiting the construction site of my own project for the first time this winter evoked a strong positive reaction. Not because it’s the greatest design or anything, but because I was able to see with my own eyes how our design decisions made as a team were actually carried out in the built world. Often times as architects we create designs that exist only in a digital space and never come to fruition, however in this case I was able to evaluate and critique my own work in person on site. Unforgettable.

What is the last book you read?
Peter Zumthor, Thinking Architecture

How did you discover your passion for architecture?      
I’m from a small town with hardly any buildings you might call “architecture”, however, my parents took us on many summer trips up and down the east coast. It was on these trips that I became fascinated with the built environment.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Sitting on the beach in the sun is my favorite relaxation activity.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Don’t be afraid to be a specialist. The practice of architecture is vast and there are many avenues to pick from. Find what makes you tick and channel your efforts in that direction.

Steven Foster, AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
The Getty Center in Los Angeles.  My wife Caitlin and I spent hours just exploring the buildings and surroundings in awe.  There were plenty of exhibits when we visited, but the architecture was so captivating that we didn’t even have time to see any of the art on display!

What is the last book you read?
The Storyteller by Dave Grohl.  I’ve been a Foo Fighters fan for as long as I can remember.  He’s the greatest rock star of my generation and seems like a really interesting guy.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?  
I always loved drawing and building things ever since I was a kid.  However, I never really made the connection to architecture until later in life.  I began my education studying engineering, but the moment I switched to architecture, I truly fell in love with the profession.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
I love to play golf with my friends.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Keep learning and always be open to new ideas.  Architecture is constantly evolving, and it’s really important to be able to evolve with it.

Cedric N. Gilliam, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?         
The Robie House by Frank Lloyd Wright. On a recent trip to Chicago, I took some time to carve out an architectural photography tour for myself and the Hyde Park landmark was my first stop.

What is the last book you read?                
Go Tell it on the Mountain by James Baldwin

How did you discover your passion for architecture?       
Mrs. Bailey, my 7th-grade mentor/teacher always had us do projects from problem-solving matrices to constructing building models and doing research. Her husband was an architect and I would always “sneak over” to look at his blueprints whenever he stopped by…he always knew I did and eventually realized my interest in it and would bring in current project documents to show me what he was working on. 

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?           
Playing some records while sketching or planning out an art project. A trip to the record shop always gets me in a creative mindset.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?              
Be willing to step out of your comfort zone early on, the earlier you do the more exposure and opportunity will be available for you. No growth comes from a place of complacency. 

Brian Gore, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
This wasn’t recent but while in grad school my class visited The Fisher House by Louis Kahn. Kahn is a master of light and shadow and the quality of light in that house was simply amazing. We had to take our shoes off while in the house and because the house isn’t open to the public the space was cold. It was an overcast day, but when the sun peeked from behind the clouds the living room and kitchen lit up in a way that made you forget about how cold it was. Being in that house is one of my favorite experiences.

What is the last book you read?
I have recently started reading The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard and Missing Middle Housing by Daniel Parolek

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
I discovered my passion for architecture by helping my dad with the numerous projects around the house. As a kid, many Saturday mornings were spent at Lowes picking up materials for whatever we were working on that weekend. My brothers and I were digging footers, framing, hanging drywall… you name it we did it. There was nothing in our home that we didn’t have a hand in installing. I didn’t know it then, but I was getting an education on the building process. It was that experience that helped me discover my passion for architecture.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Two things. I LOVE to cook! To me, it is very therapeutic, and it is another creative avenue for me outside of architecture. If you show or let me try a plate of food I’ve never had before I can figure out how to cook it (slight flex). I also enjoy going on walks. I love being out in nature breathing fresh air. It is very relaxing to me, and it is also a way for me to think through problems and ideas.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
My advice would be to find a mentor whether they are inside or outside your office. Architecture can be difficult for young professionals to navigate. It’s great to have a person who you can go to for advice, lessons learned, or just to hear you vent about any frustration you have. Shoutout to Rasheda!

Darian Henry, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
The Rotunda at the University of Virginia. After hearing and learning so much about it in school, it was like standing in front of a celebrity and seeing it for the first time.

What is the last book you read?
Essentialism by Greg McKeown

How did you discover your passion for architecture? 
My love for architecture started with HGTV marathons with my family. When it was time to decide what to study in college, I went on this path not knowing what to expect. After my first year, I was hooked. It felt as if I had just gotten a deeper understanding of the world around me.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
I love baking, especially chocolate chip cookies.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Even after graduating, always be in student mode. There is so much to learn and that’s what keeps architecture exciting.

