ELA is an intensive program of educational sessions structured around presentations, discussions, team exploration, analysis, consensus-building, collaboration, and case study activities undertaken over the course of a year by a small cadre of participants selected for their potential to be outstanding contributors to the profession and the community. Facilitators and mentors who are established leaders in the building, finance, non-profit, development, university, legal, consulting, and design professions and in the community at large develop and deliver the sessions, designed to provide participants with advanced knowledge and skills related to specific areas of leadership and practice.
The program consists of seven day-long seminars, several work sessions, culminating with a presentation at Architecture Exchange East. The application is available here. The seminars are interactive, drawing on real examples and actively involving participants. They rotate among sites in Roanoke, Charlottesville, Richmond, Alexandria and Norfolk in conjunction with the firms, schools, and the local AIA component in each area.
Nominations are encouraged from each of Virginia’s schools of architecture and local chapters within the state, state or local government institutions, allied industries, and architecture firms whose principal is an AIA member. Interested applicants do not need to be nominated and can complete an application to be considered for one of the slots.
Find out more information by downloading the program outline and application or by contacting Wayne Conners, Director of Professional Development, by email at wconners@aiava.org or by phone at (804) 237-1769. The application deadline is Nov. 16.
Designed to develop future leaders in architecture firms, in communities, and in the profession, the Emerging Leaders in Architecture (ELA) program consists of seven intensive day-long seminars. Each session focuses on one or more essential strategies or skills like financial management, presentation and communication skills, negotiating techniques, understanding legal and ethical issues, and public service. We were curious about them, so we asked members of the ELA class of 2012 the same five questions, and this is what they had to say.
Want to be a member of this elite group of leaders? Apply to be a member of the class of 2013.
Allie Ditzel
Allie Ditzel
Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
A:Tado Ando’s Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth.
Q: What is the last book you read?
A: “Healing Spaces: The Science of Place and Well-Being” by Ester Sternberg
Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?
A:I think I found it through my other passions…people watching and changing the world. One day, people watching became about more than just the people, it started to include how spaces and places impact our choices, human relationships, and emotions; and I realized that design really could change things.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
A:Run…a lot. It may not necessarily be relaxing but it’s a great way to clear your head. It seems like whenever I am stuck in a design project, the solution will be found on a trail somewhere around mile 5.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
A:Take notes and know the world that surrounds you; travel and people watch as much as you can; pay attention to the details and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Curtis R. Jennings, III
Curtis R. Jennings, III
Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
A:The Bicentennial Capital Mall – Nashville, Tn.
Q: What is the last book you read?
A:“Digital Fortress” by Dan Brown
Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?
A:My father’s passion for architecture inspired my sister, brother, and I to all become architects. It must have been the Lincoln logs and family vacations planned around project site visits.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
A:Ride motorcycles and hike
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
A:Travel as much as you can, discover what interests you, and enjoy life.
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Frances Lengowski
Frances Lengowski
Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
A:My friends are re-modeling their house. The place is in a wonderful state of open construction. I’m moved by the possibility that ripping out walls, and digging around a foundation starts to open up.
Q: What is the last book you read?
A:I recently went to Mexico and read through all kinds of books about Mayan ruins.
Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?
A:A friend of mine pointed it out. He saw the kind of art I was making and said I should think about architecture.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
A:I like to go for a run to re-set my mind.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
A:Open your eyes, ears, senses, and mind — start noticing things.
Jaclyn K. Miller
Jaclyn K. Miller
Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
A:While not a building per se, the proposed Delancey Underground or “Low Line” in New York City is what came to mind. My initial reaction was negative (who wants a park underground with no direct sunlight?), but now I’m warming up to the idea and am interested to see how their idea to reflect light underground works out. Being a fan of the High Line, I hope the Low Line will create a similar “outdoor” haven for city dwellers, not just a dark garden cave.
Q: What is the last book you read?
A:Well, I’m currently reading three books: “The Lemon Tree” by Sandy Tolan, “It Happened on the Way to War: A Marine’s Path to Peace” by Rye Barcott and “Ruthless Trust: The Ragamuffin’s Path to God” by Brennan Manning. I always seem to be reading three or more books at one time.
Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?
A:Through childhood dreaming. My dad’s interest in architecture brought my attention to it at a young age. That interest developed into a dream of creating and designing spaces, which slowly transformed through college into a desire to create architecture that transforms lives, brings hope and a lasting change to the poor and disadvantage overseas.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
A:Eat good food with friends…or read a book with some coffee.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
A:Ask questions and gain experience, any experience. Architecture encompasses so many channels and specialties; ask questions and try as many channels as possible to discover where your particular passion, drive and forte are.
Jennifer Rhoades
Jennifer Rhoades
Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
A:See the picture.I’ve recently returned from a trip to Italy. I studied in Florence as an undergrad ‐ I was so happy to see the Duomo again I just had to hug it.
Q: What is the last book you read?
A:I have a stack of books next to my bed of old favorites, new reads, history books, book club titles, the occasional fluff ‐ but to be honest, the last book I read was “Prosciutto e Uova Verdi” – “Green Eggs and Ham” in Italian!
Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?
A:I think it evolved slowly. I always loved drawing, looking at plans in magazines, making houses for my sister’s dolls. In college I found myself focusing on architectural history courses and realized I wanted to attend graduate school for architecture.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
A:I have an old house that needs a lot of attention, so I tend to put my energy into that these days– with a glass of wine in my hand, of course. I also love walking, especially down Monument Avenue in Richmond. With every house I pass I’m transported to a different country – England, Italy, Germany, France!
