Q&A with Liz Parry

Elizabeth Parry, AIA

Where do you hope the emerging generation of architects will guide the field over the next few decades?

I hope to see the next generation of architects focus their efforts on the diversity and inclusivity issues present in today’s world. Personally, I’m focused on the education system. ALL children deserve a safe space to learn, equal access to opportunities, proper resources, support systems, and an environment that promotes growth. I’d love to see the next generation of architects find innovative and economical designs that can reach all communities and ensure children everywhere have access to playful, safe, and beautiful environments that allow their minds to flourish.

What are your short-term and/or long-term goals to move yourself in that direction?

I strongly believe in the power of education; I plan to get more involved with the AIA—primarily looking towards their groups geared towards improving our educational designs. The AIA also played a huge role in my journey with the exams, as I was awarded a scholarship for the ARE tests for the 2020 year. I hope to be able to give back to the AIA by becoming involved in their mentoring programs or volunteering for the ARE courses they offer.

Short-term, I plan to apply the knowledge and confidence I have gained from the testing process and apply it to my day-to-day work with the firm. I don’t believe the learning is done just because the tests are done; I will always continue to seek more knowledge by way of others and involvement in the AIA community.

Which MTFA D+P value resonates with you the most? 

Passion. I’ve always loved the saying “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

My passion for design, creating, and shaping the world around us is what fuels me every day to continue the work we do at MTFA. It’s the never-ending desire to seek new ideas, solve problems that seem impossible, and find inspiration from all walks of life. This passion is contagious; it’s shared across the whole firm and brings our ideas to life.

Did you have a mentor at MTFA D+P during your exam preparation? If so, what was that relationship like and how did it help you prepare for your exams? Was it formed naturally, or were you assigned a mentor when you started?

Braden Field, AIA, LEED AP BD+C was my primary mentor during the exam process. He happened into the role naturally as we worked together on numerous projects. From my first day, he encouraged me to begin thinking about my licensure path and strongly urged the “just have to dive in” method. While studying, Braden was an excellent resource and sounding board; he openly shared his own resources to further my understanding of various concepts.

Meagan Jancy, AIA, LEED AP BD+C also served as my mentor. She was always available and willing to answer questions (no matter how strange). Meagan provided tangible, “real-life” examples that allowed me to better understand my reading materials and apply the concepts to what I was practicing in the firm.

I continued to seek out as much information as I could by continuously reaching out to other team members who specialized in certain areas. Overall, the entire support system at MTFA was (and still is) unbelievable! All the principals were cheering and supportive when I requested time off for exam days, and all of my colleagues continuously checked in to see how the journey was progressing!