Connection
Pipelines are relationships: A case for committed relationship building “You can’t be an architect if you don’t know architects exist.” These were the frank words of former first lady Michelle Obama as she spoke to the need for diversity at the 2017 AIA Conference on Architecture. Obama called on architects to mentor children so we as an industry can raise a more diverse next generation of architects/designers in a profession where young students who are Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) lack role models they can identify with. According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ latest NCARB by the Numbers report, only 2 percent of all licensed architects across the nation identify as Black. And just 2 percent identify as Hispanic. With these numbers in mind, I often reflect on Obama’s words, questioning how I stumbled into architecture. My friends and family thought I would become an engineer. I did, too. Engineering professions received more publicity during my early years. But through curious “Not every student is exploration, fortunate enough to exposure, and a discover a path that aligns great high school teacher, I was with their interests. Even introduced to the more so, many schools do world of design — not have the resources and I loved it.
to expose their students to a wide array of career options.”
While in school, I took courses in woodworking, model building, graphic design, and CAD. I even created an elective to fulfill my growing interest in architecture. I seized every opportunity to learn more. Since then, I’ve learned that not every student is fortunate enough to discover a path that aligns with their interests. Even
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more so, many schools do not have the resources to expose their students to a wide array of career options. In a profession where young, BIPOC students often don’t see BIPOC representation, I believe we — the industry — must commit and be intentional about mentoring underrepresented K-12 students. When I joined Ayers Saint Gross as a brighteyed, budding architectural designer, it didn’t take long for me to become involved in the firm’s pipeline program. Alongside some of my dedicated colleagues, I wanted to do my part to influence the next generation of architects and designers in Baltimore. Some of my colleagues, Estefania Vasquez, Tiffany McAllister, Evan Todtz, and Amber Wendland shared some of their experiences with our pipeline initiatives with Beechfield Elementary School and the Baltimore Design School.
Below: Beechfield students exploring planning and graphic design.