
January 21, 2025
METROPOLIS Celebrates the Arch30 DC Cohort
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 December, METROPOLIS honored a cohort of young architects in Washington, D.C.
The selected professionals from D.C. were nominated by their firms and NOMA Washington D.C., and represented Ayers Saint Gross, DLR Group, Gensler, HDR, HKS, HOK, KTGY, MG2, Quinn Evans, SmithGroup, Stantec, Studio Alliance, STUDIOS Architecture, The Cadmus Group, WDG, and ZGF Architects.
The inspiring workshop was hosted by SmithGroup and made possible with the support of AHF, Metro-Wall, Patcraft, and Robin Reigi Inc.
Helping Arch30 DC Honorees Discover Purpose
METROPOLIS editor-at-large Verda Alexander and senior editor Francisco Brown led a dynamic workshop designed to guide emerging professionals toward meaningful work while equipping them with strategies to navigate workplace challenges.
The Arch30 honorees engaged in a series of reflective and interactive activities, starting with an Ikigai exercise—a practice inspired by the Japanese concept of “reason for being.” This exercise encouraged participants to explore the question, “What is my purpose?” By reflecting on their personal values, interests, and unique strengths, the honorees uncovered new ways to align their careers with their passions and motivations.
Adapting to Architecture’s Evolving Landscape
Subsequent sessions explored key trends shaping the architecture profession today and their impact on the next generation of leaders. Discussions addressed navigating workplace complexities, achieving work-life balance, advancing sustainability, and embracing architects’ roles as agents of change. Participants exchanged insights and emphasized the need for greater collaboration across disciplines, highlighting a collective vision for a more connected and innovative industry.
The workshop series concluded with presentations from program partners, followed by an engaging networking session where honorees had the chance to connect and share ideas.
The METROPOLIS Arch30 event in DC:
Rebecca Ambouroue, Gensler
Lonna Babu, Ayers Saint Gross
Sarah Bannerman, Gensler
Gray Blakeslee, HDR
Gabriel Boyajian, STUDIOS Architecture
Devin Carlson, ZGF Architects
Joshua Cato, The Cadmus Group
Caitlin Coats, HKS
Zahira Crespo, Stantec
Joy Cunningham, MG2
Jordan Duke, SmithGroup
Michelle Edwards, HKS
JP Gonzalez, WDG
Florence Graham, KTGY
Kelly Haley, Quinn Evans
Kamille Hampton, SmithGroup
Ben Kolder, HOK
Djung Le, Studio Alliance
Grace Lee, SmithGroup
Byronae Lewis, Quinn Evans
Susan Liu, HDR
Marie McKenna, Ayers Saint Gross
Lindsey Minkoff, KTGY
Rebecca Pantschyschak, ZGF Architects
Prutha Patel, Studio Alliance
Amber Robbs, Gensler
Erica Rokenbrod, Stantec
Seema Samudre, ZGF Architects
Vidusha Sridhar, WDG
Daniela Tai, Quinn Evans
Mariana Torres, HDR
Bless Yee, DLR Group
Dandi Zhang, HKS
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