[037] – Lessons from the Class of 2020

What can we learn about navigating uncertainty from graduates of the class of 2020?

2020 was unlike any year. This week we sit down with three talented, emerging leaders from the class of 2020 to hear their journey. We’ll revisit their last semester in the studio, discuss Zoom graduations, and the exhausting process that led them to landing jobs. 

We hope that their lessons learned will inspire others. We also hope that firm leaders will listen to these stories and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges our newest graduates entering the profession have been facing.

Guests:
Alison Katz received a Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University in May of 2020 with a minor in Social and Political History. She is currently working as a Design Associate for buildingcommunityWORKSHOP (a Texas based nonprofit community design center) in Houston. She is interested in the intersection of community based design, sustainability, and politics, and is dedicated to exploring ways to use design tools within the built environment to create a more equitable society for marginalized and historically disenfranchised people.

Haley Evans graduated with a Masters in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis in May of 2020. In 2018 she received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Bowling Green State University. She is currently working as an Urban Designer at H3 Studio, a design, research, and planning firm. She has always steered her practice and studies in a way that integrates architecture, graphic design, and urban design. She is passionate about sustainability and advocates that untraditional design approaches are necessary to create a better and more just future of the build environment. 

Kyra Stark received her Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University in May of 2020. She currently lives in Seattle, Washington and works at third place design co-operative. Kyra became interested in community-engaged design and affordable housing during her thesis year at Auburn University’s design-build program, Rural Studio. Kyra is also passionate about education and leadership, which stems from her time as Treasurer and President of Auburn University’s American Institute of Architecture Students (“AIAS”) Chapter, as well as serving on the AIAS National Board of Directors as the South Quad Director. Kyra believes that we all have a role to play in creating a more healthy, sustainable, and equitable future.

Show Links:
buildingcommunityWORKSHOP
H3 Studio
third place design co-operative 
AIAS