Four years ago as part of the 60th anniversary of the AIAS, alumni members were nominated by their peers to be featured on the AIAS website, complete with biographies and interviews. As part of the 2020 Fall Membership Month we want to republish these highlights and share them with you again! Titles and work locations may have changed in the past years, but their advice and experiences are as pertinent as ever. We hope you are inspired by these AIAS Legacy Alumni and follow the links to their full interviews!
Danielle Willkens
How have you overcome unforeseen challenges through your career?
“I’m a big fan of the concept of ‘sliding doors’: sometimes what we perceive as a missed opportunity, or even a crushing letdown, can actually present a promising, new pathway that is even more exciting and rewarding than your original ‘plan’. When things are going well, take a moment to reflect and identify those sliding doors, recognizing the new prospects ahead because you took a chance and worked through challenges.”
Click here to read the full interview.
Ryan McEnroe
How can someone be a better designer?
“If one wants to learn how to design, they must work for it. Take note of your surroundings, ask previous clients what works and what doesn’t, and research for good precedents.”
Click here to read the full interview. Also featured in #askanarchitect here.
Alex Ho
How can someone be a better designer?
“Being humble and willing to learn from others will only reward you with a deeper and wider base of knowledge. Through practice, this will allow you to be a better problem solver.”
Click here to read the full interview.
Je’Nen Chastain
How can someone be a better designer?
“Design is about seeing what others cannot see, and telling that story. It is also about listening to and observing in order to solve complex challenges. I see great design as having evolved to respond more specifically on people engagement, and the ability of the architect or design team to connect design to and for the community. Fostering collaboration through active listening to create ideas that celebrate the human spirit and bring us together is key. The lone ego is no longer the winner on design thinking. Listening and collaborating have become the new formula for success!”
Click here to read the full interview.
