America’s Hidden Gem (TM)

Hi readers! It’s #FutureArchitectFriday. A day to celebrate those pushing themselves to becoming licensed architects.

Name:

Shesi Azeez

Hometown:

Educational Status:

How would you describe your experience as a Black Architecture student?

I would say my experience so far has been mixed I’m very passionate about what I do therefore the negatives I’ve experienced often get countered by my determination to not let anything stand in my way. Being in a program that doesn’t have lots of diversity and it’s very apparent that wow I’m one of the only people that is like me, I sometimes feel the need to prove my place that I deserve to be here which that feeling in itself especially in school I feel shouldn’t necessarily be apart of the experience.

Why do you want to get your license?

Eventually down the line I’d like to own a collaborative firm with my friends that would be the dream wouldn’t it but in all seriousness I want to devote myself to helping under-served communities. I strongly believe how a community is designed and shaped has a large effect on how things operate in that community. I’m tired of seeing “ghettos” and people having certain feelings towards said places, “I don’t want to walk down that street at night,” “I don’t go in that part of town at this time” It’s really about bringing people together and bringing awareness about the affect design actually has on people and take it from there.

Biggest inspiration/influence?

I would say my biggest source of inspiration would have to be a few YouTube Channels mostly Kirsten Dirksen and SHOWIT BETTER are great outlets for students and really anyone looking for beautiful projects and beautiful modes of representation. Unfortunately my biggest source of inspiration was Divisare in my opinion the best architectural website, was shut down in December of last year and I still am devastated.

How important is representation?

I’m definitely a person who thinks representation is important especially in a field I wouldn’t consider to be too diverse. Seeing someone who is just like you to share the same experience and provide a source of encouragement to young students like myself will always be needed. I think it’s easy to forget where you come from after a while and leave the struggles behind you, but you have to realize that there’s always going to be someone going thru the same things as you went through and to never forget to lend a helping hand to your community. I see it almost as a duty something that should be done more often.

Favorite quote/poem/song/etc.?