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.

Leadership Program

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

Applications are now open and are due February 13, 2026.