2024 TSACS D+CM
2024 TSACS D+CM EXPO
The D+CM Expo is hosted by the Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science on the historic campus of Tuskegee University. Our mission is to connect our students with the newest developments in the architecture, construction, and design industries. This is accomplished through a week-long event featuring career fairs, seminars, and workshops. This year, companies are invited to attend the in-person event February 12th-15th, 2024!
Schedule at a Glance
Monday, February 12th, 2024 in the Willcox C Multipurpose Room
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM CT | Virtual Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. (Detroit, MI)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT | Student and Faculty Lunch, Provided
Hennebery Eddy Architects (Portland, OR) 12:00 - 12:30
David M. Schwarz Architects (Washington, DC) 12:30 - 1:00
1:00pm - 1:30 PM CT | Xplore - Readiness and D+CM Expo Overview
1:30pm - 2:30 PM CT | Alumni Keynote Kamila Jones, Senior Project Engineer at JE Dunn Construction, Arch C/o 2009
2:45pm - 4:00 PM CT | TSACS Student Panel Discussion Highlights
Journi Goodman (ARCH) and Prince William Monroe (CSM)
Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 in the Willcox A Building
8:30am - 9:00 AM CT | Company Table Setup, Continental Breakfast
9:00am - 11:00AM CT | Open Career Fair
11:00am - 12:00 PM CT | (Optional) Tuskegee Campus Tour with Mr. Jamal Oliver, Meet @ BTW Monument
11:00am - 12:00 PM CT | TSACS Alumni Highlights (Willcox A, 2nd Floor Team Room)
Trenton Scott, Populous, Arch C/o 2023
Jakiel Sanders, SSOE Group, Arch C/o 2010
12:00pm - 1:00 PM CT | Company Representative Lunch, Provided (Willcox C Multipurpose Room)
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM CT | Career Fair Pre-Selected and Walkup Interviews
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM CT | TSACS Alumni Highlights and Career XPloration
ViShayla Stewart, SS&A Design Collective, Arch C/o 2018
XPloring Construction Management Career Paths with Joshua Carr, Kraus Anderson Project Manager
Wednesday, February 14th, 2024 in the Willcox A Building
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM CT | Company Table Setup, Continental Breakfast
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT | Career Fair Pre-Selected and Walkup Interviews
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM CT | David M. Schwarz Architects (Washington, DC)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT | Company Representative Lunch, Provided (Willcox C Multipurpose Room)
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM CT | Career Fair Pre-Selected and Walkup Interviews
Thursday, February 15th, 2024 in the Willcox A Building
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CT | AIAS, NOMAS, and NAHB Informational (Room 104)
12:00 - 1:00 PM CT | NOMAS Charrette (Room 104)
About the 2024 TSACS D+CM Expo Facilitator
Jennifer Taylor Matthews is an Architectural Designer at SS&A Design Collective and Founder of Creative’s XP LLC. Jennifer has worked on architectural projects for multiple DC Metro healthcare providers and nationwide government entities. She was awarded the 2018 Healthcare Design Magazine's Educator Honor Award for creating an annual event that introduced architecture students to healthcare design and career opportunities.
Jennifer is a 2013 architecture graduate from the Tuskegee University Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science and 2020 graduate of the Business Design and Arts Leadership program at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). She also served as the 2013-2014 National Vice President of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and 2015-2019 President of the Tuskegee Architecture and Construction Alumni Association (TACAA).
Creative’s XP LLC is a professional development platform that assists architecture students and emerging professionals in their preparation and pursuit of traditional and alternative career paths. Through professional development events, career planning, and workshops, our participants are empowered to craft a thoughtful game plan to tackle their desired careers head-on. Learn more about Creative’s XP Service and reach out to Jennifer for the 2024 TSACS D+CM Expo student discount!
