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The AIAOC Women in Architecture Committee Presents |
Mid-Career Momentum: Overcoming Licensure Hurdles |
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About this Course:
Despite the critical role of licensure in advancing architectural careers and ensuring professional standards, the rate of architects pursuing licensure drops significantly after age 40. Data from NCARB and related industry reports highlights this decline, which can be attributed to factors such as career plateaus, the demanding licensure process, lack of mentorship, or shifting personal priorities.
This panel discussion examines these trends and equips participants with stories and strategies to inspire and support mid-career professionals to pursue licensure. Attendees will learn about the barriers faced by those over 40 and explore case studies, mentorship frameworks, and innovative resources to re-engage this demographic in the licensure process.
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Analyze trends:
Attendees will examine current data and research showing licensure trends by age, with a specific focus on the decline among architects over 40.
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Identify barriers:
Attendees will learn about the barriers to licensure and learn about the systemic, professional, and personal challenges that deter mid-career professionals from seeking licensure.
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Develop strategies:
Attendees will explore practical approaches, including mentorship programs, alternative study schedules, and incentives, to support architects over 40 in achieving licensure.
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Foster Inclusive Practices: Attendees will learn how firms, organizations, and industry leaders can create a supportive environment that values licensure at all career stages, improving long-term professional development and representation. | |
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FEBRUARY
20
12:00 PM PST
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Learning Units: 1 AIA LU
Location: Virtual – Link to be sent to registrants the day before the program.
Cost: AIAOC Members $0
Non-Members $10
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Amber Perry, AIA
Architect with demonstrated success in Architect-Led and Contractor-Led Design/Build companies. Professional design skills utilizing Revit, AutoCAD, and Enscape. Strong attention to detail with cultivated experience in project management, team building, client retention, and vendor relationships. Amber has been showcased in the AIA San Antonio Women in Architecture exhibition and Texas Society of Architects ‘Say it Loud’ exhibit.
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Sean Bowers
With three decades of experience Sean has worked on a variety of projects, ranging from multifamily and mixed-use, to retail, fast-casual restaurants, offices, and churches. Sean’s passion for architecture is rooted in the daily challenges of solving unique puzzles and fostering collaborative relationships. He excels in bringing diverse personalities together to achieve successful project outcomes—meeting timelines, budgets, and client goals. Sean’s ability to create efficiencies coupled with knowledge of complex code requirements make him an asset to any project team.
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Vely Zajec, AIA
Vely Zajec was born and raised in Sofia, Bulgaria. She studied Mechanical Engineering at Sofia Technical University, then moved to California and in 2000, graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California. Vely has worked on housing projects in Germany and Sweden, the US Embassy in Berlin, student housing projects for the UC system, Gloria Caufman Performing Arts Center at UCLA, and several master plan developments including the master plan for Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Vely had her own practice working in the US and Eastern Europe for 7 years. For the past 10 years she has been with Humphreys and Partners Architects. Vely currently serves on the AIAOC Board of Directors
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Host: Meghana Joshi, AIA
Meghana Joshi is an award-winning architect. Her projects have been honored with multiple SAGE Gold, PCBC Gold Nugget, SoCal, Argentum, & NAHB awards.
Meghana received 2019 AIA Orange County’s “Service Award”, 2018 AIA California’s “Associate” award, “Presidential Citation” & CREW Orange County’s 2019 “Most Valuable Service Partner” honoring her commitment to the profession.
At AIA Orange County, she founded and chaired the Women in Architecture Committee and EDI+J Committee. Meghana currently serves as the 2025 AIAOC President.
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Moderator: Niloofar Badihi, Assoc. AIA
Niloofar Badihi currently works at CannonDesign as a Healthcare planner. She graduated from Newschool of Arch+Design in 2014 with a Bachelor of Architecture and worked on a variety of Architectural project types since then. She has served at AIAOC since 2016 involved with the emerging professionals committee. Niloofar is the founder of the AIAOC Healthcare Committee and is currently studying for her California Supplemental Exam having past all other exams. Niloofar currently serves as the AIAOC Director of Healthcare.
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