Helen Jadlowski, AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
There’s nothing like going to a job site and seeing the project you spent months or years pouring over finally rising out of the ground. It’s a labor of love and a major commitment. Recently I visited Arbor Acres in Winston Salem, NC where SFCS designed two apartment buildings currently under construction that are full steel and concrete structures. It was important to achieve ten-foot ceiling heights for the lower floor levels and up to fifteen-foot ceilings for the top floor units, so the buildings are colossal. Standing on the top floor of the partially framed building and looking out at the city skyline took my breath away.

What is the last book you read?
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown. It spoke to me on a molecular level and revolutionizes everything I thought a leader was. It made me want to become a leader. The book emphasizes being brave through vulnerability. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength.  

How did you discover your passion for architecture?     
I always thought I’d be an artist until my seventh-grade art teacher taught us about Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. A light bulb went off in my mind when she made the relation between art and architecture. Before this, I hadn’t imagined architecture as a profession. At that moment I was irrevocably in love with architecture.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
I love to paint and garden. When I paint, my mind is completely transported and focused on the task of creation. I feel connected to myself and centered in those moments. Gardening is a physical connection to nature that doesn’t require much thought. I feel joy and excitement when a plant grows and thrives.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Be a sponge. The architecture field is vast and that can be daunting. Never stop learning and believe in your abilities. Be bold and brave!

Christina Jeyaseelan, AIAS

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
I just LOVE historic buildings! I feel they provide a unique sense of place and connection to the past world. The most evocative building I came across after moving to the States from India is the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. The form represents the style of the greek doric temple is just marvelous and I also admire the way it creates a sense of destination for the national mall. My favorite thing to do around the national mall is to watch the Lincoln Memorial and the reflecting pool at dusk with the hues of twilight shades in the sky. And yes the Capitol building too, I struggle a lot to choose between these two!

What is the last book you read?
The recent book I read was Life between Buildings by Jan Gehl and Writings on Architecture & Identity by Balakrishna Doshi. The book by Gehl gave me a new perspective on how public spaces play an integral role in the life and evolution of cities. As an aspiring Urbanist, I love the way this book explains strategies for creating more lively, vibrant, and healthy public spaces which is very much enlightening to me personally. Writings on Architecture & Identity is a curated set of anthologies by Indian architect Balakrishna Doshi who is also the 2018 Pritzker Laureate. His works shifted the dynamics of postcolonial architecture in India. After reading this book, I realized how important an architectural narrative is in a design. The simple yet beautiful sketches in this book explain the thought process behind each of his projects from the 1950s till the present day, which I admire the most!

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
I have always been a science and an art person since my childhood. My passion for architecture began especially during my high school history classes. Learning about the past while designing for the present and the future is the one thing I love most about my profession. The way architecture strives and adapts itself to create better livable spaces for the users in a constantly changing world is the notion that keeps me curious to learn something new every single day!

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
I love reading books in my leisure time, mostly historical fiction and science fiction. I am also more of an outdoor person, love to go on bike rides, and short hikes, and love to do picnics in the parks around!

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Architecture and its tenets are timeless. It requires endurance depending on the various context and dimensions which is highly subjective. Thrive, Learn, Adapt, and more than everything, be confident about your own potential!

Isabella Nassar, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
During a recent trip to Sri Lanka, we decided to climb Sri Pada, a holy mountain where at the top sits a Buddhist temple. While the temple itself is not the most glamorous or ornate, the arduous trek up those 5500 stairs, the religious significance of the site and the shared joy of the pilgrimage made it such an incredible journey. Being able to experience the sunrise over the mountains from that temple was one of the most moving experiences of my life. 

What is the last book you read?
Man and His Symbols by Carl Jung. I went through a psychology phase during quarantine and I just finally got around to finishing it! It’s an incredible read, I highly recommended it.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
I discovered my passion for architecture sophomore year of college – at the time I was majoring in electrical engineering and minoring in architecture. It was my first time experiencing studio culture and I found the creative process addictive. Let’s just say my grades definitely reflected where my interests were and it’s a great thing I switched majors! 

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Without fail I always find I am most relaxed when I’ve gone for a long drive somewhere playing my favorite music, eventually finding a good spot for a walk and sitting out in nature. 

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Nurture your curiosity and try hard to never lose that sense of childlike wonder. 

Bronwyn Redd, Associate AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
Mildred B. Cooper Chapel by E. Fay Jones and Maurice Jeanings. While in school I always appreciated and researched the design of the famous Thorncrown Chapel by E. Fay Jones, and I recently had the pleasure of attending a wedding at its sister chapel, the Mildred B. Cooper Chapel. It was a beautiful and serene space. The wood and river rock textures as well as the tall windows, clerestories, and skylight immersed you in the natural wooded environment surrounding the chapel. The tall, curved wood structure felt light, soft, and airy. It was a refreshing space to visit and signified harmonious and fruitful beginnings for my friends’ marriage.

