Emerging New York Architects

On October 15, 2025, AIANY Emerging New York Architects (ENYA) was pleased to host our monthly committee meeting, featuring Poyao Shih on “Scale Up, Scale Down.”

Poyao is Founder of Position Studio and Visiting Assistant Professor at Pratt Institute School of Architecture. He reflected on his career spent moving between the extremes of design scale—from the headquarters of Quarra Stone and Mission Rock Block B at WORKac, where questions of infrastructure and urban systems dominated, to installations for Höweler + Yoon and Sarah Sze during his time at Quarra, and later collaborations with artists Kate Williams and Hannah Evans through Position Studio, alongside the award-winning X-Site Pavilion in Taipei. Poyao’s work demonstrates how design intelligence shifts across vastly different contexts.

Drawing from both professional and academic projects, Poyao explored how lessons learned at one scale can be applied to another—how the thinking behind large-scale frameworks can inform the intimacy of interiors and installations, and how the precision of detail-making can strengthen approaches to urban complexity. This presentation invited reflection on what it means to continually “scale up, scale down,” and to use design as the driving tool across every dimension of practice.

During the Q&A session, Poyao shared his inspirations throughout his education and career, his interest in human-scale and user-oriented design, the give and take of academic pedagogy, and the moment he decided to start his own practice.

Special thanks to Karen Rose Cover, Associate Director of Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation Career Services, for sharing our event with the GSAPP community.

This event was moderated by Hao-Yeh Lu, Co-Chair of AIANY Emerging New York Architects, with photography by Chia-Han Lin.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and we hope to see you at the next ENYA event!

On September 9 , 2025, the AIANY Emerging New York Architects was pleased to host its monthly committee meeting, featuring Reem Makkawi on “Architecture Beyond Buildings: Craft, Code, and Cultural Futures,” at the Center for Architecture.

It was our welcome the distinguished speaker, Reem Makkawi, design principal of ArtsMatch, founder of FurnitureMatch. Reem reflected on her journey between design firms, corporate, and independent practice, with experiences spanning from Rafael Viñoly Architects, Perkins & Will, and Anderson Anderson Architecture, to concert halls, cultural campuses, AI-driven workflows, her social impact platforms, and her vision for the future practice of architects and designers.

Reem lights up the room with her passion, and she shared how she stays motivated, what makes her stand out, when she decided to start her own practice, and the opportunities and challenges of entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, the Center for Architecture is a perfect place for our emerging professionals to connect and share ideas—we had great outcomes, and were glad to see more members engage with our community.

Special thanks to Karen Rose Cover, Associate Director of Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation (GSAPP) Career Services, for promoting the meeting to the GSAPP community.

This event was moderated by Hao-Yeh Lu, Co-Chair of AIANY Emerging New York Architects, ​​with photography by Chia-Han Lin and Nika(Mo) Mo, AIA, PMP.

Thanks to everyone who attended, we hope to see you at the next ENYA events!

On Jul 7, 2025, the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) was pleased to host our monthly committee meeting, featuring a career-focused talk for recent grads about “Bridging Education and Practice: What to Expect in the Architecture Profession” at AIA New York and the Center for Architecture.

We are heartily grateful for our distinguished speakers, Nika(Mo) Mo, AIA, PMP, Project Architect at Moody Nolan; Huanyu Chen, Associate Urban Designer and Assistant Studio Director at Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects; and Luna Zhou, AIA, Project Architect at Gensler, for sharing their insights to our members.

The talk focused on nine topics about the practice of architecture, exploring the transition from academia to practice, and covering the challenges, surprises, and growth opportunities. Firsthand experiences from the early stages of the speakers’ careers were a great inspiration.

We’re grateful to those of you who joined us in person at the Center for Architecture, and to those attendees who joined us online as well. We received positive feedback from attendees about this session, and we’re glad our members had fun!

Special thanks to Nika Mo for advocating for this collaboration, and Karen Rose Cover, Associate Director of Coumbia GSAPP Career Services, for promoting it to the GSAPP community.

The event was moderated by Hao-Yeh Lu​​, Co-Chair of AIANY Emerging New York Architects, ​​with photography by ​Chia-Han Lin.

Thanks again to everyone who attended—you’re welcome to join future ENYA events!

On Jun 25, 2025, the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) was honored to collaborate with the Architecture Research Office, for the panel discussion “Architecture Research Office (ARO) on Insights for Practice” at AIA New York and the Center for Architecture.

This flagship event was inspired by the firm’s recent book, Architecture. Research. Office. (2024, Artbook | D.A.P. . and DelMonico Books) and began by introducing the firm’s diverse projects across three decades, and the principles that guide ARO’s work, which seeks a more responsible practice of architecture grounded in both people and process.

We are heartily grateful for our distinguished panelists, Stephen Cassell, FAIA, ARO Principal, Megumi Tamanaha, AIA, ARO Studio Director, Neil Patel, ARO Project Director,​ Elizabeth Levy​, ARO Designer, and Jane Lea​, Principal of Lea Architecture, formerly of ARO, as they came together in conversation on varied professional trajectories, from student to practice, to leadership, to hiring, to starting a firm, and diversity of works, research based practice, and office culture.

The panel discussion was followed by an interactive breakout group with attendees, led by our panelists, for better communication and engagement. We received very positive feedback, and we’re glad our attendees loved this session.

Special thanks to Kim Yao, FAIA​, for advocating for this collaboration with emerging professionals, and Alex Caban, for the logistics coordinated and brilliant panel discussion question brainstorming.

This event was moderated and coordinated by ​Hao-Yeh Lu and ​Fahir Burak Unel, RA, AIA, Co-Chair of AIANY Emerging New York Architects, and supported by AIANY Program and Event Manager ​Salmata Kaba, with photography by Chia-Han Lin.

Thanks again to everyone who attended this event! We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at future ENYA events.

