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.