Networking, Learning, and Inspiration: An EP’s Highlights from AIA24
AIA Toledo associate member and 2023 Emerging Professional of the Year, Isabel Souza, shares her experience attending the AIA Conference on Architecture and Design in Washington, D.C.
The AIA Conference on Architecture and Design exceeded all my expectations! Since I was a student, I have been eager to attend this conference. My involvement with AIA and organizations like Arquitina only intensified this desire. Inspired by the stories and photos of my peers from previous years, I was determined to attend this year. In March, I discovered the AIA24 Emerging Professionals Grant offered by AIA National and the Architects Foundation. This grant provided emerging professionals access to the annual conference, career resources, and networking opportunities. I applied immediately and was thrilled to be selected as one of 10 Emerging Professionals from across the country.
Before going to DC, I was advised to prepare and prioritize, but my ambition led me to sign up for more than I could attend. They were right—AIA 24 featured over 485 sessions in 4 days. I managed to attend 12 seminars, 3 keynotes, 4 receptions/parties, 3 mixers for emerging professionals organized by the Architects Foundation, 1 tour of the National Building Museum with Amber Book's creator Michael Ermann, and spent at least 3 hours exploring the expo floor that this year featured over 500 brands.
This was a fantastic opportunity to learn from top professionals from and beyond our industry, connect with AIA members and leaders, emerging professionals, young architects, and build lasting relationships and connections. I left DC feeling inspired, uplifted, and eager to make a positive impact in our profession and our community. My first AIA Conference was unforgettable, and now I wish to attend the conference every year. I encourage my fellow AIA Toledo Associate Members and Emerging Professionals to attend—it's an invaluable experience. I'm grateful to work at a firm that supports professional development and assisted in my attendance.
Lastly, I was hoping to meet AIA 2024 President Kimberly Dowdell, whose work I've admired for years. Though I didn't have the opportunity to do so during the conference, we ended up on the same flight back to Detroit. I not only got my photo but also had a chance to chat with her for a while - inspiring conversation.
Isabel Souza, Associate AIA, FITWEL AMB.
Senior Project Designer @ PMBA
I'll conclude with a quote from Kimberly's speech at the conference that resonated with me: "We need more courage to advocate for our planet and ourselves; to embrace diversity and to cultivate the next generation of architects." #SeeYouInBostonAIA25