Message From the AIA Oregon Young Architect Representative

 

Elizabeth Lagarde, AIA
AIA Oregon Young Architect Representative

Hello AIA Oregon Community.

I am Elizabeth Lagarde, AIA, a licensed architect (licensed in California) and as of January 1, 2025, I am serving as Oregon’s Young Architect Representative to the Young Architects Forum.

The Young Architects Forum (YAF) is a national member group of the AIA organized to address issues of particular importance to Young Architects (defined by AIA as licensed architects with 10 years or less of first licensure). The YAF is made up of an 5 Directors serving on the Advisory Committee along with the Chair and Vice Chair, and 53 Young Architect Representatives (YAR) from all 50 states, plus D.C., Puerto Rico, and the International region.

Image Description: This is the YAF at Annual Meeting in Dallas. We are a diverse committee made up of young architects from each state, plus five directors all with similar goals of serving as a voice for young architects across the country.

It has been busy for the first three months in Q1 as a YAR.

In February, we gathered in Dallas for the YAF Annual Meeting where over the course of three days we met fellow state representatives, learned more about our roles and responsibilities, and kicked off the year with ACTION. The YAF aims to be a group of “architects in action, catalyzing for change” and most of our time in the annual meeting involved work sessions focused on planning programs and resources addressing this year’s priority areas:

  • Growth and career evolution (Q2 focus)

  • Steering the future of the profession (Q3 focus)

  • Driving wellness (Q4 focus)

To help guide our actions with these priority areas, each YAR participates in one of the six focus group throughout the year: Strategic Vision, Advocacy, Community, Knowledge, Communications, and Special Projects. This year I am honored to participate in the Advocacy focus group.

Image description: Roundtable Discussions

One highlight of the event that left me feeling excited to be a part of this member group were the round-table discussions. Before jumping into work sessions with our focus groups, we had round table discussions on the following topics that focused on the 2025 Priority Areas:

  • What does “career evolution” mean to you?

  • How have you seen mid-career architects steering the profession?

  • What changes have you experienced or seen in the role of an “architect” and/or practice?

  • How do you experience burnout?

  • How do you define wellness?

The conversations were engaging and left me wondering what fellow young architects in my state would answer these questions. Please share your response with me.

Since the Annual Meeting, the YARs have been meeting with their focus groups and holding virtual work sessions to continue planning or creating programs, events, and resources.

Image description: YAF Advocacy Focus Group excited to kick off for the year

I am pleased to share what the YAF has been up to and planned for Q2.

  • The Community Focus Group is hosting Knowing Your Worth and Finding Your Path on April 17, 4-5:30 pm EST focusing on explore growth and career evolution. Register for this FREE event.

  • The Communications Focus Group is bringing back the YAF quarterly publication: Connection. There is a Call for Submissions on the topic of Growth and Career Evolution. Draft deadline is May 2, 2025. Former Oregon YAR, Nicole Becker, is the Communication Director. Contact her if you have any questions: nicolejbecker@gmail.com

  • The Knowledge Focus Group has published two Now YA Know newsletters and publishes one each month.

  • The Advocacy Focus Group is engaging on the @AIAYAF Instagram page (I made a special appearance in one of the posts) and publishes weekly posts.

  • If you’re attending AIA25 be sure to check out Young Architects Forum: Bridging Generations Jun 7, 2025, from 01:00 pm to 02:30 pm EST.

  • … and much more as we continue to develop them.

Image description: Oregon Represent!

Oregon YAR, Elizabeth Lagarde, AIA and Communication Director and former Oregon YAR, Nicole Becker, AIA

That is it for now. Expect more updates from me about what the YAF is up to on Circle, T@3, and LinkedIn.

The enthusiasm and ambition of this group to advocate for the Young Architect community is so inspiring! I am thankful to be a part of this group and honored to embrace my role for 2025-2026. If you are interested in learning more about the YAF initiatives, please reach out through LinkedIn or by emailing elizabethxlagarde@gmail.com. Also share your thoughts and responses to the questions above. Your voice and perspective are invaluable as we work towards shaping a vibrant and inclusive future for our profession.