Keynote Speaker
Kamila Triche Jones, a seasoned Senior Project Engineer at JE Dunn Construction in Dallas, TX, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the dynamic world of construction. Originally hailing from Fayetteville, GA, Kamila earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Tuskegee University in 2009 and pursued a Master of Building Science from Auburn in 2011. Her professional footprint boasts a significant involvement in project teams for impactful endeavors, including the DFW Airport Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting facility, AT&T Discovery District at AT&T National Headquarters, Amazon Distribution Centers, Atlanta Metropolitan College Student Center, Changing a Generation Church, Clark Atlanta Dormitories, and instrumental contributions to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport.
Beyond her construction prowess, Kamila is a dynamic force in community engagement. As the Vice President and Scholarship Chair of the DFW Tuskegee Alumni Club, she not only fosters connections among alumni but also champions education, contributing to the aspirations of future leaders. Initiated into the Gamma Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta during her tenure at Tuskegee, Kamila is currently an active member of the North Central Texas Alumnae chapter, where she dedicates her time to various community initiatives and empowerment endeavors. Kamila finds joy in her diverse range of hobbies, including tennis, crafting, and dance. Her love story with her husband is a source of delight, inspired by their shared connection to Tuskegee. Together, they cherish moments with their two dogs. Family and friends hold great importance in her life, and she delights in crafting lasting memories during vacations. Kamila takes pride in preserving the Tuskegee legacy within her family, honoring the bonds and traditions that connect generations.
Her philosophy revolves around connecting and mentoring, anchored in honesty and truth. Kamila believes in the transformative power of authenticity, both in the professional realm and in community involvement. As she navigates through the dynamic construction industry, her commitment to impactful projects and community involvement stands steadfast. She extends an invitation for collaboration and connection on this exhilarating journey ahead, shaping the construction landscape and advocating for education. Keep an eye out for the extraordinary impact that this visionary force will make in the construction industry and education, guided by the belief that "Mindset is Everything."
2024 TSACS D+CM Expo Alumni Highlights
Trenton Scott is a Designer 1 for Populous Dallas with three years of experience working alongside architect professionals and designers in the workforce. He sharpened his skills through architecture school under the guidance of his professors and peers and graduated from Tuskegee School of Architecture and Construction Science (TSACS) in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Architecture. He is currently working on the renovation to Penn State's Beaver Stadium. Trenton exemplifies a positive attitude as he stewards God's blessings in his life to benefit those around him. His motivation comes from his relationship with Jesus and his beautiful wife Roodza.
Jakiel Sanders is a Senior Architect currently working with SSOE Group in Atlanta. He is an alumnus of the Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture, where he graduated from the Class of 2010. With over 14 years of professional experience, Jakiel is an accomplished architect who has worked on various project types such as K-12 schools, libraries, mixed-use, and multifamily residential projects. Additionally, he currently serves as the NCARB Experience Committee Chair and is a member of the Architecture Foundation of Georgia Board of Directors. Jakiel is also a graduate of the 2022 AIA Georgia Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program.
