Join the EP/YA Committee on June 20th at WorkSpace Interiors for an engaging roundtable conversation & happy hour designed for young professionals interested in the intricacies of switching jobs early or mid-career, from 5pm – 7pm. This event hosts five panelists who will lead the open discussion and have firsthand experience in successfully transitioning careers. Get practical advice on navigating the job scene within the architecture world, discover what firms expect when hiring a designer with minimal to mid-level range experience, and gain insight on overcoming the unique challenges of switching positions mid-career. Engage with peers and professionals, ask questions, and gain the knowledge to confidently manage your career trajectory with this open-ended conversation. Whether you’re contemplating a change, actively pursuing new opportunities, or even happy with your career and have no plans to switch soon, this event is your chance to gather essential knowledge and expand your network. 

Thanks to our sponsor, The Architecture Collaborative, charcuterie, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks will be available during happy hour!

Panel:

Click on our panelist’s names to connect with them and learn more about their firms and work.

Moderator: Haley Zimmerman, AIA – McCarty Holsaple McCarty

Haley Zimmerman, an East Tennessee native, is a talented designer with an intuitive eye for both the quality and function of space. After graduating from UT Knoxville with a Bachelor of Architecture in 2015, she joined MHM. With experience on a wide range of projects, from small healthcare facilities to large corporate headquarters, she is adept at interpreting the client’s needs to facilitate a thoughtful and creative approach to design. Haley has a keen interest in graphic design, enjoys supporting the firm’s marketing efforts, and is heavily involved in design initiatives at MHM. In addition, she volunteers with AIA East Tennessee, focusing on emerging professional resources and outreach programs. She also leads the charge in organizing the annual Art Salon as part of [Knoxville] by Design, East Tennessee’s celebration of the nationally recognized Architecture Week. In 2023, she was appointed to the board of Random Acts of Flowers.

Lauren Bush, AIA- Open Door Architecture

Lauren Bush, AIA is a project architect/manager with 14 years of experience leading award-winning projects across all markets and scales, currently serving the residential market. She thrives on engaging with people and brings excitement and a smile to all project situations helping clients and team members feel at ease at every stage of the process. She excels at translating a project’s goals into beautifully designed, well-coordinated solutions. Passionate about the community, Lauren enjoys volunteering with her favorite local organizations and exploring the city with her husband and three boys.

Geoffrey Cavelier, AIA- Smee + Busby Architecture, PC

Geoffrey has over eight years of professional experience in architecture. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design in 2015. He has been active in the local CSI chapter since 2014 where he has held various chair and board positions in an effort to maintain a community that advances the design & construction industry. 

Michelle Mokry, AIA- The Architecture Collaborative

As Associate Architect, Michelle thrives on engaging clients and helping to actualize their ideas. She excels with attention to detail and enjoys using her creative flair to put the finishing touches on every project she encounters, whether to manage or design. She has experienced various project types, allowing her to switch gears quickly and be flexible with timeframes and work scopes. Michelle also firmly believes that the ability to communicate effectively with all individuals is essential, no matter what industry one works in. A graduate of The University of Tennessee School of Architecture in 2004, Michelle is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and an Associate member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). She also obtained her LEED AP Status in 2007 in the Existing Building O+M category and always looks for a way to bring sustainability into every project, no matter the scale.

Andrew Newman, AIA- BarberMcMurry Architects

Drew is a passionate, process-oriented architect with strong design and a fervor for innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. He has over 10 years of experience in projects, including office, healthcare, and education spaces. His focus is on interpreting and distilling the client’s design objectives, budget, and program aspirations into a creative, memorable solution. Drew is a Cincinnati native who appreciates art, architecture, history, and culture. 

Scott Searle, AIA- Sanders Pace Architecture

After receiving his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Tennessee in 2012, Scott worked as an Intern Architect at McCarty Holsaple McCarty.  During his time there, he contributed to various project types and sizes.  In 2014, he ventured to the Pacific Northwest to gain experience designing highly unique modern homes with David Coleman Architecture in Seattle, Washington.  Many of his projects have been featured in print and online design publications.  In 2020, Scott joined Sanders Pace Architecture, where he focused on the firm’s growing portfolio of single-family residential projects.  His approach to design is elemental, applying timeless architectural principles to modern challenges and contexts.  He is driven by the belief that a well-designed space plays a key role in the joy of everyday life.