YAF Update

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Align Mentoring Program

The Young Architects Forum and College of Fellows Align Mentoring Program is a long-range initiative (think ten years, not one) that connects young architects with AIA Fellows. Through a grouping system referred to as “pods”, the program pairs four to six young architects with two to three fellows, facilitating professional and leadership development. Align began as a pilot program in the late 2019, launching its first open call for applications and cohort in 2022. This coming year marks the fourth year of the program.

The program’s objectives are:

  • To support young architects in defining their legacy within the profession while navigating their career paths.
  • To create a vehicle for mentorship and career development that connects young architects and Fellows with peers across the country.
  • To accelerate contributions of young architects and develop regionally diverse collectives to contribute more in the future.

Each pod begins with four to six young architects and two to three fellows; the number of pods organized each year depends on the amount of member interest. Pods are organized by focus area and consider experience level as a factor.

Wednesday, November 13
YAF Beyond Buildings Integrating Architecture and Policy
Free webinar / 3 – 4:30pm EST / Registration link

Hosted by the AIA Young Architects Forum and AIA Illinois

Architects are pivotal in policy engagement, as they bring a deep understanding of how design and planning decisions impact communities and the environment. By participating in policy discussions, architects can advocate for regulations and initiatives that enhance the health, safety, and welfare of their communities. Their insights help shape policies that reflect best practices for the built environment, promote sustainability, and address social issues. Through their involvement, architects contribute to shaping a future where design excellence and thoughtful policy intersect for the benefit of society.

In this session, attendees will hear from a diverse group of citizen architects who hold roles as board members, commissioners, and civic leaders. The panelists will discuss their personal experiences with civic and political engagement, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and the importance of such involvement for architects. Participants will gain insights into different levels of engagement and learn tools to navigate and contribute to the evolving dialogue between architecture and policy. This session will have ample Q&A time, allowing for attendees to engage with the panelists. Hosted by: AIA Young Architects Forum and AIA Illinois.

News from the YAF

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As we transition from summer—hopefully with a few pool or beach days behind you—I hope you’re feeling refreshed and ready for an exciting fall. There are some fantastic opportunities on the horizon, especially for young architects and emerging professionals.

Erin Agdinaoay, AIA, NOMA

First, I highly recommend attending the 2024 ArchEx. Caitlin Morgan, Virginia’s STAR and the newly announced 2024 AIA Virginia Associates Award winner, and I are thrilled to be presenting and helping with the programming. We’re excited to connect with colleagues from across the industry and hope to see many of you there! The local YAF teams have been working hard to organize some great programming for students, emerging professionals, and young architects, so keep an eye out for a detailed guide soon.

On a national level, the Young Architects Forum (YAF) is exploring whether it’s time for a rebrand to better reflect the evolving identity of architects within their first 10 years of licensure. With more flexible paths to licensure available, the term “young” does not fully capture the diversity of this group, as licensure can occur at any age, especially as more-and-more barriers to licensure get removed. Over the past year, YAF has conducted research and surveys to explore a potential name change. In talking with other state Young Architect Representatives, many of us have noticed that while the YAF’s national role is focused on recently licensed architects, local engagement often blends with Emerging Professionals and Associates. This overlap can help boost engagement through density of shared interests, but it also raises the question: how do we maintain a focus on architects in their first 10 years of licensure at every level of the AIA? YAF is working closely with AIA National on this renaming effort, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to email me at erin@wparch.com.

In other exciting news, nominations are now open for the AIA National Young Architects Award! This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight someone you know who is doing exceptional work deserving of recognition at the national level. I’d love to see a Virginia architect win this year, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need assistance.  The nomination period is open until November 15, 2024. For inspiration, you can learn about some of this year’s winners here.

Lastly, if you’re not already following the YAF on social media, I highly recommend doing so. It’s an easy way to stay informed on the latest news, events, and resources.

Looking forward to seeing many of you soon!

Best,
Erin

Follow the YAF:

Stay up to date on the latest news:

What’s Happening at YAF

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It’s hard to believe that it has already been a year into my two-year term as your Young Architect Representative. I’ll start now with if you are interested in serving in this role, please reach out and let’s discuss. Calls for applications will go out later this year. 

Future Forward Grant is open for applications

AIA National is offering a $10,000 grant opportunity! Applications are open now!