ViShayla Stewart is a Class of 2018 architecture graduate of the Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science. ViShayla has over five years of healthcare architecture experience and is currently an Architectural Designer at SS&A Design Collective. At SS&A ViShayla is a member of the Social Media committee. She has worked on several projects varying in size and type doing renderings, modeling, and detail work. Outside of the office ViShayla is an associate member of AIA and a member of NOMA. Also, ViShayla is a student at LSU – Shreveport pursuing her MBA with a concentration of Project Management. Associates Directors of AIA Montgomery if you want
Trenton Scott
Jakiel Sanders, AIA, NCARB
ViShayla Stewart, Assoc. AIA, NOMA
2024 TSACS D+CM Expo Student Panelist
Journi Goodman
Prince William Monroe
Participating Companies
Barton Malow Company (Southfield), Batson-Cook Construction (Atlanta, GA), BDW Architects Associated, P.A. (Montgomery, AL), Beehyyve (Chicago), Beck Group (Dallas, TX), Belinda Stewart Architects (Eupora, MS), Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC, Corgan (Dallas, TX), Creative’s XP LLC (Washington, DC), HASKELL (Jacksonville, FL), Hastings Architecture (Nashville, TN), HKS (Atlanta, GA), HOK (St. Louis, MO), JE Dunn Construction (Kansas City, MO), Juneau Construction Company (Atlanta, GA), Kraus Anderson (Minneapolis, MN), McCarthy, McMillan Pazdan Smith, Moody Nolan (Columbus, Ohio), MSA Design (Cincinnati, OH), Orcutt | Winslow (Phoenix, AZ), Perkins&Will, PGAV Destinations (St. Louis, MO), PH&J Architects (Montgomery, AL), Populous, Quinn Evans (Multiple Offices), RAMSA (New York), Robinson and Assoc Architecture (Montgomery, AL), SS&A Design Collective (Montgomery, AL), SSOE Group (Atlanta, GA), Studio 2H Design (Birmingham, AL), Swinerton (Atlanta, GA), Williams Blackstock Architects (Birmingham, AL)
Virtual Companies
Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. (Detroit, MI), David M. Schwarz Architects (Washington, DC), Hennebery Eddy Architects (Portland, OR)
Recap of 2023 TSACS D+CM Expo - School of Architecture and Construction Science hosts 12th Annual Design + Construction Management Expo | Tuskegee University
Mental Health in Architecture Summit
Day 1 - September 23rd, 2023
Day 2 - September 24th, 2023
Join us for the Parenthood in Architecture Panel
Parenthood brings about a big shift in one's life and balancing it with a demanding career like architecture can be daunting. However, becoming a parent doesn’t have to mean sidelining your architectural ambitions.
Join us to hear from a panel of experienced architects who are also parents, including Creative’s XP Owner Jennifer Matthews. They've negotiated sleepless nights and stringent project timelines, changing diapers while changing design blueprints. Their stories and strategies will offer valuable insights into managing the delicate balance of parenthood and architecture.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Gain insights from architect-parents on how they've balanced their career and family life.
Understand the potential challenges and rewards of juggling parenthood and architecture.
Learn practical strategies to navigate parenthood without compromising your career ambitions.
Reflect on your own work-family balance with experiences shared by the panelist
MANDY FREELAND, AIA, NOMA
President & Principal Architect at Mandy Freeland, Architect, Inc.
Mandy is an architect, firm owner, advocate for emerging professionals, and a mother of two. She is currently serving as the Vice President of the Academy for Emerging Professionals at AIA California, and she founded / co-founded three social media platform sites to build communities in architecture, including the Parents in Architecture Facebook Group. Mandy participates in panel discussions and podcasts related to EDI and women in architecture, balancing work-life and home life balance, and improving workplace culture. She spends her time learning to play guitar, doing outdoor activities, supporting her children's sports and activities, and exploring the world one place at a time with her family.
CONTACT
Email: mandy@freeland-architecture.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandy.freeland.architect/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyfreelandaia/
JING JOHNSON, MBA, LEED AP
President at Prism Renderings
I'm a mom, a visual storyteller, and an entrepreneur. I worked in architectural firms for 12 years before I founded Prism Renderings, Inc. in 2005.
Prism is an all-women team, located in Houston, Texas. Our specialty is providing conceptual design, photo-realistic renderings, and fly-throughs during the design and feasibility phase. Our visual deliverables have helped hundreds of commercial real estate developers and other stakeholders by catalyzing their marketing initiatives, fundraising endeavors, entitlement pursuits, and leasing purposes.
CONTACT
Email: jing.johnson@prismrenderings.com
Website: https://www.prismrenderings.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prismrenderings/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jingjohnson/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/prism-renderings
STEVEN BIERSTEKER, AIBA
Associate Architect at Thinkspace Architecture Planning Interior Design Ltd.
Steven is an architect by day, a content creator by night, and a dad all day long. He has 3 kids under 5 and an amazing wife (as you can imagine with that chaos in the house). After nearly a decade in the industry, Steven was frustrated by the lack of clear information for young architects. To help change the industry and encourage others to do the same he has been creating daily content on LinkedIn and writing to over 900 architects who are subscribed to his newsletter, The Carbon Architect. Hi plans to grow his personal brand to help more architects design better buildings.
