The Texas Society of Architects was honored to receive a 2023 AIA College of Fellows grant to help bring emerging professionals from across the state to our 84th Annual Conference & Design Expo in Fort Worth on November 2–4. Seven scholarship recipients were selected — read reflections from five of the recipients below about their time at the event, and how it helped them network, gain confidence, and encourage them on their path in the profession.
Stephanie Aranda, Assoc. AIA
AIA San Antonio
What was your favorite part of the conference?
My favorite part of the conference was being recognized as the Associate Member of the Year! I wanted to use my acceptance speech to bring to light industry related issues, from an emerging professional’s perspective, that we discuss daily but don’t bring up enough outside of casual conversation. After I spoke, countless people came up to me to thank me for what I said and told me that was courageous to do. I think being an emerging professional brings a lot of value to our profession since we are knowledgeable enough to know how the profession operates but “young” enough to question, challenge, and change our operations to better serve our profession internally and externally.
What was your favorite EPG session and why?
The Evolution of an Architect panel provided a great amount of contextual information to the audience from the Assoc. AIA, AIA, and FAIA sides of the profession. I was actually one of the three panelists, sharing my perspective as an Associate AIA member. I enjoyed creating a meaningful dialogue with the other panelists and sharing my experiences as a recent graduate and young practitioner. Conversations after the session ensured that despite our varying backgrounds and experiences, we are all trying to unify under the same goals and aspirations. Going along with the conference theme, this session clearly showed how emergence can happen at all levels and stages of your career.
What does it mean to be an Honor Award Recipient as an Emerging Professional?
From the past few years that I have followed the honor award recipients, I noticed that most of them are AIA or FAIA and few are Associate AIA. Several of the Associate AIA recipients are working in an outside but related field of architecture. To be among the Associate AIA honor award recipients that are practicing architecture, and striving to eventually be AIA and FAIA, is meaningful because it shows fellow architecture-practicing associate members that we too can be recognized and celebrated for our efforts in architecture. I was part of several conversations where the emphasis to be licensed is weighing heavy on EP’s shoulders. Obviously, I think licensure is important, but I think we need to celebrate the process and phase of each stage of the life of an architect. I feel proud to not only share my experience but to advocate for the perspective of emerging professionals. Achieving this award reminded me that small efforts can make a big impact. This haiku best reflects my feelings: “Relax, The Future, Is Already Unfolding, From Long-Planted Seeds.”
Isis Bernal, Assoc. AIA
AIA San Antonio
What was your favorite part of the conference?
My favorite part was getting to meet other professionals in this industry, especially other EPs who are at the same stage in their professional career as I am. We shared our experiences we’ve had in this profession so far, as well as our concerns for our future in it. It was comforting to know that I am not alone in this journey, and I am so happy to say that I’ve made many new friends.
What was your favorite EPG session and why?
Although I enjoyed all EPG sessions, the speed mentoring was my favorite. As an emerging professional, especially recent graduates, we have a lot of questions; What are our next steps? Do we need to get licensed as soon as possible? What if I want to take a different path? This session allowed me to gain multiple perspectives from a variety of professionals in the field which allowed me to feel more comfortable with where I stand currently on my architectural journey. They made me feel seen and heard, and they provided me with wonderful advice for my future.
What was your biggest takeaway from the experience?
Before I attended the conference, I had lots of worry regarding my career as well as lots of questions. Throughout the conference, I realized that I wasn’t the only one, and I started to feel more comfortable and less worried. I left the conference with a new found confidence that I will be able to succeed, and that although worrying is normal, I should not let it overcome my passion for this profession and get in the way of reaching my goals.
Lyndsey Howarth, Assoc. AIA
AIA Fort Worth
What was your favorite part of the conference?
It is easy to lose sight of the big picture when completing tedious tasks, such as drafting toilet elevations or creating door schedules. Attending the conference has reminded me of the power of architecture, and the ability of our work to influence communities. It was inspirational to see how speakers such as Michael Murphy and Jared Della Valle, FAIA, have used their knowledge of architecture to make the world a better place.
How did the conference help you as an emerging professional?
Before attending the conference, I had not met a lot of female licensed architects in my career, even after attending Women in Architecture events with my local AIA chapter. As an emerging professional, it was beneficial to connect with people I wouldn’t have otherwise met.
What was your biggest takeaway from the experience?
There are so many things you can do with a degree in architecture! Several of the sessions showed non-traditional career paths for architects, and how the skills developed through architectural education and experience can be a valuable asset in many disciplines.
Toan Quoc Huynh, AIA
AIA Corpus Christi
How did the conference help you as an emerging professional?
It helped me to find and set up my career path and goals post-licensure. The EPG mentoring session helped me answer a lot of my questions that I can not ask the people who I am work with because of conflict of interest. The career path session made me feel belonging, and that there are a lot of EPs just like me struggling to find the path. I love how we shared our experiences with each other very openly.
Maryam Singery, Assoc. AIA
AIA San Antonio
How did the conference help you as an emerging professional?
The conference proved instrumental for me as an emerging professional. I discovered that the Texas Society of Architects is genuinely invested in the progress and sense of belonging of its members. It was evident that my success is crucial to this Society, offering me hope and a true sense of being part of a family that values and supports me. Particularly noteworthy was the support for women like me, who balance professional responsibilities with family and children.
I was intrigued by the mentoring program, and it was inspiring to learn about how this Society actively follows and supports individuals along their path to success.
What was your biggest takeaway from the experience?
My biggest takeaway from the experience was the sense of unity and commitment fostered by all the sessions, tours, keynotes, workshops, and the expo. The comprehensive program created a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment. It instilled a readiness to participate in meaningful work actively, emphasizing the importance of approaching commitments with high professionalism and trusting in the unity of this community. I had a great time at both the Emerging Professionals Party and the President’s Party, particularly when we organized a dance group for next year’s conference.