What is the last book you read?
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

How did you discover your passion for architecture? 
My passion for architecture started at home. Growing up, I had many influences surrounding me.  Most notably, I was encouraged by my parents and influenced by the two major renovations/additions done to my childhood home.  Watching the house grow and evolve over the years to fit my family’s needs heavily influenced my appreciation for design.  In addition to the house renovations, I always enjoyed art, drawing, and building from a young age.  My curiosity and imagination often led me to build forts and draw floor plans of my future home, and I think architecture and design combine art and building by emulating artistic conceptual thought in the built environment.

 What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Taking leisure walks to clear my head and ponder everyday thoughts is a favorite, relaxing activity I typically enjoy.  In addition to walks, I have recently and surprisingly enjoyed taking care of my house plants as well.  I feel relaxed by the controlled yet fast, developing condition of a plant’s evolution.  Plants are strong and resilient, and they play an important role in our mental and physical health.  Everyone should own a plant!

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
As an aspiring architect myself, I have received a lot of great advice from mentors and peers in recent years.  Their advice has helped me learn and grow as I have experienced new and challenging situations.  Here are some key takeaways from my experiences as an aspiring architect:

• Be Confident.  Don’t be afraid to try new things and challenge yourself.  You will only grow from new experiences.  
• Be Humble.  Be respectful and open to new ideas.  Take the time to listen to others because you might learn something valuable from their differing perspective.
• Be true to yourself.  Pursue your interests and do things that make you excited and happy.  Your happiness will lead to your own success.

Cody M. Solberg, AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
I was just recently in Joshua Tree National Park and was fascinated by the many diverse contemporary homes on the outskirts of the park. Driving up to the park’s west entrance felt like driving through an architectural playground.

What is the last book you read?
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne. After wrapping up my ARE’s last year I have been head down in some truly wonderful, albeit heavy, fiction books. This book was beautiful, raw, and emotionally captivating in all the right ways.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?      
I was always creative at a young age with drawing, photography, etc, and architecture felt like a logical step in combining a lot of my passions.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Jump in a pool and swim the day away.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Explore as many outlets as you can, especially while in school! Act like a sponge and absorb as much as you can and then continue to pursue your own individual creative outlets outside of the profession.

Katrina Van Orden, Associate AIA

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

What is the last book you read?
Living Queer History by Samantha Rosenthal 

How did you discover your passion for architecture?      
I had the amazing privilege of visiting Spain in 8th grade and I was so impressed with how much better the cities were designed to navigate and experience. The buildings were beautiful and intentional. 

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Knit!

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Chase the “why” within your passion for architecture. Figure out who you want to make for, and why you want to make it. 

Sarah Weiner

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
I recently did a case study of Villaggio Matteotti, a housing development by Giancarlo di Carlo. I love how he worked to design it with the factory workers who would be living there.

What is the last book you read?
I am currently reading This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein. It is a gripping and dramatic detailing of how our economic structure drives the progression of climate change. Klein presents a radical call of action to drastically change that economic structure in order to save our planet. Her book scares me to my core, but it is an excellent reminder of what my purpose as an architect is.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?     
Back in high school, I started urban spelunking. Some people might call it trespassing. I have always loved the history and character of old buildings being reclaimed by the environment. There’s something eerily romantic about abandoned urban space. Now that I’m older, I prefer to leave those old ghosts alone, but I still admire them.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Definitely playing with my pet rats. I build them little mazes and cardboard forts to climb around in. They’re silly little critters. Nothing is quite like coming home after a stressful day to two pocket-sized sewer puppies.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Find a healthy work-life balance. It’s easy to lose yourself in the world of architecture. There’s so much to learn and so much work to do, but your health is of the utmost importance. Make time for friends, family, hobbies, and especially sleep. Your work will be of higher quality and you will be happier as a result.

Alec Woletz, AIA

What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
The UVA Memorial to Enslaved Laborers – During our most recent ELA session in Charlottesville, we were given a tour of the memorial with one of the descendants of enslaved laborers and 2 members of the design team.  I’ve walked around the memorial many times and admired the design, but this experience unlocked a much deeper level of understanding of all the thought and symbolism that went into it.

What is the last book you read?
The Ships of Earth, by Orson Scott Card.  After learning a lot from non-fiction books in the past few years, I am rediscovering my love of Sci-Fi pleasure reading and going through a book series that was on my shelf for a long time.  This is number 3 of 5.

How did you discover your passion for architecture?
In early childhood, my parents recognized my passion for building with Legos, K’nex, playing cards, and 3D puzzles.  They encouraged me to pursue architecture and I am grateful for they set me on that path early on.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Hiking or biking to a quiet place where I can read and/or sketch outside.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Be curious and go explore as many buildings as you can!  There is a huge difference between learning about a building in an article, book, or an image in a lecture and experiencing it in person.  If you don’t have the resources to travel the world and see famous buildings from history, explore the architecture of your town, city, or state.  You will be surprised to find how many interesting buildings are in your area, and learning from them will inform your work for many years to come.