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
A:Have fun. Take time to travel, to look at the built world around you, to simply be creative. You will have plenty of time to work. And once you do start working, take off your headphones and listen to what’s going on in the office around you. It’s the best way to learn.
Josephine V. Arbaugh
Josephine V. Arbaugh
Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
A:Not a building but a public space…High Line Park in New York City; what a great example of good planning and urban design. What can be more sustainable than bringing underutilized infrastructure back to good use?!
Q: What is the last book you read?
A:Nowadays it’s mostly ARE books for me. The last “for fun” book I read was “Brida” by my favorite, Brazilian author Paulo Coelho
Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?
A:Through drawing and traveling
Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
A:Hammock and a glass of wine
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
A:Be true to yourself and others
Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones
Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
A:St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Q: What is the last book you read?
A:“The Element” by Ken Robinson
Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?
A:Slowly, over time, and after a detour through research science. It probably started with site visits to construction projects at National and Dulles airports with my father. Art classes and Legos® are probably to blame, too.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
A:Turn on some music and spend time with my wife and kids.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
A:Take advantage of every chance you can get to experience the construction process and really get to know all the people involved.
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Marcus R. Thomas
Marcus R. Thomas
Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
A:The Orange Cube in Lyons, France
Q: What is the last book you read?
A:“The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell
Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?
A:Though my childhood attachment to Lego®, helping my father with small carpentry projects, and my high school mentor.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
A:Workout or escape somewhere quiet and peaceful to simply think
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
A:As a student, I find that it is a very rewarding career path where problem solving is the name of the game. Focus and make sure you have a real love and passion for the field.
Spencer Lepler, AIA, NCARB
Spencer Lepler
Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
A:After our April session we had a walking tour through Old Town Alexandria, VA and the thing that struck me the most was the negative reaction I had to the urban renewal infill architecture. It just felt out of scale, out of place, and out of time with the rest of the old city.
Q: What is the last book you read?
A:The last book I read was “Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes” by William Bridges. It was recommended to me by a friend who is a life coach and has some really interesting insight about taking time to understand and direct the changes that occur in your life.
Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?
A:I stumbled into architecture, really. I was a freshman at Tulane University in the Liberal Arts program and took a class “Introduction to Architecture for Non Majors” and realized that this was the career for me.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
A:In my free time I enjoy doing fiber arts (knitting, spinning, weaving, dying). It provides me with a creative output where at the end of the day I can point to a physical object and say “I made that.” As compared to architecture where it may take years or even decades before your work takes physical form.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
A:Be realistic about this profession, set goals, and stick to them. You may never get rich being an architect, but if you take an active role in the development of your career this profession can be very rewarding.
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Roderick Williams
Roderick Williams
Q: What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative?
A: I’ve been noticing a lot of older precast buildings lately (circa 60s, 70s) … It’s hard for me to imagine that at one time these were considered cutting edge. I guess some “youngsters” will be saying similar things about buildings I’ve worked on in another 40-50 years.
Q: What is the last book you read?
A:“The Cost of Discipleship”…It’s a great book by Dietrich Bonhoffer about Christian living.
Q: How did you discover your passion for architecture?
A:I actually stumbled into it. I had a friend who was in the architectural program and one day he was complaining about the fact that they had to be creative and do designs, etc. That piqued my interest because I grew up being good at art and always had an interest in how things went together. I took the entrance exam and the rest is history.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
A:With young kids around there isn’t much relaxing going on, but I do enjoy the occasional walk in the park or on a bike trail.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
A:Do what you’re passionate about and the rest of life will fall into place.
The 2011 Emerging Leaders in Architecture presented their project "What Do You See?" at Architecture Exchange East.
Virginia Society AIA members and staff collaborated with AIA California Council to deliver a session at AIA’s Grassroots Leadership conference in March. The seminar, entitled Emerging Professionals: Grooming Our Future Leaders, was intended to provide examples for the attendees about initiatives that components are undertaking to encourage involvement of emerging professionals in the AIA.
California Council representatives Jason Silva, AIA, and Alexander Tsai, Assoc. AIA, described the Council’s Academy for Emerging Professionals, which provides for an infrastructure within the existing framework of the California Council. This infrastructure gives emerging professionals a voice at all levels of the organization; sets up a communications network to more readily reach emerging professionals; and provides for readily identifiable roles that can be filled by interested members.
Society speakers Brian Frickie, AIA, Christopher Kehde, AIA, and Wayne Conners, provided a detailed look at the Society’s Emerging Leaders in Architecture (ELA) program. Frickie described the background and philosophy of the program in detail. ELA recruits the best and most promising young architects from across Virginia, including participants from each architecture school. The primary goal of the program is to “jump-start” the careers of the participants through a rigorous program designed to immerse them in knowledge and skills they might not otherwise get for years. Conners gave an overview of the topics and structure of the program, which includes monthly day-long meetings and out-of-class work. A class project with a real-world focus and client provides participants with the opportunity to develop their own leadership skills and apply the concepts being discussed during the class sessions. Kehde then gave a detailed look at the 2011 class’ project “What Do You See?” which was a kiosk designed to inspire residents of the Manchester neighborhood in Richmond to describe their vision for the neighborhood. The kiosk was installed at three different locations in Manchester and then exhibited at Architecture Exchange East. It will also be exhibited at the Virginia Center for Architecture in the fall of 2012.
The Grassroots session was very well received, and generated questions and discussion afterwards — as well as requests to share information with other components interested in developing similar programs.
Applications for the 2013 Emerging Leaders in Architecture program will be available in August on the VSAIA web site. For further information, contact Wayne Conners at wconners@aiava.org or (804) 237-1769.