On May 2, 2025, the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) was pleased to organize the Beyond the Boards building tour of the newly completed award-winning New York City Police Department 40th Precinct, designed by BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group. The project is an excellent showcase of the NYC Department of Design and Construction’s Design and Construction Excellence program for public works.

The tour was led by Aran Coakley, Associate and Project Architect at BIG, and New York City Department of Design and Construction representative, Amanda L. Miller Amankona, Senior Strategic Planning Coordinator, Office of the Commissioner, and Owen Xie, Junior Project Manager, shared their efforts and insights to achieve this astonishing works.

The tour was a great chance to experience firsthand how the city works in partnership with creative and experienced design professionals to deliver high-quality public buildings. We also shared some emotional moments, with the Bjarke Ingels Group design architects who reunited and revisited work they were devoted to.

The AIANY ENYA committee’s heartfelt thanks goes to each firm and city agency’s advocacy and support, to BIG—Bjarke Ingels Group partner Kai-Uwe Bergmann, FAIA, Global Communications Manager Alyssa Snyder, New York City Department of Design and Construction Associate Commissioner Jeff Margolies, Chief Strategy Officer Becky Yurek, and New York Police Department Capital Construction Unit Director Amr Eldin.

This tour was organized and photographed by Hao-Yeh Lu, the co-chair of ENYA.

Thanks to everyone who attended this workday afternoon event. We’re looking forward to seeing you at future ENYA events!

On April 22, 2025, the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) was pleased to host a lecture from NYC Department of City Planning titled “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity: Insights for Emerging Architects.” The event was presented by NYC Department of City Planning’s Frank Ruchala Jr, Director of Zoning, and Christopher Hayner, Deputy Director of Zoning, who shared their insight with the emerging professionals community.

The largest zoning amendment since 1961 makes it possible to build more homes across the city, alleviating the ongoing New York housing crisis. This program was a great opportunity for professionals to better understand the zoning intent directly from policymakers, and to help them embrace new opportunities.

We would like to thank Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) for hosting this event in their New York office, Daniel O’Shaughnessy for his support, introduction and post-event office tour, Shivani Agarwal for advocating for this collaboration, and Yvette Gonzalez for organizing the the event and its catering.

This session was moderated by Hao-Yeh Lu, Assoc. AIA and Co-Chair of ENYA (’25-present). With coordination from Salmata Kaba, Program and Events Manager at AIA New York, Danyel D. Hueyopan, Assoc. AIA and ENYA Marketing Team (’24-present), with photography by Chia-Han Lin, and Diana Erazo Garcia‘s reception.

Thanks to everyone who attended this event during a workday afternoon. We look forward to seeing you at future ENYA programming!

On January 30, 2025, the AIANY Emerging New York Architects (ENYA) and Tooba Jalal, Assoc. AIA and Co-Chair (’22-’24), were awarded and recognized among a talented group of architects across the state of New York.

To the surprise of ENYA, the recognition came after a fruitful year of events across New York City. The event took place at the Crowne Plaza Albany – the Desmond Hotel, on a Thursday afternoon. Fahir Burak Unel, Assoc. AIA and Co-Chair (’19-present), traveled to Albany to personally receive AIA New York State’s Local Chapter Emerging Professionals Committee Award on behalf of AIANY ENYA. The recognition as a local chapter highlights our efforts and commitment to cultivating a community of future architects. The submission for the award recognized our previous events and series such as Beyond the Board, Arch Sandfest, and seasonal ARE Study Groups.

As for the second recognition, Tooba Jalal, Assoc. AIA & Co-Chair (’22-’24), received the 2025 Associate Award. Tooba Jalal’s contribution to the AIANY ENYA and abroad New York as a professional has left an imprint worth noting. Whether it be her monthly round-up email, significant effort towards new media and communication (co-establishing the Marketing Team), or with her presence and energy at each committee meeting, Tooba’s contribution has left ENYA in a position of ongoing prosperity. ENYA will always welcome her to any and all future monthly committee meetings!

All said, the AIANY ENYA committee has started the year with a great deal of introspection. Thank you to AIA New York State for this opportunity! We’ll take this forward, as we transition towards a new year and Co-Chair.

Acknowledgements: F. Burak Unel, Assoc. AIA & Co-Chair (’19-present) & Tooba Jalal, Assoc. AIA & Co-Chair (’22-’24). The Marketing Team: Brad DeBose, NOMA, Assoc. AIA (’24-present), Danyel D. Hueyopan, Assoc. AIA, (’24-present), and Ziani Rodriguez, AIA, (’24-present).

On November 12th, 2025, the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) along with the Cross-Learning Alliance, Mitchell Itkin, and Milo Schindler, curated a three-hour session on self-development. Oriented towards young emergent professionals, the session was spent towards the translation between self-interests and repository career documents into a cohesive career interest, goal, or position. Portfolios, resumes, and self-pitches became the sites of intervention that groups were encouraged to carefully critique. To all the emergent practitioners, this session allowed them to refine their carer sequencing, as it pertains to interviews or a professional setting. As well, in encouraging public speaking as a necessary tool for self-development.  

Special thanks to Milo and Michael who practice marketing strategies, contributing to an industry standard of self-articulation. 

This event was part of the Cross-Learning Alliance’s ongoing efforts to foster collaboration across design and building professions. A partnership between ENYA, Urban Green, ASHRAE New York, and New York Passive House, the Alliance brings together experts to bridge gaps between ownership, design, construction, and operation. By organizing events like this tour, the Alliance continues to create opportunities for meaningful cross-disciplinary learning and networking. 

