“Humans will always be an integral part of architecture,” explained Claire Messer, Master of Architecture student, College of Architecture and Planning at CU Denver, addressing an 8th grader who asked whether Artificial Intelligence was taking over the profession. “Imagine your community wants to build a new recreation center,” Messer continued. “Your ideas about the programs and spaces will help shape the building, making sure it serves the community’s needs.” This question was just one of many fielded at the “architecture” table during the recent Denver Public Schools 8th Grade Career Fair.
On November 20th and 21st, 2024, the AIA Colorado Justice, Equity,Diversity, Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Education Pipeline Committee, NOMA Colorado, College of Architecture and Planning at CU Denver, and AIA Colorado members hosted an “architecture” table at the Denver Public Schools 8th Grade Career Fair. Over 3,400 middle school students were introduced to exciting career possibilities and post-secondary options.
The event continues the J.E.D.I. Education Pipeline’s mission to spark young minds’ interest in architecture and expand career pathways, all while promoting diversity within the profession. Students engaged with representatives of the field who brought physical models, digital designs, plan sets, and design books to ignite curiosity. They were handed “Future Architect” stickers in English and Spanish, provided by AIA Colorado, and five lucky school libraries will receive architecture books, donated by J.E.D.I. committee members, through a raffle. Curiosity about architecture abounded, and questions were asked about salary, educational preparation, internship availability, stress management, and the challenges architects face, including the impact of AI!
The 8th Grade Career Fair, an annual event serving the entire Denver Public Schools district, is a cornerstone of their Career and College Success program.
A huge thank you goes to the many passionate volunteers who staffed the architecture table, sharing their knowledge and excitement for the field with the next generation of designers:
