Vol 22, Issue 02 of the architecture and design journal of the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF) is dedicated to one of the YAF’s three strategic priorities, “Advocate for Change.” The issue explores what it means to “Advocate for Change” as a young or aspiring architect and features several AIA Pennsylvania members’ profiles and insights.
In “The Loneliness Epidemic: The Architect’s Role in Designing a Remedy,” Monica Blasko, AIA (Pittsburgh), past AIA Pennsylvania Young Architects Representative (YAR), shares takeaways on the intersection of the built environment with social connection, health, both mental and physical, from “So You Want to Design for All? Designing for Mental Health.”
Monica and another former AIA Pennsylvania Young Architects Representative (YAR), Anastasia Markiw, AIA (Pittsburgh), helped to organize the YAF’s advocacy webinar series, which featured panelist Ashley Cox, AICP, NOMA, EcoDistricts AP, who shared the unique complexities that come with designing for communities with a steel industry legacy in southwestern Pennsylvania. Monica’s recap includes resources and recommendations for those interested in designing for better mental health.
In “Passing the Torch: Empowering the Next Generation of Architects through Experience Sharing” Katelyn Rossier, AIA (Pittsburgh), shares the importance of passing knowledge and skills to future architects through a collaborative firm culture and lessons learned from real-world project experiences. Her Architectural Registration Exam blog series serves as a prime example of how sharing experiences can empower individuals, help provide motivation, and assist with navigating their unique path to licensure.
Efrie Escott, AIA (Philadephia) is also profiled as part of the class of 2023 AIA Young Architect Award recipients.