On September 14, 2024, the Cross-Learning Alliance hosted a vibrant bike tour, hosting young professionals from architecture, engineering, and construction. The journey commenced at the American Museum of Natural History’s Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, where John Ivanoff of Buro Happold provided an insightful tour. Participants then cycled to notable sites including VIA 57 West Apartments, The Shed—guided by Charles Berman of Diller Scofidio + Renfro—and concluded at Gansevoort Peninsula with insights from Cricket Day of Field Operations. The event fostered interdisciplinary dialogue, culminating in a networking session at Brass Monkey. Gratitude extends to all speakers and attendees for contributing to this enriching experience. 

This event was part of the Cross-Learning Alliance’s ongoing efforts to foster collaboration across design and building professions. A partnership between AIA New York, Urban Green, ASHRAE New York, and New York Passive House, the Alliance brings together experts to bridge gaps between ownership, design, construction, and operation. By organizing events like this tour, the Alliance continues to create opportunities for meaningful cross-disciplinary learning and networking. 

On September 9th, 2024, the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) proudly celebrated its 20th Anniversary at the Center for Architecture. The evening brought together past and present members, co-chairs, and supporters to commemorate two decades of career development programming, design excellence, and public outreach dedicated to emerging professionals in New York City.

What began as a small committee aimed at supporting young architects has since evolved into a vibrant platform for leadership and collaboration among emerging professionals and allied industries across the design and construction fields. The celebration offered an opportunity to reflect on ENYA’s impact: from mentoring new professionals to shaping conversations around the future of architecture and the built environment.

Throughout the evening, past co-chairs and members shared their memories, insights, and hopes for the future. Their stories highlighted ENYA’s spirit of innovation, community building, and commitment to the professional growth of emerging architects in New York. We extend our deepest gratitude to Burak Unel (‘19–Present), Tooba Jalal (‘22–’24), Kathryn Thiele (‘18–’22), Diksha Jain (‘21), Daniel Aronberg (‘18), Alex Alaimo (‘14–’15), Brynnemarie Lanciotti (‘11–’12), Venesa Alicea (‘10–’11), Megan Chusid (‘08–’09), Harry Gaveras (’04–’08), Susan Chin (‘05), and Joanna P. Fernando (’03–’05) for sharing their reflections and helping make the night truly special.

Here’s to 20 years of ENYA—and to the next 20 years of growth, leadership, and community!

On July 17th, 2024, the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) hosted an engaging discussion focused on advocacy within the architecture profession, spotlighting the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity proposal. The event brought together members of the National Associates Committee (NAC), the Young Architects ForuM (YAF), and other local leaders to explore how architects—especially emerging professionals—can become more actively involved in shaping city policy and development. 

Speakers Nicole Vlado Torres, David West, and John Woelfling offered insights into the role architects can play in advancing housing opportunities through thoughtful zoning and planning reforms. The session emphasized advocacy as a vital extension of design. 

Full video can be found on the Center For Architecture | AIANY Video Archive.

On May 20, 2024, the Cross-Learning Alliance hosted an evening of design, collaboration, and networking at the Center for Architecture. The One Night Design Sprint brought together emerging architects, landscape architects, engineers, urban planners, and other allied AEC professionals in a fast-paced, real-world design charrette. 

Multidisciplinary teams tackled a professional Request for Proposal (RFP) focused on New York City’s Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island. Over the course of three hours, teams developed proposals addressing urbanism, sustainability, and equity. Throughout the session, participants received valuable feedback from esteemed guest mentors, including Becky Yurek (NYC DDC), Brad Barnett (Cooper Robertson), Prince Shah (representing Roosevelt Island), and Paul Lozito (MOCEJ), who provided professional guidance on feasibility, design impact, and industry relevance. The evening concluded with team presentations in an open critique session, where a winner was announced for the best idea in practice and presentation! 

A huge thank you to the Cross-Learning Alliance—Urban Green, ASHRAE, and NY Passive House—for organizing another vital collaboration between professions. The CLA unites NYC’s leading building experts to deliver cutting-edge programming for the industry. Alliance events are designed to bridge the gaps between those who own, design, build, manage, operate, and commission buildings, fostering meaningful cross-disciplinary learning. 

On May 14, 2024, the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) hosted Got License? at the Center for Architecture. This informative session featured Robert Lopez, RA, AIA, NCARB, Executive Secretary of the New York State Boards for Architecture and Landscape Architecture, and Martin Smith, AIA, NCARB, Assistant Vice President of Experience + Education at NCARB. 

The event provided attendees with valuable insights into the architectural licensure process, covering essential topics such as updates on the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) 5.0, experience reporting, and reciprocity agreements. Lopez and Smith offered guidance on navigating the path to licensure, addressing common questions and clarifying requirements for aspiring architects. 

We extend our sincere gratitude to Robert Lopez and Martin Smith for sharing their expertise, and to all participants who contributed to the engaging discussions. Special thanks to the AIANY Marketing and Communications team for their support in organizing this successful event. 

On May 10, 2024, the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) hosted a memorable in-person tour of the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC) at the World Trade Center, designed by REX. Led by Alysen Hiller Fiore, Associate Principal at REX, the tour offered a behind-the-scenes look at the innovative design and construction of this monumental cultural project. 

Participants had the opportunity to explore the intricacies of the building’s architecture, which is set to become a key performance venue in New York City. The tour highlighted the project’s design challenges and creative solutions, such as the site context, the existing infrastructure, the transformative theatre, movable acoustic doors, the design intent of the translucent stone façade, and the luminated backlighting system, offering invaluable insights into the process of bringing such a unique structure to life. 

We extend our thanks to Alysen Hiller Fiore for leading the tour and sharing her expertise. A big thank you also goes to all those who attended, making it a fantastic and engaging experience. We look forward to more opportunities like this to explore cutting-edge architectural projects. 

On May 9, 2024, the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) was thrilled to host the first event in our Beyond the Boards series, featuring REX. Alysen Hiller Fiore, Associate Principal, and Davis Richardson, NCARB, Project Leader & Architect at REX, gave an engaging presentation on their firm’s innovative design process, focusing on two exciting projects: The Lindemann Performing Arts Center at Brown University and the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York.

