America’s Hidden Gem (TM)

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

Name:

Stanley Evans, II

 

Hometown:

Pahokee, FL

 

Educational Status:

1st year Grad student studying Architecture at Florida International University. Previously received a Masters degree in Hospitality Management (Specialization in Real Estate Development) from Florida International University as well

 

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

I’m honored/ blessed to be in this position. With my background in Real Estate Development, there was definitely a learning curve I had to overcome since the majority of my classmates have architecture/graphic design experience but I was able to adjust relatively quickly. FIU has an amazing staff with professors that are willing to go above and beyond to make sure the students are able to understand the material and also creating an atmosphere to brainstorm new methods and creative ways to get work done. I’m in an accelerated program so we are presented with different material every week that requires us to learn new software and techniques which could get overwhelming but I view it as an opportunity to be a better student and guide me on the journey to become a great architect. 

Why do you want to get your license?

Licensure allows me to position myself for career advancement and income generation. On average, licensed architects have a higher earning potential than unlicensed architects. More than half of architecture firms offer higher salaries to licensed architects. I’m thinking why wait for the future to define you when you can take control of the future? In many states, only licensed architects can design buildings over three stories or commercial buildings. As a licensed architect, I’ll be able to choose the type of projects to work on and the firms to join. I will be able to sign-off on projects, supervise teams, and start my own firm. Completion of these requirements demonstrates my ability to be a great architect. As a licensed architect, I can ensure that projects comply with safety and structural standards.

 

Biggest inspiration/influence?

My inspiration came from working at a Real Estate Development company where all the developers I looked up to where elaborating that they all went to architecture school to understand the design and creative side of the industry which helped them become successful. So after doing my research and being hyped up by my peers/family members I went and applied and got accepted. It was one of the best days of my life. 

How important is representation?

African Americans were long barred from the architecture profession; from the higher-education institutions that granted degrees to the firms that excluded based on race alone. Black architects and designers did not arrive by a wave of a wand, or even as the conventional narrative would say gradual progress. For this, we thank controversial Supreme Court rulings, schools willing to make exceptions, and the most essential: driven and unafraid black students, unafraid to tolerate a swarm of flashbulbs on their first day of classes or graduate without the support of the trade itself. Though laws regarding segregation have since evolved, architecture is still often fairly critiqued so we have to continue the wave of being well represented in this profession.

Favorite quote/poem/song/etc.?

Quote: “What’s important always gets done”