Professional Development Summit

Real conversations. Real career tools. The Professional Development Summit brings together students and professionals from across the Bay Area for an afternoon of hands-on connection with people already working in the field. Get personal advice on resumes, interview practice, and portfolio storytelling — all guided by practitioners from local firms. No matter where you are in your path — still studying, recently graduated, or simply figuring out your next move — this half-day is designed for genuine conversation and practical takeaways you can use right away. 

Panel:

Hear from our Emerging Professional Award Winners; Julia Weatherspoon  and Damian Parodi of Gensler and Kevin Riley of DBA, alongside Y.A. Studios Firm Principal and AIASF Chapter President Yakuh Askew and Karen Seong, Academy of Art School of Architecture Director as they discuss the first decade of an architecture career. From finding their path and launching a practice to mentoring and hiring, panelist will share candid insights and advice for the next generation of designers. 

Career Fair:

Chat with Hiring Managers from Gensler, BAR Architects & Interiors, and Stantec. Get feedback from outstanding professionals on your portfolio and resume, join a LinkedIn Seminar with Argelia Barcena, and prepare for your career with mock interviews. 

Build your network, receive professional feedback, and gain practical tools to help launch your career!

Agenda:

• Attire: Business Casual
• What to bring: Students are encouraged to bring laptops, digital or physical copies of their resumes, and portfolios for the workshop sessions.

Hosted by the Center for Architecture + Design in collaboration with AIASF. While registration is processed through AIASF, 100% of ticket proceeds directly support the Center for Architecture + Design's public programs, exhibitions, and educational initiatives, helping us advance design awareness and foster meaningful conversations about the built environment.