The session offered valuable insights into the unique challenges and creative solutions that have shaped these monumental cultural projects. Alysen and Davis shared their experiences in navigating complex design and client relationships, providing attendees with a refined perspective on architectural practice.

A huge thank you to Alysen and Davis for their time and expertise, and to everyone who attended. We look forward to continuing to explore groundbreaking architecture in future Beyond the Boards sessions!

Watch the video here.

On February 20, 2024, the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) hosted a highly informative session focused on how small firms and young practitioners can effectively pitch their work to print media. Led by Leopoldo Villardi, Senior Editor at Architectural Record, the event provided valuable insights into navigating the often-daunting world of architectural publishing. 

Participants learned about key concepts such as editorial calendars, the terms of exclusivity, and strategies for crafting compelling narratives that appeal to editors. Villardi also shared advice on practical aspects like architectural photography and the ideal timing for pitching projects.  

We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to Leopoldo Villardi for sharing his expertise and to all who attended. Special thanks also to the AIANY Marketing and Communications Committee for their continued support. 

In honor of Women’s History Month and the 2022 International Women’s Day campaign theme, the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) and the AIANY Women in Architecture Committee (WIA) are coming together for another year to showcase women firm founders and their stories.

Join the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) for an evening of filmmaking, architecture, and activism as we host an exclusive virtual screening of Child of Apartheid (trailer).

In this short, 25-minute film, we will follow Wandile Mthiyane, a young South African architecture student with big dreams. Determined to begin the major work of undoing the damage caused by Apartheid, Wandile embarks on a mission to change the future of South Africa, one home at a time.

See how social and political norms impact our cities and homes, and witness how empowering people and communities can help us build better architecture.

After the film, Wandile will be present to answer questions about his experience working against Apartheid architecture in South Africa. He will also introduce a new way his work has evolved since filming Child of Apartheid to address racist architecture around the world: the consulting and activist organization, Anti-Racist Hot Dog. Born out of an effort to reclaim public space in Durban, South Africa, Anti-Racist Hot Dog has moved to the United States as a justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) consulting firm. A panel of members from the organization will discuss the power architecture firms have to work for racial equity from the inside out, and how they can have fun in the process. Attendees will have the opportunity to create direct anti-racist impact at the event by giving toward a $35,000 goal to build the next Ubuntu home for the Ngcobo family in South Africa.

This event is hosted and sponsored by Ubuntu Design Group, Anti-Racist Hot Dog, and ENYA.

Register here >

Make 2022 the year you become licensed! Join the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) on January 24, 2022, as we bring together representatives from NCARB and NYSED to help all you aspiring architects out there get a better understanding of the licensure landscape in New York State.

From why you should get licensed in the first place to where to find financial and educational resources to help you complete your journey, this two-hour seminar will go over the entire undertaking from start to finish—we will explain how to log experience hours, how to study and sit for your exams, how to prepare and submit your registration application, and more. We’ll even let you know what changes are coming down the line so that you can be prepared to handle them confidently. Learn to go through the process in the best way for your particular circumstances from the very people who administer the AXP, ARE, and the State registration process.

The evening will be interactive, and will feature an extensive audience Q&A component. Whether you are taking the first steps toward licensure or are hoping to complete it, be sure to bring your questions, enthusiasm, ambition—we hope to see you all there!

This event is brought to you in partnership with the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of the Professions, and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Register here >

Calling all emerging professionals in the AEC industry!

It’s the holiday season, which means the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) and our friends at the Cross-Learning Alliance would like to invite you to a special year-end celebration at the Center for Architecture. Whether you are an architect, engineer, urbanist, planner, technologist, or something in between, grab your favorite ugly sweater and join us for a night of refreshments, games, and fun!

Wednesday, December 15, 2021  (6:30pm – 8:30pm)

Register here >

Mark your calendars! Our ever-popular FutureNow Conference is back!

Every other year, the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) gets together with the AIANY Future of Practice Committee (formerly, Technology Committee) to host FutureNow (link to 2019 event), where we bring together prominent thinkers in the design and technology space to share their research, thoughts, and experiences on these two subjects in a manner that demonstrates to our audience what is possible today, where the industry is headed, and outline the implications of it all in a manner that is thought-provoking and inspirational for emerging and experienced practitioners alike.

This year, we are exploring Computational Thinking (link) for a changing world — how this type of approach to design and the design process can not only result in improved quality, performance, sustainability, and livability in the public spaces we create, but allow us to consider the very creations thereof in entirely different ways, thereby making us smarter, well-rounded designers capable of responding to the pressing challenges of the day. We will touch upon many technologies and project workflows when we discuss this topic, from software and associated ecosystems to AI, robotics, emerging design and data analysis tools, and beyond.

We have a slate of fantastic speakers confirmed, including leading industry names like Carlo Ratti, Randy Deutsch, and Violet Whitney, as well as computational directors from major firms like Gensler, Buro Happold, Enscape, Sidewalk Labs, Autodesk, and more. It’s a fantastic lineup that we are excited about, and are confident our audience will be, as well.

The event is scheduled as a full-day conference on Saturday, November 6. It is planned as both a virtual and in-person event, but should pandemic circumstances prove challenging, we have the ability to do the event fully virtually.

Check out the event page here, and register soon! We look forward to seeing you all there!

Join the TORCH Mentorship Program as we spotlight the changemakers reshaping the profession and its conversations around diversity, equity, and justice at both the grassroots and institutional levels.

Our panel of distinguished leaders will speak to the initiatives they are spearheading on EDI, education, and ethics to highlight the many ways emerging and experienced designers can effect change throughout our field, including the Emerging Professional Justice Group, JEDI Design Network, Dark Matter University, new AIA resolutions on the Code of Ethics, and more.

