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.