From the Drafting Table to Municipal Leadership

I still remember the excitement of discovering my love of architecture. I took my first drafting class in high school as an elective because the class sounded fun, but it ended up speaking to me on a deeper level. The smell of graphite, the tactile sensation of putting lines on vellum, the collaboration with peers, and the sense of accomplishment that came from transforming a blank sheet into a structured vision quickly became more than something I simply enjoyed. It became a pursuit, a calling. I had always enjoyed projects, problem solving, and exploration of how things worked, but this was different. This was purposeful design, a marriage of art and utility. It was creative, but it was grounded by rules. I realized I wanted to become an architect.

That early passion gave me a clear direction into an architecture program in college, where I immersed myself in the rigors of design studios, critiques, and sleepless nights fueled by caffeine and ambition. College was an incredible challenge. It consistently tested my resolve but reaffirmed my love for the field. After six years of college, I graduated with a master's degree in architecture, ready to bring my vision to the built world and work toward earning my architect license.

But life had other plans. I joined the workforce at one of the worst possible times for an aspiring architect: the Great Recession. As the housing market collapsed and firms shuttered their doors, opportunities for recent graduates dried up almost overnight. I was fortunate to land a position initially, but like so many in our profession during that period, I was soon laid off. The market was brutal. Firms that survived were barely hanging on, and no one was hiring entry-level talent. I lacked the minimum interning hours to sit for examination, so my path toward being an architect came to an abrupt halt since I could not yet venture out on my own.

With limited options, I made a tough but necessary decision. I accepted a job at a retail home improvement center. What I thought would be a temporary solution stretched into nearly a decade. At first, I felt like I was drifting away from my architectural goals, but in time, I came to see that this chapter had its own value. I developed strong customer service and management skills, learned residential construction from a consumer perspective, and gained a grounded understanding of how people interact with built environments in everyday life. I helped homeowners plan remodels, answered technical questions, educated people on materials and products, mentored and developed the retail careers of many others, and became a resource for my peers and even corporate staff during store remodel projects. It wasn't architecture in the traditional sense, but I was determined to continue using my skillset and knowledge to be a leader. I was problem-solving, designing, educating, and helping others achieve their goals, just in a different form while also keeping shelves stocked with merchandise and driving sales goals.

My turning point came when I was offered a position working for a local fire department as a plan reviewer for building permits. It was a leap back into the world of architecture and building codes, and I seized it without hesitation. I worked under a licensed architect, which allowed me to log the remaining hours I needed for the Intern Development Program (now the Architectural Experience Program, or AXP). More than that, I was finally back in an environment where architecture was a shared language and a professional culture.

Municipal work opened up a new dimension of architecture for me. I learned the intricacies of code compliance, life safety, zoning, engineering, and the operations of local government. Reviewing plans submitted by other architects gave me insights into best practices, common mistakes, and the complex intersection between design intent and regulatory constraints. I wasn't just reviewing lines on paper, I was part of a team tasked with safeguarding the built environment of a community.

With the support of my family and my employer, a renewed sense of purpose, and some fantastic resources I gained through the Association of Licensed Architects Path2Arch program, I completed my internship hours and began tackling the divisions of the Architect Registration Examination. Passing the ARE was more than a professional milestone, it was a personal triumph. After years of setbacks, detours, and doubt, I finally achieved the goal I had set back in my high school drafting class. I became a licensed architect.

Today, I serve as the Chief Building Official for the Village of Hanover Park in Illinois. In this role, I oversee building code enforcement, permitting, inspections, and public safety in the built environment. I work with architects, engineers, contractors, and the public to ensure that projects meet all code requirements and serve the community well. It's a position of responsibility and trust, and I believe staffing the position with a licensed architect is a great asset to the community.

Looking back, my journey wasn't linear or traditional, and it's still not, but few worthwhile ones are. I've come to appreciate the winding path that brought me here, because each twist and turn added a new layer of experience that informs how I lead today. I understand the challenges of young professionals trying to break into the field, the pressures and heartache of a pivot in career path to stay afloat, and the importance of mentorship and perseverance.

To those still on the path to licensure, especially those facing obstacles: Don't lose sight of your passion. The route may not be direct, and the timing may not be ideal, but every experience contributes to your growth if you keep the big picture in view. Architecture isn't just a degree or a license, it's a mindset, a way of seeing the world and shaping it thoughtfully.

To my fellow licensed architects: Keep the door open. Mentor someone. Offer that first job, or even that second chance. Remember the feeling you experienced achieving your dream, and help someone achieve theirs. The profession thrives when we support and uplift one another.

I'm proud of the road I've taken, even the detours, because they have made me a better architect and a better leader. I hope my story helps someone find their footing, take a leap, or simply feel seen. Architecture is a journey shaped by persistence, perspective, and purpose.