WEBINAR
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
6:00pm – 7:30pm Eastern

Register here >

ENYA and the TORCH Mentorship Program are proud to announce the Class of 2021, selected by our steering committee from a competitive pool of Emerging Professionals (EPs).

Congratulations to Anne Chen, Roderick Cruz, Alban Denic, Tamara Dennis, Todd Drucker, Varsha Iyengar, Arielle Siegel Lapp, Yoo Jin Lee, Aleena Majumdar, Yumiko Matsubara, Badal Thakker, Lauren Tucker, Vera Voropaeva, and Lily Wong!

Over the course of the next 12 months, admitted EPs and their assigned partners from the College of Fellows will have the chance to cultivate a valuable mentor-mentee relationship. From resume and portfolio reviews to opportunities to learn and collaborate, the Class of 2021 will find ample means to grow as professionals as part of the TORCH one-to-one mentorship program, and, we hope, share any lessons learned with colleagues of all stripes for years to come.

We strongly believe in the stewardship of our fellow professionals through mentorship, and hope the EPs will continue being an enthusiastic spokesperson for that same mission going forward.

Our mentoring Fellows this year are Andrew Bernheimer, Bryan Langlands, Daria Pizzetta, David Wallance, Fernando Villa, Julia Monk, Laura Ettelman, Mary Burnham, Porie Saikia-Eapen, Robin Guenther, Rocco Giannetti, Sara Lopergolo, Stephen Yablon and Vivian Lee.

All of us at TORCH are very excited to have met the new class, and cannot wait to see them make the best of the program!

AIA New York and the ENYA Committee have decided to extend this year’s application deadline for the one-to-one component of the TORCH Mentorship Program to better accommodate the challenges emerging professionals are facing during the ongoing pandemic. The new deadline for submissions is Sunday, August 1, 2021, 5:00 PM ET.

How To Apply >>

If you have already submitted your application prior to the original deadline, there is nothing additional you need to do. We thank everyone for their interest, and will notify all admitted mentees the first week of August. Please also pencil in 6pm, Wednesday, August 11 for our Mentor-Mentee matchmaking event for admitted candidates.

What is the TORCH One-to-One Mentorship Program?

The TORCH One-to-One Mentorship Program is designed to empower Architects, both Fellows (FAIA) and Emerging Professionals, by fostering symbiotic relationships that confer professional knowledge, culture and leadership strategies from one generation to another. Through discussions and mentoring, TORCH offers a network for better engagement across our professional community. This training and leadership program requires active participation. Emerging Professionals interested in participating in the One-to-One Mentorship ideally have proven leadership and a willingness to learn.

Program Overview

Each selected TORCH mentee will be paired with a local AIA Fellow (FAIA) acting as their mentor for one year. The One-to-One Mentorship Program is supplemental to the public panel discussions in which FAIA mentors will be invited to share anecdotes from their careers that have helped them become experienced architects.

Throughout the program, the mentors and their mentees are expected to meet in a one-to-one setting of their choosing to discuss specific professional goals while further developing and strengthening their relationship. The program benefits include an opportunity to be mentored by FAIA members. Participants will develop communication and leadership skills, advance professional skills, expand professional and personal networks. Mentoring should occur quarterly over a year and will entail, but not be limited to, the sharing of personal experiences, detailed guidance, portfolio and resume reviews, and discussions on personal career advancement.

ENYA is excited to announce that applications for the TORCH Class of 2021 are now open!

Are you an emerging professional with at least three years of professional experience, seeking an experienced architect to talk to about how to take those next steps in your career? Are you looking for someone with whom you can discuss personal goals, review your resume and portfolio, and establish a long-term mentoring relationship?

The TORCH Mentorship Program is perfect for your needs! Every year, we help aspiring young architects connect to distinguished Fellows of the AIA (FAIAs) for a year-long personal career guidance experience. Visit the TORCH website today to learn more about our One-to-One Program, and click on the “How to Apply” link on the left-hand side of the page to see the candidate requirements.

Good luck! We’re looking to welcome you all to the new class!

Start your application here >

ENYA is proud to announce that the TORCH Mentorship Program, which we launched last year with the College of Fellows to great success, now has its very own webpage!

Check out the link below to learn more about all the great programming we have been doing so far, see recordings of panels and program yearbooks, apply to become a member of next year’s mentee class, and more. We look forward to seeing you at future events—virtually, and hopefully soon, in person as well.

Happy holidays from all of us at ENYA and TORCH!

Torch Mentorship Program >

The AIANY Emerging New York Architects (ENYA) Committee is seeking applications for a new co-chair with the planned departure of the current co-chair by the end of the year.

It is the goal of the Emerging New York Architects Committee to encourage membership, participation, and leadership in the AIANY Chapter among young architects (licensed 10 years or fewer) and emerging professionals in the fields of design and construction. The committee engages NYC’s diverse emerging design professionals through lectures, design competitions, and networking opportunities, with a focus on Professional Development, Design Excellence, and Public Outreach.

Interested AIA members can apply by sending a copy of their CV and a 250-word cover letter outlining their interest in the committee, why they feel suited to lead it, and in what direction they hope to take it, to Joseph Corbin, jcorbin@aiany.org. Please specify which committee you are applying to in the subject line. The deadline for applying is Friday, November 20.

ENYA and the TORCH Mentorship Program are proud to announce the Class of 2020, selected by our steering committee from a competitive pool of Emerging Professionals (EPs).

Congratulations to Danielle Bagwin, Enrique Bejarano, Deena Darby, Anna-Louise Duggan, Neha Hegde, Diksha Jain, Kyle Keene, Ian Korn, Neeti Kumar, Quinn Lammie, Edgar Pantelejevas, Brian Rivera, Mallory Taub, Christopher White, Gabriela Valdez Rubalcava, and Eugenia Zelaya!