CONTACT
Email: biersteker.steven@gmail.com
Website: https://www.stevenbiersteker.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven_biersteker/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-biersteker/
JENNIFER MATTHEWS, ASSOC AIA
Healthcare Architectural Designer at SS&A Design Collective, Founder and Owner of Creative's XP LLC, Partnering Collaborator for Apostrophe Consulting
Jennifer T. Matthews, Assoc. AIA is a Healthcare Designer at SS&A Design Collective based in Montgomery, Alabama, and the Owner of the professional development platform, Creative’s XP LLC. She also collaborates with Apostrophe Consulting in their mission to help architects transform their companies by supporting efforts in talent development, change management, and business strategy.
Jennifer obtained her Bachelor of Architecture from Tuskegee University in 2013 and her Master of Arts in Business Design and Arts Leadership from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2020. She served as the National Vice President of the American Institute of Architecture Students 2013-2014.
CONTACT
Email: jennifertmatthews@gmail.com
Website: https://www.ssainc.com, https://www.creativesxp.com, https://www.apostrophe.consulting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifertmatthews/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-matthews-4a253528/
BENJAMIN KASDAN, AIA
Principal at KTGY
Benjamin Kasdan, AIA, is a Principal and Design Leader at KTGY Architecture + Planning in Tysons, VA near Washington, DC. He is a frequent speaker and published writer about the value of design, mentorship, advocacy, sustainable architecture, resilience, student housing, multifamily housing, and mixed-use communities. He has held leadership positions with the American Institute of Architecture Students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, AIA Orange County, AIA California, and AIA National including serving as the 2019 President of AIA California.
CONTACT
Email: bkasdan@ktgy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bkasdan/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bkasdan/
2023 TSACS D+CM Expo
The Tuskegee University Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science (TSACS) is hosting its 6th Annual Design + Construction Management Expo this week, Feb. 6 - 10, in the Willcox A & C buildings.
The mission of the Expo is to connect TSACS students with the newest developments in the architecture, construction, and design industries. The Expo is a week-long event featuring a career fair with 30+ companies, professional-led seminars, and interactive workshops for the students.
The Expo also highlighted student accomplishments. Such as students who obtained 2022 summer internships, the 2022 National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) 1st Place competition team, and the 2023 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) competition team who will be presenting in Las Vegas, NV, just a week before the Expo event.
This year, TSACS has partnered with Creative's XP, a professional development platform founded by Tuskegee architecture alumnae Jennifer Taylor Matthews '13. Creative's XP introduces design-related students to traditional and nontraditional career paths while supporting them through career readiness and job acquisition.
Her interest in student engagement and career readiness stems from her time as a former local President of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). While a student, she also served as the former National Vice President of the AIAS and former National President of the Tuskegee Architecture and Construction Alumni Association. She is excited to re-engage with TSACS and support its students' pursuing internships and full-time positions in architectural and construction-related fields.
"Our mission is to develop skilled professionals capable of playing active roles in shaping communities by building meaningful places for all people, said Dr. Carla Jackson Bell, professor and dean of the School of Architecture and Science (TSACS)." "We intend to keep working to help our current and future students have a competitive advantage that will distinguish them from students at peer institutions and advance their career goals."
