Young Architects Forum

About

 
The core purpose of the program is to support Young architects in Charlotte with programming that addresses professional advancement within the profession as well as in the community.  

The objective of the YAF leadership program is two-fold:
  1.  Identify and develop young architects as leaders in the profession. Provide programs that develop their leadership abilities and their confidence to step into leadership positions within their profession, their community and within the AIA leadership structure.
  2. Connect young architects to the civic components in the public sphere. Architects are underrepresented on public advisory boards, nonprofit and institutional boards, as well as Civic leadership in City and County government.  

This program would provide the opportunity for young architects to be motivated and inspired to pursue leadership opportunities in the public sphere.

The program is envisioned as a monthly session over a period of 8 to 9 months. These sessions will vary from 1-2 hours based on the program and the participants. Applicants are required to have passed (3) ARE exams in order to quality for the program. If selected, the program fee is $300.

 Leader sessions are grouped into three categories:
  • Personal Leadership
  • Professional Leadership
  • Community Leadership

Mission Statement

 
Charlotte's Young Architects Forum (YAF) is a dynamic community dedicated to supporting and connecting emerging architects. Through engaging events, networking opportunities, and professional development initiatives, YAF fosters collaboration, leadership, and growth among young architects. Whether through social gatherings or skill-building workshops, we create spaces for architects in the early stages of their careers to connect, learn, and thrive.

The core purpose of the program is to support young architects in Charlotte with programming that addresses professional advancement within the profession as well as in the community.
 

Members

 
Derrick Ackley

Dean Crouch

Stephannie Fowler

Elaheh Khabbazy

Lindsey Weeber

Jarinat Zeck

Leadership

 
Co-chair
Allison Schaefer Crews

Co-chair
Jenny Villarreal

Sponsors

 
Coming soon.

Leadership Program Schedule

 
DateTimeSession Title
Friday, February 13, 2026EOBApplications Due
Friday, February 27, 2026EOBAcceptance Notifications
Thursday, March 19, 2026EveningKickoff Event
Thursday, April 23, 202611:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.Session 1 - Personal Leadership Assessment
Thursday, May 7, 2026EveningYAF EVENT
Thursday, May 21, 202611:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.Session 2 - Walking Tour #1 by Tom Hanchett
Thursday, June 4, 2026Evening  YAF EVENT
Thursday, June 18, 202611:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.Session 3 - Citizen Architect Panel
Thursday, July 16, 202611:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.Session 4 - Charlotte Gov't/Sustainability Plan
Thursday, August 20, 202611:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.Session 5 - Marketing & Business Development
Thursday, September 17, 202611:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.Session 6 - Service Activity & Social
Thursday, OctoberEveningMentorship Partnership Event
Thursday, October 15, 202611:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.Session 7 - Shaping Cities and Building Tour
Thursday, November 19, 202611:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.Session 8 - Licensed, now what?
Thursday, December 3, 2026Evening  Year End Social
January 2027Membership LunchGraduation