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.