The Blackprint

Fostering confident, community-oriented youth through the power of carpentry and craft.  This is the mission of the Seattle-based organization Sawhorse Revolution.  In this episode we talk to Crystal Day, Board Member with Sawhorse Revolution.  Crystal shares her passion for design and construction and talks about the importance of nourishing future architects, craftspeople, and builders.

How does an emerging architect navigate the Architect Registration Exam while balancing a full-time job, and a healthy personal life.  According to the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards, pass rates for the exam range from 50% to 67% across the 6 exams - it is not an easy process.  My guest today, Ms. Alyssa Mitchell has successfully chartered her path to licensure while navigating the challenges and triumphs along the way.

From Brooklyn to Miami and back again, my guest today shares her story of discovery – from examining the essence of place, to finding her direction within the architecture profession.  Armed with a creative mind and entrepreneurial spirit, Ms. Talisha Sainvil turns every setback into an opportunity and charts a path of success for herself and others.

Fueled by his passion for architecture and persistence against the odds, my guest today has been breaking down the barriers of discrimination throughout his education and distinguished career.  Mr. Donald King, FAIA, has not only charted the path, but also uplifts others who follow in his footsteps.

How does a BIPOC individual entering the profession find the support and guidance they need to thrive?  Our guest today, Whitney Lewis Lockhart,  will talk about her journey and the support she received from two pivotal programs – AIA Next to Lead and LeaderFlow.  Both programs are on a mission to elevate individuals to leadership positions in the profession.

Empower young people to effect change in their community through design.  This is the stated mission of the Project Pipeline, a program within  the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA).  In this episode we will hear from Leon Holloway, the President of the  NOMA Northwest Chapter.  Leon will share his architectural origin story,  what inspired him to be a cofounder of the NOMA NW chapter, and  talk about his continued commitment to support young people through the Project Pipeline.

Black women make up less than 1% of licensed architects in the United States while we are 14% of the US population.  Without role models or a road map, how does a black woman learn about architecture as a viable career option and then gain the confidence and support to navigate through the profession?  This month we chat with Susan Frieson, a respected black woman architect practicing in Seattle, WA.  Susan will share her story of success and words of wisdom for emerging BIPOC architects.