Access to funding activates innovation and makes significant research possible. That’s why the Young Architects Forum—in collaboration with the Large Firm Roundtable—funds the AIA Future Forward Grant. The $10,000 grant supports and enables early-career architects to explore ideas that redefine the practice of architecture and move our profession forward.  All AIA Associate members, young architects and AIAS students are encouraged to apply. Applications are due April 2, 2023.

Grant proposals are encouraged to explore one more the following topics:  

  • Fostering leadership and organizational development,  
  • Redefining firm management strategies
  • Innovating firm culture
  • Streaming workflows and establishing new project delivery methods
  • Developing new prototypes or technologies that advance the practice of architecture

View the sample application HERE.

As a member of the YAF’s Strategic Vision Focus Group I have been involved in the organization of this grant, but I will not be on the jury. We recently hosted a Q&A zoom session, but as of writing this, the notes are not yet posted online. If you have any questions about applying, please reach out. 

NCARB has retired the 5-year rolling clock!

As part of NCARB’s drive to be more equitable and inclusive, they are retiring the 5-year rolling clock. 

Have you taken a break from testing? Log in and reach out to NCARB to see how you were affected. 

Read more on NCARB’s website. 

Follow the YAF:

Stay up to date on the latest news:

  • Now YA Know BiMonthly Newsletter (CATHY–PLEASE UPLOAD/LINK THE ATTACHED) 
  • Also, check out The AIA College of Fellows Quarterly Q1 2023
  • Twitter: @YAF
  • Facebook: @AIAYAFNational
  • Instagram: aiayaf
  • Linkedin: AIA YAF
  • AIA Knowledge Net (most comprehensive) 
  • Quarterly YAF Publication “Connection”. Links from Knowledge Net, are also available HERE.

Feel free to connect with me, too. What are some ways your firm is working with emerging professionals and young architects? Send me an email or a message on LinkedIn!
As always, I’m here for you.

Carrie Parker, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Associate Vice President at CannonDesign
Young Architect Representative for Virginia to the Young Architect’s Forum, 2022-2024
AIA Virginia Young Architect Award, 2020

carrieleeparker.aia@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/carrieleeparker

Young Architect Forum Update

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ArchEx East

Please register and join me at Architecture Exchange East where I will be hosting the Emerging Professionals Roundtable. I look forward to meeting you all there and continuing the great discussion we had this spring at our virtual EP Roundtable. Register>>

YAF Connections

For those of you who don’t know, the YAF publishes a quarterly (digital) periodical called “Connection.” It always speaks to issues that are cogent to the profession, emerging professionals, and young architects alike. This is a fantastic way to learn not just about the YAF and AIA, but also to learn about national issues from a unique perspective. 

Connection Q2: Career Evolution was just published this week. Check out how young architects are grappling with the rapid evolution of the design profession. See how they build personalized careers, spotlight alternate career paths, build mentorship pipelines, discuss firm culture, and more.

That’s not all! If you are interested in being published, this is an accessible way to get out “there,” have your voice be heard, and grow your resume. The next issue’s theme is “E.D.I. & Belonging.” If you are interested in contributing, please reach out to me so I can connect you with the YAF Communications Team and guide you in your writing journey. The Q2: Career Evolution issue was my first time writing for Connection, and it was so easy! I submitted my draft, had one review with editors for content, and then a subsequent review for layout. The Connections team of editors are great and make the process easy. 

Drafts are due by October 28 for the Q3: E.D.I & Belonging issue, so please reach out and get writing!  

Follow the YAF:

Stay up to date on the latest news:

  • Twitter: @YAF
  • Facebook: @AIAYAFNational
  • Instagram: aiayaf
  • Linkedin: AIA YAF
  • AIA Knowledge Net (most comprehensive) 
  • Quarterly YAF Publication “Connection”. Links from Knowledge Net, also available HERE.

Feel free to connect with me, too. What are some ways your firm is working with emerging professionals and young architects? Send me an email or a message on LinkedIn!
As always, I’m here for you.

