METROPOLIS Celebrates the Arch30 Atlanta Cohort

They city’s most promising emerging architects, affiliated with influential firms, convened for METROPOLIS’s Arch30 event held in July.

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 July, METROPOLIS honored its fifth cohort of young architects in Atlanta.

The selected professionals from Atlanta represented NOMAtlanta and some of the most esteemed firms in the city, including Beck Group, Cooper Carry, Corgan, Dyer Brown & Associates, Gensler, HDR, Hendrick, HKS, HLG Studio, HOK, Houser Walker Architecture, IA Interior Architects, Moody Nolan, Page, Perkins&Will, Plexus, SLAM, SMALLWOOD, and TVS.

The inspiring workshop was hosted by Perkins&Will and made possible with the support of Grohe, Tecno, TimbertechTimberTech, StruXure, FORM Furniture, USG, Crossville, and NYDREE.

Guiding Arch30 Atlanta Honorees Toward Their Purpose

METROPOLIS editor at large Verda Alexander and senior editor Francisco Brown 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 actively engaged in a series of insightful workshops. The group started the session by engaging in an Ikigai exercise, a practice rooted in the concept of “reason for being.” This ancient ideology provides insights into the answer to the profound question, “What is my purpose in life?” The Arch30 honorees were encouraged to reflect on their passions and values, explore their interests, and consider their strengths and skills. The Ikigai exercise served as a valuable moment of self-discovery, guiding participants toward a more profound understanding of their purpose and aligning their professional journey with their intrinsic motivations.

Addressing the Evolving Role of Architectural Practice

The following sessions explored industry trends and shifts, and their impact on the young architects in the room. The discussion delved into the complexities of the modern workplace, work-life balance, sustainability in practice, and the architect’s role as an agent of change. Participants also exchanged ideas on what they need from the industry, emphasizing a necessity for more collaboration across silos.

The workshops culminated with demonstrations by program partners and an opportunity to network with fellow Arch30 honorees.

The METROPOLIS Arch30 event in Atlanta:

Bangseh Akuchu, Gensler
Diego Bazzani, Beck Group
Di Chen, SMALLWOOD
Alyssa Dohler, Moody Nolan (multifamily)
Haley Elliott, HDR
Kahtura Fernander, Page
Rachel Flanagan, Perkins&Will
Christian Fraser, Perkins&Will
Shirley Fung, SLAM
Dyesha Holmes, Cooper Cary
Ethan Hopkins, HKS
Ryan Horgan, Perkins&Will
Justin Kruemmel, Beck Group

Monica Magcalas, Gensler
Melvin McClure, Plexus
Trent McGugin, IA Interior Architects
Jiangpu Meng, Houser Walker Architecture
Taurean Merriweather, NOMA
Jeanette Misuraca, Page
Mae Murphy, Beck Group
Alexis Ortega, HLG Studio
Nick Purcell, TVS
Ralph Raymond, HOK
Sharon Reis​​​​, Dyer Brown & Associates
Austin Richard, SLAM
Chase Robinson, Moody Nolan

Daryl Rowe, Corgan
Farhaan Samnani, Page
Ed Senatus, HOK
Demetrius Smith, Hendrick
Jonne Smith, Moody Nolan
Zach Souders, Beck Group
Sam Stephen, SMALLWOOD
Parker Stewart, HKS
Martin (Emilio) Uquillas, SMALLWOOD
Ai-Lien Vuong, HOK
Nick Warnet, Plexus
Ben Wathen, TVS

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