METROPOLIS Honors the Arch30 Philadelphia Cohort

The Arch30 program recognizes the next generation of leadership in architecture, with leading firms in a city identifying their top talent under the age of 35. Each cohort meets for a workshop led by METROPOLIS Editors, followed by networking opportunities with program partners. For our first from Arch30 program in 2025, METROPOLIS honored a cohort of young architects in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The selected professionals from Philadelphia were nominated by their firms, PhilaNOMA, and Future100 Alumni and represented Array Architects, Ballinger, CBP Architects, Coscia Moos, DIGSAU, Eimer Design, EwingCole, Gensler, HDR, IA Interior Architects, KieranTimberlake, KSS Architects, Meyer Design, Perkins Eastman, SLAM, SMP Architects, Stantec, Swrl.studio, WRT & Wulff Architects.

The inspiring workshop was hosted by Gensler and made possible with the support of AHF Products(Armstrong Flooring & Crossville Tile), Arktura, Metro-Wall, StruXture, Tecno, and USG.

Learning Powered by Self-Discovery

METROPOLIS Editor-in Chief Avi Rajagopal 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 participated in a series of reflective and interactive activities. They began with Menti-meeter questions to understand personal and workplace challenges. Next, they engaged in a quick Ikigai exercise—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 discovered new ways to align their careers with their passions and motivations.

Adapting to Architecture’s Complexities & Changing Landscape

The session explored key trends shaping architecture today and their impact on the next generation of leaders. Discussions addressed creating time for creative work, navigating workplace complexities, 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 a mini trade show set-up from program partners, followed by an engaging networking session where honorees had the chance to connect, explore new products and share ideas.

METROPOLIS Arch30 Event Honorees