Carrie Parker, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Associate Vice President at CannonDesign
Young Architect Representative for Virginia to the Young Architect’s Forum, 2022-2024
carrieleeparker.aia@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/carrieleeparker

YAF at A’22

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This year was my fifth consecutive attendance of the AIA Conference on Architecture, not including the last two years when it was canceled. Between the pent-up demand for connection, climate change, economic and industry upheaval due to the pandemic and supply chain issues, and national conversations around equity, diversity, and inclusion, this year felt different. This year was a clear departure from a simple collection of seminars to get CEUs (though you could still do that). The AIA Conference on Architecture and the new CEO, Lakisha Woods, have embraced these national conversations and tackled them head-on. The energy was high and left me feeling invigorated and excited for the future of my profession and my role within it. I hope that all emerging professionals and young architects look into attending next year in San Francisco. These are my recommendations for programming that are good for EPs and YAs:

  • Mini MBA – Co-hosted every year by the YAF and Large Firm Roundtable (LFRT)
  • Tours
  • Emerging Professional and Young Architect networking events
  • Keynotes with well-known speakers on topical issues (this year we had Barack Obama!)
  • You can volunteer a minimum of 8 hours to get free registration if cost is an issue

I also attended sessions and roundtable discussions on practice innovation, design for climate action and climate justice, and heard Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMA, LEED in an empowering discussion of dismantling injustice in the industry and celebrating great works of women and diverse designers and architects. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report has listed “youth disillusionment” as one of the “top blind spots” that could cause significant negative impacts in the coming years. But we are in a unique position to make things better as architects, designers, critical thinkers, and community change makers. Join me in pushing forward. 

In case you missed it:

  1. COF Quarterly publication
  2. “Now YA Know”, the YAF newsletter attached
  3. Get to know your YAR / YARD on our social media channels is live! Remember to follow us below.

Opportunities:

  1. AIA Young Architect Award call for submissions (open now thru 9/15/22)
  2. Connection call for articles Due 7/29
  3. Call for Volunteers (YAF Advisory Committee – coming out soon)

Follow the YAF:

Stay up to date on the latest news:

  • Twitter: @YAF
  • Facebook: @AIAYAFNational
  • Instagram: aiayaf
  • Linkedin: AIA YAF
  • AIA Knowledge Net (most comprehensive) 
  • Quarterly YAF Publication “Connection”. Links from Knowledge Net, also available HERE.

Feel free to connect with me, too. What are some ways your firm is working with emerging professionals and young architects? Send me an email or a message on LinkedIn!
As always, I’m here for you.

Carrie Parker, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Associate Vice President at CannonDesign
Young Architect Representative for Virginia to the Young Architect’s Forum, 2022-2024
carrieleeparker.aia@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/carrieleeparker

Parker Named New YAR

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Carrie Lee Parker, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, has been named the new Young Architect Representative (YAR) for 2022-2023.

Carrie is a Senior Associate at CannonDesign’s DC office, serving higher education clients as project manager, project architect, and academic planner. She has served on Cannon’s NEXT Council, a group of frontline emerging professionals from across the globe that directly advise the firm’s leaders, and the NCARB Intern Think Tank. This heart of service extends to the problems facing young architects starting out in this complex profession with numerous avenues to pursue. Carrie has been involved with several national and state AIA activities and committees, the Washington Board of Trade’s Connected DMV, and was a winner of AIA Virginia’s 2020 Emerging Professional Award. She also enjoys leading many of her office’s pro-bono design efforts and traveling and designing with her architect husband.

As YAR, Carrie is the primary connection between local and state AIA components and the national YAF Advisory Committee.

The AIA YAF is the voice of recently licensed Architects and a catalyst for progress within the profession. The
national YAF Advisory Committee (AdCom) encourages the development of programs for young architects and supports the creation of YAF groups within local and state components. YAF programs, activities, and
resources provide young architects with information and leadership; excellence through fellowship with other
professionals; and mentoring to enhance individual, community, and professional development.

To reach out to Carrie with any young architect questions or opportunities, email her at carrie.lee.parker@gmail.com

Young Architects Forum Regional Director (YAR) Applications Open

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Are you an AIA Member interested in the issues confronting young architects? Would you like to help the Young Architects Forum (YAF) address these issues? Then, you may be just the person we’re looking for.
Every two years, AIA Virginia (formerly part of the Region of The Virginias) selects an AIA member licensed for less than 10 years to represent the state as YAF Young Architect Representative (YAR). Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 – 2023 YAR term.

