In a discussion I had with a group of architects on the topic of good design, the opinions on the table lent themselves to one of two arguments. My case was I felt that more should be demanded of architecture than simply a stunning aesthetic. The paradigm shift of the definition of good design should include aesthetic, functionality, technical performance, and context within a community. My career objective when I got into architecture was to gain experience and knowledge of all aspects of the building design process and construction; also to contribute to the enrichment of the community by being a good steward of environmental resources. Utilizing a desire to create a dynamic built environment, my focus is on the success of a connection to all the designed space affects—the landscape and its users.

The reason I chose to join ULI was to help this industry make more educated decisions in the way our communities consume land and continue to redevelop land geared towards minimizing environmental impact. It was a lecture given by the Project for Public Spaces organization that instilled this idea of creating a sense of place. My current involvement with ULI is through the Young Leaders Group Mentorship program as a protégé for the first year. As a candidate for that program, my goal was to infuse my own passion for the built environment and insatiable curiosity to help its continual evolution. As an architect, my goal is to provide design excellence as well as the promotion of architecture as a service profession. My hope in that program was to learn more about facilitating a more collaborative process across disciplines in the industry.  I took a position on the Placemaking Initiative Council as the Young Leader representative this year with emphasis on a grant to perform research on how to retain the creative talent within the 18-35 demographic in Orange County.

I am also active as a member of the American Institute of Architects Associates Committee to build what I believe to be the kind of peer-to-peer network that I need particularly at this stage in my career. We have created programs such as Meet the Firms to enable emerging professionals to experience a transparency in architecture’s best practices from leading firms.

At the end of the day, the question should be about how you have used the skill sets entrusted to you for the greater good.