Over the course of the next 12 months, admitted EPs and their assigned partners from the College of Fellows will have the chance to cultivate a valuable mentorship relationship. From resume and portfolio reviews to opportunities to learn and collaborate, the Class of 2020 will find ample means to grow as professionals as part of the TORCH one-to-one mentorship program, and, we hope, share any lessons learned with colleagues of all stripes for years to come.

We strongly believe in the stewardship of our fellow professionals through mentorship, and hope the EPs will continue being an enthusiastic spokesperson for that same mission going forward.

Our mentoring Fellows this year are Alexandra Barker, Andrew Berman, Eric Bunge, Pablo Castro, Bruce Eisenberg, Laura Heim, Joan Krevlin, Vivian Lee, Lyn Rice, Sandra McKee, Ann Rolland, Lloyd Sigal, Barbara Spandorf, Jack Travis, Carole Wedge, and Richard Yancey.

All of us at TORCH are very excited to have met the new class, and cannot wait to see them make the best of the program!

AIA New York and the ENYA Committee have decided to extend this year’s application deadline for the one-to-one protégé component of the TORCH Mentorship Program to better accommodate the challenges emerging professionals are facing during this difficult time. The new deadline for submissions is Wednesday, July 8, 2020 @ 11:59 PM.

Apply here >>

If you have already submitted your application prior to the original deadline, there is nothing additional you need to do. We thank everyone for their interest, and will notify all admitted protégés later in July.

What is the TORCH One-to-One Mentorship Program?

The TORCH One-to-One Mentorship Program is designed to empower Architects, both Fellows (FAIA) and Emerging Professionals, by fostering symbiotic relationships that confer professional knowledge, culture and leadership strategies from one generation to another. Through discussions and mentoring, TORCH offers a network for better engagement across our professional community. This training and leadership program requires active participation. Emerging Professionals interested in participating in the One-to-One Mentorship ideally have proven leadership and a willingness to learn.

Program Overview

Each selected TORCH protégé will be paired with a local AIA Fellow (FAIA) acting as their mentor for one year. The One-to-One Mentorship Program is supplemental to the public panel discussions in which FAIA mentors will be invited to share anecdotes from their careers that have helped them become experienced architects.

Throughout the program, the mentors and their protégés are expected to meet in a one-to-one setting of their choosing to discuss specific professional goals while further developing and strengthening their relationship. The program benefits include an opportunity to be mentored by FAIA members. Participants will develop communication and leadership skills, advance professional skills, expand professional and personal networks. Mentoring should occur quarterly over a year and will entail, but not be limited to, the sharing of personal experiences, detailed guidance, portfolio and resume reviews, and discussions on personal career advancement.

Join the Emerging New York Architects (ENYA) Committee on June 16, 2020, at 6:30pm for our monthly open gathering, where the committee chairs, guest speakers, and attendees will discuss new and ongoing initiatives at the Center for Architecture and beyond.

This month’s agenda will cover the following topics:

• ENYA as an organization

Who we are, what we do, and programs we offer for professional development.

• Racial Equity and Justice

How AIA New York and its sister organizations are working to respond to the most recent debates on race as it concerns the profession and our built environment. Topics include actions that various institutions are undertaking, as well as recommendations on resources and initiatives that attendees can take in their own personal and professional networks.

• Upcoming programs and deadlines
• TORCH updates
• ARE news

Hope to see you all there!

Guests

Suzanne D.H. Mecs, Hon. AIANYS, AIA New York Managing Director

Talisha L. Sainvil, AIA, NOMA, NCARB, LEED, AIA Brooklyn Chapter Secretary, PYLON Editor-in-Chief

The Kickstarter campaign to fund this year’s City of Dreams Pavilion winner has closed and we reached our funding goal!  Thank you to all of those that contributed to The Pneuma pavilion.

With the current restrictions on public gathering and social distancing measures in place we must postpone the construction of the pavilion to a later date.  Along with our partner FIGMENT, the committee will be monitoring the situation and provide updates as they are available.

Special thanks to Earthtex fabric from Twitchell and Colgate Scaffolding for the material support.

The ENYA committee is pleased to announce that the 2020 City of Dreams Pavilion jury has selected two winners in the 10th annual City of Dreams Pavilion Competition:

• The Pneuma by Ying Qi Chen and Ryan Somerville
• Repose Pavilion by Parsa Khalili.

Of the two winners, The Pneuma proposal has been selected for installation on Roosevelt Island for the 2020 summer season.  The team will work with FIGMENT, ENYA, SEAoNY, and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation to obtain necessary approvals, fabricate, and install the pavilion on the island.

The Pneuma has received the generous material support of Twitchell (EarthTex Fabric) and Colgate Scaffolding NYC (rental scaffolding) but is also accepting tax-deductible donations to fabricate, install and maintain the pavilion. Donations can be made to the project’s Kickstarter campaign.

More information on the projects can be found in Chapter news.

On December 10, Emerging Professionals from New York City, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island will co-host a viewing party for a Webinar featuring panelists on the subject of BURNOUT. Please follow the registration link for location details, this event is free.

The World Health Organization announced this year that Burnout is included in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as an occupational phenomenon. Symptoms of burnout include feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy. As emerging professionals struggle to create a work/life balance burnout becomes very real. Being proactive will create more effective leaders at work, at home and in our communities.

The program aims to focus on the following topics:

• Strategies for carving time for yourself
• Time management skills
• Resources for self-preservation and self-growth
• Tools to help you recognize that you are struggling, and how to broach the topic with yourself, your peers, and importantly your firm leadership.

PANELISTS
Jim King, AIA, Partner, King + King Architects
Kim Perone, CLC, Success Coach and Mindfulness Trainer Center for Clarity, Compassion & Contentment (CENTER4C)
Daniel J. Wilson, AIA, Partner, Lacey Thaler Reilly Wilson Architecture

If you are unable to attend the webinar you can view it live from your computer or phone.

AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA) annually teams up with FIGMENT and the Structural Engineers Association of New York (SEAoNY) to host the City of Dreams Pavilion Competition. The 2020 City of Dreams Pavilion, the competition’s tenth iteration, will be located in Lighthouse Park on Roosevelt Island.

The Call for Proposals is open! Register as a team or individual before Sept 15 to get your creative juices flowing.  Submissions are due by Sept 30

For more information on the competition and submission requirements please visit the aiany.org Competitions and Grants page here.

Our third and last panel before summer, Communicating Architecture: How to Tell a Compelling Story featured a panel of fellows practicing across the public and private sectors. Their work has been recognized for design excellence so we invited them to share their ideas on presentation techniques, connecting with clients, and winning new work.

Joann Gonchar of Architectural Record moderated the panel with astute questions on how the panelists approach commissions and how they handle project stakeholders after it’s been awarded. One of the key points was understanding the stakeholders and what format a proposal will be received; presenting in person is a very different proposition than submitting a written document with images. Strategies for presenting good design don’t end after a proposal, they are also used during later project phases so the panel also shared advocacy strategies used to defend project elements threatened by value engineering. Depending on the scale and client you might justify a design through performance values and hard facts. You might also appeal to a client by suggesting that a piece of the program is critical to the future life of a building. However, it’s important to be selective in which parts are worth defending—sometimes a client’s insistence on making a change to the design can be well founded. In all the answers the panelists frequently agreed that listening first then answering with honesty is the best policy when dealing with clients on any scale.

Similar to previous panels, the fellows shared the importance of loving what you do. No matter how successful a design strategy is on one project, it will probably be different on another, but architects should bring passion and experience to each one. The design process is supposed to evolve and it’s important to challenge yourself as part of the reward of working in architecture.

Moderator:
Joann Gonchar, FAIA, LEED AP, Senior Editor, Architectural Record

Speakers:
Andrew Bernheimer, FAIA, Principal, Bernheimer Architecture
Katherine Chia, FAIA, Principal, Desai Chia Architecture
Frank Greene, FAIA, Principal, Ricci Greene Architects
Frances Halsband, FAIA, Principal, Kliment Halsband Architects

The deadline for the TORCH One-to-One Mentorship application has been extended one week, the new submission date is Tuesday, June 11th.

ENYA would like to encourage you to apply for one-to-one mentorship. It’s a simple application and we are looking for emerging professionals interested in developing communication and leadership skills and expanding their professional networks to advance their careers. 

Don’t hesitate, the extended deadline to submit applications is Tuesday, June 11 at midnight and can be downloaded from the top of our committee page or by clicking here.

ENYA are looking for volunteers to help in the construction of the City of Dreams Pavilion this week and next at Lighthouse Park on Roosevelt Island. This year’s winning team, Somewhere Studio, will be begin work this Tuesday, May 21 by staking the site and laying foundations. The rest of the week will see the assembly of the CLT panel modules. Don’t delay, please sign-up to volunteer here.

For more information more please email us at cityofdreamspavilion@gmail.com.

Do you have questions about how to find your passion in architecture, manage work-life balance, and advance your career? If you said yes to any of those, you should consider finding a mentor.

In January the ENYA Committee and the AIA College of Fellows launched the TORCH Mentorship Program. The goal of the program is to empower architects by fostering symbiotic relationships that share professional knowledge, culture and leadership strategies from one generation to another. The program includes two parallel components, firstly a series of panels where Fellows share personal stories that led them to successful careers, and secondly one-to-one mentorship experience between a Fellow and protégé.

ENYA would like to encourage you to apply for one-to-one mentorship. It’s a simple application and we are looking for emerging professionals interested in developing communication and leadership skills and expanding their professional networks. 

Don’t hesitate, the deadline to submit applications is Tuesday, June 4 at midnight and can be downloaded from the top of our committee page or by clicking here.

Last month on April 22, TORCH hosted its second panel at the Center for Architecture. The panel of former AIANY Chapter presidents shared aspects of their life and practice that led them to be successful architects and why they went on to serve our local AIA chapter.

The group shared the experiences that inspired their careers and how perseverance, mentors, and a variety of early jobs helped shape their personal interests and goals.  The panelists agreed that it is important to be flexible early in your career, not only to develop technical skills and personal interests, but also to find a work environment that you enjoy.  Being flexible early presents an opportunity to learn different approaches to architecture and improve your salary quickly with each change. The panel also identified that after gaining meaningful experience, it’s important to stay in one place long enough to receive promotions and grow within your position.  The early experiences offered insight each panelist’s own passion which directly influenced long term career choices.

Moderator:
Tomas Rossant, AIA, Founding Partner, Ennead Architects

Speakers:
Gerard F.X. Geier, II, FAIA, FIIDA, LEED AP, Managing Partner, FXCollaborative
Carol Loewenson, FAIA, Partner, Mitchell Giurgola Architects
Susan Chin, FAIA, Executive Director, Design Trust for Public Space
Margaret O’Donoghue Castillo, FAIA, LEED AP, Chief Architect, NYC Department of Design and Construction

The next TORCH Mentorship Program event will take place on Tuesday, May 21! More details here.

Last summer emerging professionals joined forces with 1100 Architect and volunteers in town during the AIA Conference on Architecture for the A’18 Day of Service, which included a project to improve the lobby of a short term housing shelter in Queens. This year ENYA is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join Francis Cauffman Architects as we build a tradition of community service at the 2019 AIANY Day of Service. Join us Saturday, May 18 to improve the appearance of several group spaces at a chemical dependency center in the Chelsea neighborhood.

The event runs from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and the registration fee covers lunch and a t-shirt. You can REGISTER for the Chelsea Chemical Dependency & Mental Health Center session here. Please wear appropriate attire for painting.  

The ENYA Committee’s TORCH Mentorship Program officially launched this March. The program offers opportunities to empower both Fellows and emerging architects, by fostering symbiotic relationships that share professional knowledge, culture and leadership strategies from one generation to another.