This is a tremendous opportunity to take on a larger leadership role within the AIA. This rewarding experience will allow you to be actively engaged in shaping the future of the profession and to grow your network within the AIA locally, state-wide, and nationally.

If you are interested, here’s the full job description>>

Application Requirements
AIA Membership – Applicant must be an AIA member in good standing within AIA Virginia (AIA Blue Ridge, AIA Central Virginia, AIA Hampton Roads, AIA Northern Virginia, and AIA Richmond) and must be licensed not more than 10 years at the time of submission.

Letter of Interest – From Applicant. Indicate understanding of the position, qualifications/experience, and reasons for seeking election. Limit one-page.

Letter of Nomination – From an AIA local or state component Board Member. Indicate the connection between the YAR position and the Nominee’s leadership qualities. Limit one-page.

Letter of Recommendation – From an AIA member. Indicate Nominee’s qualifications for the YAR position. Limit one-page.

Letter of Support – From Employer. A Principal (or Officer) within the candidate’s firm must commit to supporting the candidate in fulfilling the role’s obligations. Limit one page on company letterhead.

Personal Resume – Indicate education, employment history, organizations, activities, honors, and awards. Limit two pages (It is NOT in the applicant’s best interest to simply submit a firm resume with project experience).

Deadline
Completed applications must be submitted by email as a single PDF to Donna Dunay, FAIA, Region of The Virginias Representative to AIA Strategic Council (ddunay@vt.edu) AND Corey Clayborne, FAIA, Executive Vice President of AIA Virginia NLT Thursday, December 30, 2021.

Selection Process
The AIA Board of Directors will elect the YAR during its Board retreat scheduled for January 7-8, 2022.

YAF Summer Design Challenge 2020

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YAF SDC CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Due to the present challenges of our nation’s enduring situation and uncertainty, the YAF Summer Design Challenge 2020 is cancelled until further notice. We do apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at yafsdc@gmail.com.

We are hopeful that things will get better soon and we can rock on with you in the not-so-distant future.

Be well and safe.

McCauley Selected as Young Architect Regional Director

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December 19, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia’s Marie McCauley, AIA, Selected as Young Architect Regional Director (YARD)

Marie McCauley, AIA

The Board of Directors of the American Institute of Architects Region of The Virginias has selected Marie McCauley, AIA, as Regional Director for the 2018 – 2019 term on the Young Architects Forum, a National AIA Committee.

Marie graduated with a Bachelors of Architecture degree from the University of Tennessee in 2007 and lives in Ripley, West Virginia. She currently works with Silling Architects in Charleston and, before that, with ZMM Architects and Engineers, also in Charleston, and Peterson Architecture in Noblesville, Indiana. She also currently serves on AIA West Virginia’s Young Professionals committee and as an AIA IDP Mentor for AIA West Virginia.

Marie describes familiar milestone events in her first few years as an architect, “During the five years after graduation, I got married, bought my first home, had my first child, sold my first home, and moved from Indiana to my home state of West Virginia. I say this because I understand much of the joys and challenges of what young architects experience.” Of her upcoming service as YARD, Marie says that, “I would listen to the concerns of recently licensed architects,” because she believes, “We all share in the same goal, to positively contribute to the architectural landscape and dialogue in the communities where we live and work.”

AIA WV President Phoebe Patton Randolph said, “We are confident in Marie’s ability to represent the young architects of the Region of the Virginias and congratulate her on the opportunity. Marie will bring a great perspective and thoughtful approach to the role of YARD.”

AIA’s YAF is the voice of recently licensed Architects and a catalyst for progress within the profession. YAF programs, activities, and resources provide young architects with information and leadership; excellence through fellowship with other professionals; and mentoring to enhance individual, community, and professional development.

The Young Architects Regional Director (YARD) serves as a link between the YAF and regional AIA members. YARDs are also responsible for gathering information about issues facing young Architects within their Regions and helping to disseminate information about national/regional activities and resources.

 

Young Architects Forum Regional Director

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Are you an AIA Member interested in the issues confronting young architects? Would you like to help the Young Architects Forum (YAF) address these issues? Then, you may be just the person we’re looking for.

Read more>>

Completed applications must be submitted by email as a single PDF to Brian J. Frickie, AIA, Strategic Council Representative, Region of The Virginias, NLT Monday, October 2, 2017.