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ON THE MOVE RKTB ANNOUNCES
NEW
project manager. With varied experience, Lawal has worked for the design firms KPF and SLM Architecture, both in New York, following experience in retail and education. Known for her practical imagination cultivated across the worlds of science and art, she brings a background showcasing diverse challenges in health science and architecture, and how architectural and urban solutions can incorporate dimensions of health, people, and the natural environment. KT Weeks, also tapped as project manager, arrives as an ambitious architectural designer actively pursuing an architecture license. Interested in historic preservation, existing building repair, and sustainability, Weeks is skilled in research, writing, existing conditions surveys, and contract documents across K-12, residential, higher education, and preservation-focused projects. A cofounder of Future Designers for Syracuse, they worked previously for Easton Architects and Miner Feinstein Architects. They also worked with Albert Aronov on new School Construction Authority, or SCA projects including P.S. 116Q in various phases from draft scope to construction administration, bringing critical experience in one of RKTB Architects’ most active project sectors. RKTB has also announced the addition of Mita Gangopadhyay in the position of
architectural drafter. Previously working as an associate at Peter Pennoyer Architects and an intern at Robert Cohen Architect, Gangopadhyay was also president of Future Designers for Syracuse at Syracuse University, where she received her Barch in architecture in 2023. Known for a passion for bringing together the forces of creativity and STEM, form and function. she bring a multidisciplinary outlook to varied work including environmental and historic sites as well as an appreciation of the visual and performing arts. “We are delighted to welcome these talented professionals with such diverse backgrounds as RKTB moves to advance our growth in the northeastern United States,” says Peter Bafitis, AIA, president of RKTB Architects. “We believe design and construction are critical tools for improving our neighborhoods and cities, creating solutions with the spirit of the Ephebic oath from ancient Athens, striving for the ideals of our city and our sense of public duty, promising to make these places better and more beautiful than they have ever been before.” The American Institute of Architects has validated and elevated RKTB Architects’ success with recent honors, including last year’s Leadership in Housing Award for the firm’s obverall work and Citation of Design Excellence for Bafitis.
HIRES, ON HOUSING, SCHOOLS AND MORE IN NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES With a variety of new building projects and a recent award from the American Institute of Architects for housing leadership, the East Coast firm RKTB Architects is spreading a national message in support of rising to meet the current U.S. need for 6 million units of housing, the projected shortfall now causing record homelessness and barriers to affordability and homeownership. To support its expansion, RKTB has announced a number of new hires as the firm expands in not only housing but also K-12 education, solutions for the unhoused, and religious and cultural buildings, among others. EXPANDING FOCUS Among the most notable new hires is Ralph Shinogle, AIA, an experienced professional who has joined RKTB as a senior architect. Previously holding senior positions at Nelligan White Architects and Tuller McNealus Feld LLC, Shinogle brings to RKTB Architects experience in the Peace Corps and as an independent architectural designer. He earned his masters in architecture at Kansas State University and is proficient in Albanian, with credentials including his two years as president of the firm MagmaStudio in Manhattan, Kansas. Grace Lawal has joined RKTB as a
The better question is, what are we doing to make the in-office experience valuable enough for them to want to show up? Yes, mentorship and professional development can be harder without face-to-face time. But let’s not ignore that many of the mentors young professionals need aren’t in the office consistently either. If we’re serious about developing the next generation of leaders (and we’ve already established that it’s imperative we are), we have to be thoughtful about how and when we bring teams together. The future of the AEC industry depends on our willingness to meet young professionals where they are – not where we wish they were. We must be willing to adapt, be open to different perspectives, and focus on creating workplaces that foster flexibility, engagement, and offer mentorship in ways that resonate with the next generation. Let’s stop pointing fingers and start bridging the generational gap by meeting young professionals where they’re at and giving them the tools they need to elevate our industry even further. Shelby Harvey is director of talent development and HR at BHC and a 2024 Rising Star Alumni. Contact her at shelby.harvey@ ibhc.com.
SHELBY HARVEY, from page 7
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, millennials and Gen Z together now make up more than half of the American workforce. If you still see young professionals as a problem to be fixed instead of the future of your company, you’re missing the point. “Let’s stop pointing fingers and start bridging the generational gap by meeting young professionals where they’re at and giving them the tools they need to elevate our industry even further.” It’s important to take the time to understand the context behind the generational traits we’re so quick to label. Millennials were called “entitled” because we set boundaries after watching our parents and grandparents sacrifice endlessly for their careers. Gen Z expects flexibility and remote options because, for them, it’s always been the norm. Why wouldn’t they expect it?
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THE ZWEIG LETTER MAY 12, 2025, ISSUE 1585
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