Experienced professionals share their experience through a public series of panel discussions. The first panel, “Career Paths: What’s your plan?” took place at the Center for Architecture on March 19th. The panel of esteemed Fellows shared key moments that helped shaped their career path.

Denise Berger, FAIA, Port Authority of NY & NJ moderated the panel of Fellows: Rob Eisenstat, FAIA, Port Authority of NY & NJ, Lia Gartner, FAIA, The New School University, Renny Logan, FAIA,Richard Meier & Partners, and Michael Samuelian, FAIA, The Trust for Governors Island. Each of them discussed the pursuit of their careers, risks taken, challenges faced, regrets, and reflected on lessons learned. Almost all agreed that a combination of luck, persistence, and navigating unforeseen events helped them to achieve their current position. The panel recalled personal stories on the importance of mentorship, following their ambitions and finding inspiration, before sharing ideas for managing work-life balance, specializing within the field, and being able to adapt to the ever changing environment of architecture.

After the panel, emerging professionals were joined by the fellows at small tables to engage in more detail.  The table discussions covered topics like finding the right office culture for you, when to make a professional change, what to look for in a new job, transitioning into project management, and managing work-life balance.  

In addition to the the public panels, interested individuals can apply for a one-to-one mentorship with a Fellow.  The launch of the 2019 Individual mentorship application will take place at the second panel on Monday, April 22nd.  Find the TORCH program on the AIANY Calendar to register.

Join us Saturday, March 16th for FutureNOW, a day long symposium that will explore the implementation of technology-driven advancements in the AEC industry. Through a series of presentations, discussions, and collaborations, industry leaders and emerging professionals will share insights on how a data-driven mindset can enhance the design process, quantify the value of good design, while moving companies into the future. The morning will feature presentations on the industry as it stands Now. The afternoon will open the discussion to participants during a workshop focused on Future opportunities afforded by new technology.

The Now: A Primer for Understanding and Adjusting to Data Disruption
Data is not new to the profession; traditionally, it’s been critical to city planning and building performance. However, over the last few years, the quantity, quality, and specificity of data has dramatically improved. New technologies, like visual scripting and artificial intelligence, have become mainstream, encouraging a shift in practice towards more efficient design and construction workflows. Data has also given the AEC community the ability to more objectively quantify the value of their work.

The Future: A New Data-Driven Architecture
The architectural profession must adapt and implement new technologies to stay relevant in a data-driven economy. During the afternoon, participants will form groups to discuss opportunities afforded by new tech in architecture. Ideas will be collected and formatted as part of a new tech implementation toolkit that will be shared with NYC firm leadership. Following the workshop, each group will briefly share their ideas during a cocktail hour.

Speakers:

Shane Burger, Principal, Woods Bagot  [Architectural Innovation in Response to the Digital Disruption]
Erleen Hatfield, AIA, PE, Managing Partner, Hatfield Group [Thinking Big and Embracing New Technology]
Onur Yuce Gun, Senior Computational Designer, New Balance [Forward Thinking]

Moderator: Phil Bernstein, FAIA, Associate Dean, Yale School of Architecture

Please register for the event HERE.  If you’re interested in reading more about the implications of new technology prior to the event please follow our FutureNOW supplemental reading list.

The deadline to submit the Phase 1 proposals for seminars for the upcoming A’19 is August 1: http://conferenceonarchitecture.com/a19-call-for-proposals/

To help emerging professionals develop proposals, the Young Architects Forum (YAF) Knowledge Group has prepared several documents and templates for use and reference:

• Session Proposal Overview
• YAF Template – Easily create and edit content in this Word document and then copy and paste the text into the online submission portal.
• Top A’19 Conference Topic Ideas – A compiled list of sample topics that could be built or expanded upon. These topics are divided these into four categories that will fit within the YAF strategic goals for Practice Innovation: The Built Environment/Future Trends, Business/Firm Management, Social Justice/Community Advocacy, and Leadership Building.

The deadline to submit workshops is October 30.

In February the ENYA Committee launched the Beyond the Boards program. The program is a two part event; members are invited into the office of a leading design firm, during which the firm is asked to discuss their design philosophy and a project currently under construction. The presentation highlights the unique challenges of the project during design and construction phases, after which, members enjoy refreshments and are encouraged to explore the office. The following week members are led on a site tour to see the resolution of project challenges first hand.

The inaugural Beyond the Boards program was hosted last month by FXCollaborative.  2018 AIANY President Guy Geier, FAIA, FIIDA, LEED AP, Managing Partner at FXCollaborative welcomed ENYA to his firm with a call to action. Following the presidential theme of “Architect|Activist,” attendees were encouraged to contribute their design thinking to solve the challenging issues of our time. Design Director Jim Bushong and Project Architect Henry Pemberton then shared the firms work including an in-depth look at the conception and realization of the upper west side residential project, The Chamberlain.

We also had the opportunity to introduce this year’s City of Dreams competition winner. Aleksandr Mergold of Austin + Mergold presented the winning proposal. It features the creative use of recycled grain bins that can be found across the United States. The proposal was aligned perfectly with the competition’s brief and the firm’s statement, “We see our work process as slow architecture. Believing that it is preferable to rethink and repurpose existing resources than to tap new ones…”

The City of Dreams pavilion is an annual competition hosted by FIGMENT, the ENYA committee and the the Structural Engineers Association of New York. The competition aims to promote sustainability-oriented thinking amidst the architecture and design communities, requiring designers to consider the environmental impact of their designs from materials sourcing to disposal or preferably reuse of waste.

ENYA, in partnership with Figment and SEAoNY, have announced the finalists for the 2018 City of Dreams Pavilion competition.  Stay tuned, the winner will be announced at the end of the month!

The five finalists’ proposals are chonicled at Curbed NY