COAST TO COAST
By Emily Lally, AIA, CPHC | Director of Passiv at ZA+D
Class of 2023 AIAPV Emerging Professional Awards Winners
AIA Conference ’23 in San Francisco to AIA Women’s Leadership Summit ’23 in Boston
This year is a year of learning for me. I am learning how to be the best designer I can and how to be an effective leader in this industry.
The AIA Conference was overwhelming, the sheer number of people in the keynote sessions was astonishing, coming in at 15,000+ attendees. There were so many sessions to attend, I packed my schedule as much as I could. I learned about the impact of biophilic design on the occupants, how seeing green can influence people to question their choices and lead them to be more sustainable.
I discovered the components of emotional intelligence and how crucial it is to be self-aware of my own emotions and those I am interacting with. Emotional intelligence is “the ability to identify, assess, and control one’s own emotions, the emotions of others, and that of groups” – Daniel Goleman.
A walking tour that was of high interest to me was the tackling chronic homelessness tour at 1064 Mission Street. This project is constructed of modular units, each with a colored butterfly sunshade that signifies transformation. The shades also give tenants a sense of identity as they can point out from the street which unit is theirs. The property includes a public plaza, courtyards, and a chef program for the tenants. I learned a lot of valuable takeaways we plan to implement with the Task Force to End Homelessness in Frederick County.
The Women’s Leadership Summit was an experience like no other. The first night kicked off with a welcome reception at Club Royale. The place was booming, the energy was buzzing, the room was filled with laughter, dancing, and deep conversation.
Being in a room of 900+ women in the industry was both refreshing and inspiring. The keynotes were powerful, each with panels that challenged the status quo. The concepts of intentionality, embracing your voice and your silence, making mistakes, and advocating for yourself and others were echoed throughout the sessions.
Empowered and unstoppable, I think we all want to be empowered and unstoppable, right? During this workshop we delved into identifying our goals. We were led in an immersive meditation and manifestation. We worked in groups to share our experiences, our goals, and our fears. It was incredible to connect with other women and relate on so many levels.
The firm leadership luncheon was led by 4 female CEOs each providing guidance on how to lead, prioritize and manage. They stressed the importance of listening with curiosity, understanding that nothing is ever 50/50, and that you must take time for the things that fill your heart and soul.
Every session was thought provoking and engaging, I met so many wonderful women from across the country. WLS was impactful and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to attend.
Aurora James, Creative Director, Activist, and Author of Wildflower, said two things in the closing keynote that really spoke to me:
“How can the existence of this thing be good instead of less bad.”
“Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, stumbling is evidence of momentum.”
