METROPOLIS’s Arch30 program recognizes the next generation of leadership in architecture, with leading firms in a city identifying their top talent under the age of 30. Each group meets for a workshop led by METROPOLIS editors, followed by networking opportunities with program partners. This past October, METROPOLIS honored its second cohort of young architects in San Francisco.
The selected professionals from San Francisco represented prestigious firms, including Bull Stockwell Allen, Cass Calder Smith Architecture + Interiors, Darling Design, David Baker Architects, DLR Group, EHDD, FORGE Architecture & Design, Gensler, HLW, HMC Architects, HOK, IwamotoScott Architecture, Jensen Architects, NBBJ, Page & Turnbull, SB Architects, SmithGroup, Stantec, Studio Blitz, STUDIOS Architecture, The Office of Charles F. Bloszies, and Woods Bagot. The workshop was hosted by SmithGroup and presented in collaboration with Fry Reglet, Pure + Freeform, Teknion, and Turf. The complete list of honorees is detailed below.
METROPOLIS editor in chief Avi Rajagopal and editor at large Verda Alexander led the workshop, guiding the young professionals on how to identify and pursue work that imbues purpose, and how to navigate challenges within the workplace.
The Arch30 honorees discussed the challenges of working in the digital era, emphasizing the struggle to establish work-life balance. One Arch30 honoree noted, “It’s challenging to set boundaries when the rest of my team is working at all hours of the day.” There was a shared apprehension among the young architects that maintaining work quality will be challenging without the tools and resources needed to prioritize work-life balance.
The Arch30 cohort is not only working to shift work culture within the industry but also challenging traditional working methods. When discussing project timelines, an Arch30 member remarked, “There is a gap between client goals and expectations.” The consensus among the group was that there is an imperative need for clear expectations to permeate every phase of a project, fostering alignment among all stakeholders.
In their roles as emerging leaders within their respective firms, the San Francisco Arch30 cohort recognizes their profound responsibility for the future of the architectural profession. “[But] we often don’t get a seat at the table,” said one Arch30 nominee. This cohort is focused on pursuing architectural excellence, seeking opportunities to contribute to the vision and goals of each project at every step of the design process.
The workshops culminated with insightful demonstrations by program partners Fry Reglet, Pure + Freeform, Teknion, and Turf. In the break between sessions, the participants had the opportunity to connect, exchange insights, and establish networks that will undoubtedly support their promising careers.
The 2023 METROPOLIS Arch30 San Francisco:
Adam Kor, STUDIOS Architecture
Aisha Sawatsky, Page & Turnbull
Alexia Hix, HLW
Anna Daley, Jensen Architects
Baptiste Boget, Aidlin Darling Design
Benny Lin, DLR Group
Brooke Calhoun, David Baker Architects
Carley Leckie, David Baker Architects
Cera Yeo, SmithGroup
Charlotte D’Acierno, EHDD
Chenyu Huang, Jensen Architects
Derek Ramsey, Studio Blitz
Eduarda Boettcher, HOK
Elle Brauchle, SmithGroup
Frank Yang, Cass Calder Smith Architecture + Interiors
Gary Lee, WRNS Studio
Harcoover Singh Bhatti, EHDD
Jewel Pei, WRNS Studio
Kejia Lu, HOK
Kevin Liew, WOODS BAGOT
Kiara Kahania, WOODS BAGOT
Lauren Lew, WOODS BAGOT
Kyle Wilson, WOODS BAGOT
Lauren Patrick, STUDIOS Architecture
Liam (Yan) Li, HLW
Lillian Cao, HMC Architects
Makoto Izu, DLR Group
Maria Grazia Lee, SB Architects
Mark Warren, The Office of Charles F. Bloszies
Melissa Jimenez, HMC Architects
Miao Wang, Gensler
Naqsh Haider, NBBJ
Nicole Roman, FORGE Architecture & Design
Nuti Dave, SmithGroup
Raunak Rekhi, Cass Calder Smith Architecture + Interiors
Stephanie Chu, Stantec
Vasudha Maiya, Bull Stockwell Allen
Venessa Davidenko, IwamotoScott Architecture Vihang Kale, SB Architects
Waylon Ng, Gensler
View the full article: METROPOLIS Celebrates the Arch30 San Francisco Cohort which appeared in Metropolis Magazine on December 7, 2023.