Description

AIA NJ Equity in Architecture Chair Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, sits down with Sameedha Mahajan, AIA, an architect and urban designer at HDR, currently involved in critical infrastructure projects and aviation architecture in the USA. As a graduate of KRVIA, India, and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, her journey as a first-generation immigrant and a woman of color in the male-dominated Architecture-Engineering-Construction industry has been both challenging and rewarding. Recently, Sameedha was honored to receive the O-1 visa, which is awarded to professionals for extraordinary ability in their fields. Having walked this path alone, she is deeply committed to sharing my experiences with students and young professionals – particularly minorities and immigrants – embarking on their journeys in architecture and design.

During this interesting discussion, Ms. Mahajan will share her advice on career development strategies, industry challenges, and opportunities within the architecture profession. Drawing from her experience in critical infrastructure and aviation projects and her journey as a first-generation immigrant and O-1 visa recipient, Sameedha will provide insights on navigating career transitions and fostering diversity within the field. The session will offer practical guidance and inspiration for architects seeking to broaden their career impact and support underrepresented voices in the industry.

Topics will include:

• Transitioning from academia to industry
• Securing jobs and sponsorship as an immigrant student
• Thriving in high-impact fields like aviation, healthcare, and sustainable design
• Building resilience in a competitive industry

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Identify strategies for career advancement and professional growth within the architecture industry.
Examine pathways for navigating immigration challenges in the U.S. architectural job market.
Discuss the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on practice within the AEC industry.
Explore opportunities in high-impact fields such as aviation and healthcare and their role in shaping future architectural practice.
Apply key takeaways to foster mentorship and advocacy for underrepresented groups in architecture.