Companies in attendance include:
Architecture
Corgan
SS&A Design Collective
Moody Nolan
IKM Architecture
Nequette Architecture and Design
Perkins + Will
MOSA Architects
Mead & Hunt
Cooper Carry
MSA Design
HKS
PH&J Architects
HOK
RAMSA
Orcutt | Winslow
Duvall Decker Architects
Williams Blackstock Architects
Construction
DPR Construction
Juneau Construction Company
Holder Construction
McCarthy Building Companies
Kraus Anderson
Batson-Cook Construction
JE Dunn Construction
The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Robins & Morton
Caddell Construction
Stewart Perry Construction
Brasfield & Gorrie
Architecture/Construction
CRB Group
The Campaign for Historic Trades
Performance Services
The Beck Group
Graduate Schools
Weitzman School of Design - University of Pennsylvania
Xplore Event - Tuskegee Architecture and Construction Science
The Tuskegee University Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science (TSACS) will host its annual Design + Construction Management (D+CM) Expo Monday, January 31st through Friday, February 4th, 2022. The Expo’s mission is to provide students mentorship seminars, interview opportunities, and design-based seminars. This year’s virtual seminar will be open to students and professionals nationally and internationally.
Getting Licensed: Lessons Learned Along the Way!
Join the AIAS and NOMA for a panel discussion with emerging professionals in various phases of their journeys to licensure. Our panelists will share their experiences and provide advice to students and soon to be graduates seeking licensure in the future.
Fall Seminar Series
Join America's Hidden Gem, B.E.A.M, and Creative's XP for a Fall Seminar Series featuring a panel discussion and three focus sessions. The panel discussion will explore the career paths and motivations of Architectural Designers knee-deep in traditional practice and pursuing licensure. The focus sessions will highlight professionals with an architecture background who have successfully transitioned to alternative career paths by identifying their creative career passions. Please use the links below to sign up for sessions!
Tim Matthews | Creative
Hear from Tim Matthews, the Creative Director of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), as he discusses how he turned his architecture background into a career in digital media, photography, and brand management. This session will highlight what it is like to be a Creative Director and how our graphic eye can extend beyond architecture.
Follow Tim on Instagram @timmatthewsii
Jamillah Muhammad | XPerience
Jamillah Muhammad is an experienced Architectural Project Manager and Owner of Inspired Wandering. She has more than 20 years of experience in architecture and specialized in retail development for medium to large national clients. After so many years in the retail industry, her focus shifted to residential renovations using traditional building methods and materials in Morocco and Italy, as well as building Inspired Wandering.
Follow Jamillah on Instagram @inpiredwanderingtravel
Inspired Wandering is a travel company that focuses on creating unique experiences centered around the architecture, culture, people and food of Morocco and Italy. The company was created and inspired by the volunteer time spent with Habitat for Humanity and The Fuller Center for Housing over the past 12 years. Jamillah served as board member, family partner, land committee member, volunteer team lead for international trips, and volunteer team member for international trips helping to build houses for families.
Melding architecture with travel has been a long time passion and one that has helped to shape the future of her career.
Milan Jordan | Innovator
Milan Jordan is a design enthusiast and innovator. With a background in architecture and a passion for non-profit management, her career is the intersection of mission-driven work for the built environment. She earned a Master of Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology and is the Director of the HOPE Crew at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Milan is an innovator because she has created Cultured Kombucha, a brand and product to attract minorities and lesser-targeted populations to internal health and wellness.
Follow Milan on Instagram @theculturedkombucha
About the Series Co-Hosts …
America’s Hidden Gem™ is a platform dedicated to celebrating the Black Architect, ally professionals and students. Through features, mentorship, and professional development summits, AHG™ aims to increase the percentage of Black architects from ~2%. Follow AHG in Instagram @americashiddengem
Black Emerging Architects Mission (B.E.A.M.) - A special thank you to Yasmine Hardy-Njie, our Creative Ambassador and Student Representative, who will assist in moderating the Fall Seminar Series! Yasmine is the founder of the B.E.A.M., a student run organization focused on creating a platform that allows authentic connections between minority students in architecture programs throughout the DC Metro area. Follow B.E.A.M. on Instagram @beam.rvt
A Two-Part Conversation on Equity with Fellows & Emerging Architects
The AIA’s Fellows Public Program Planning Committee invites you to participate in two separate discussions on defining systemic racism and fostering equity within the architectural and AEC professions, institutions, and associations.
