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My vision is to strengthen WCAPT’s visibility among students in the CTE and dual enrollment programs, within the Architecture and Engineering pathways. The California Department of Education along with 42 other states, offers programs that prepare high school students for success in high-demand careers by combining classroom instruction with hands-on learning, internships, and industry-recognized certifications. Many students also participate in dual enrollment programs, earning college credit at community colleges while completing their high school education. Architecture and Engineering are among the Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways recognized for preparing students for college and career opportunities. ...learn more about Marla here! |
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I believe WCAPT is essential in connecting those dedicated to preserving our built heritage. My vision is to strengthen collaboration across disciplines while expanding awareness of preservation as both a technical and cultural pursuit. I want to help bring preservation and existing-building topics into more university programs- especially on the West Coast - and encourage young engineers to see preservation engineering as a viable and rewarding career path. I also believe preservation is sustainability at its core: reusing and restoring buildings reduces environmental impact while keeping our history alive. Through WCAPT, I hope to promote these values and help grow a vibrant community of preservation professionals. |
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WCAPT encompasses a large geographic region, making ongoing collaboration between specific areas throughout each member state challenging; however, the region provides a large community of design professionals who are potential members. Increased outreach and engagement can enhance diversity in the chapter and provide new venues for members to visit and explore. Outreach to other preservation groups and AIA Historic Resource committees in other states may also encourage collaboration and membership growth. |
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I have two main visions for WCAPT. The first is encouraging more student and emerging professional participation in the organization. One way to reach more young professionals is through connections to local professional organizations where WCAPT members are also involved. In my case, this would be the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC). Most of these organizations have dedicated emerging professional groups, and in my experience, many architecture and engineering emerging professionals are unaware of preservation as an area of practice when beginning their careers. WCAPT outreach through other professional organizations could introduce more emerging professionals to preservation and lead to further participation in WCAPT. It would also be excellent to further promote the annual PETC Student Design-Build Competition as a way to develop more student interest in WCAPT, as schools in western states are generally underrepresented in the competition. My experience is many students who participate in the competition stay involved in APTI, and thereby WCAPT. This includes myself, as the competition was my introduction to preservation as an engineering student. |