Session 1 of 2: September 2 at 5:30PM ET
Howard Mack, Assistant Professor, Morgan State University, will lead a panel discussion that engages AIA Fellows and Emerging Architects to pinpoint specific barriers to entering the profession, and the opportunities necessary to build diversity and equity in firms.
Panelists:
Howard Mack, DC|NOMA Board of Directors
Assistant Professor, Morgan State University
Design Technology Specialist/Consultant
M. Arch, Hampton University | M. Arch II, Harvard University
Jennifer Matthews, Assoc. AIA
Architectural Designer - Sherlock, Smith & Adams
B. Arch | Tuskegee University
M.A. Business Design and Arts Leadership | The Savannah College of Art and Design
Ronnie McGhee, FAIA
Principal, R. McGhee & Associates
B. Arch, Howard University
Joseph McKenley, AIA|DC Emerging Architects Committee
Architectural Designer | Bonstra|Haresign Architects
BA. Architectural Studies, University of Technology, Jamaica | M. Arch, University of Maryland
Kathryn Prigmore, FAIA
Senior Associate | Shalom Baranes Associates
B. Sci - Building Sci & B. Arch, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | M. Sci Engineer, The Catholic University of America
Ian Walker, AIAIDC Emerging Architects Committee
Architectural Associate - Studio //3877
BS. Arch, M. Arch, & MS-Sustainable Design | The Catholic University of America
IF YOU MISSED THIS SESSION, CHECK IT OUT BELOW
Session 2 of 2:
This interactive program invites participants to reflect lessons learned from our panel, and discuss topics that include:
Awareness of Architecture as a profession
Education
Career Entry
Getting Licensed
Career Roles/Responsibilities
Leadership Opportunities and Advancement
How synergy between AIA Fellows and Emerging Architects can be most effective.
Next steps on how best to ‘seize the moment’ and effect change.
Participants will have the opportunity to join chat rooms for small-group conversations to share insights and generate action items. Participation in the first session is encouraged but not required.
Creative's Xplore
Please join Creative's XP (Experience) as it hosts its first ever Creative's Xplore event in the DC Metro area on Saturday, February 22nd, 2020 from 10:00 AM - 1:00PM at SmithGroup's DC location.
Creative's XP is a professional development organization that introduces collegiate architecture students to traditional and non-traditional design careers. Through a series of annual events, students have the opportunity to engage with professionals from various creative careers, participate in workshops, build a network, and craft a thoughtful game plan to tackle their desired careers head-on.
Creative's Xplore is a subcomponent of Creative's XP and is the direct training mechanism for student-based seminars and learning. Join us for the first Creative's Xplore event that will touch on career opportunities in the public, private, and community-based design sectors. Participate in an informative Q&A session during the Creative's XP Round-Robin Discussion, and end the event with a firm tour of SmithGroup's DC office! Lunch will be provided.
Schedule at a Glance!
10:00 AM - Welcome!
10:15 AM - Creative Speakers
11:00 AM - Round-Robin Discussion
12:00 PM - Lunch
12:30 PM - (Optional) Tour of SmithGroup
Creative Speakers:
Jennifer Matthews (Founder of Creative's XP)
Morina Peterson, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, Assoc. NOMA (DC Office Director and Project Manager at Waldon Studio Architects)
Vrunda Vaghela, LEED AP (Senior Director of National Initiatives at Enterprise Community Partners)
Tiffany Wilson, RA (Project Manager at Fairfax County Government)
Become a Creative Ambassador
Creative’s XP would like to hear from you if you are a student or emerging leader in your school or company! Ambassadors assist with the promotion of events, volunteer for events, and enjoy waived event fees for their dedication to the Creative’s XP mission. Contact us if you believe you are a great fit for the Creative team.
Host an Event
Creative’s XP rotates it’s event locations to highlight a variety of creative careers. Hosts will typically nominate a employee to highlight their creative career and provide a tour of the company’s office. This allows our attendees to see first-hand what it is like to work within your office and culture. Contact us if you are interested in hosting the next Creative’s XP event.