This year we had the opportunity to interview some of our best volunteers and teachers within our ADE program. We learned so much about their driving factors, what shapes their volunteerism, and why they felt design education was important to bring into Philadelphia classrooms. Here are some of our favorite moments in the past year that remind us why we are so dedicated to this program to begin with. Thank you to ALL our volunteers and teachers for making this year the best yet! We look forward to seeing what 2024 has in store for our Architecture and Design Education program. 

Denise Thompson, Principal Architect at FCA
Q: Why do you believe architecture and design education programs belong in the school curriculum?    
A: "There are a lot of opportunities for interests that students didn't know could become a profession. It's about exposure and letting students in the schools know that there are so many different careers. Design thinking is becoming crucial. Students can have the opportunity to be a part of the architecture and design world. Our goal is to help expose them and bring these new opportunities to light, especially at the young age that I work with. I'm in 3rd and 4th grade which is a fun time for them to think about things like Legos and drawing. Minecraft is a great tool for the future of the profession too. We are hoping students engage with these classes, games, or tools and that there is a light bulb that can go off for them. Even if not all the students become architects, they will still have new skill sets that can be essential in any job." 

Tamara Hudson, Philadelphia School District Educator 
Q: You have been participating in the ADE program for two semesters. Why do you think your students must have access to this type of education in the classroom?
A: “Unfortunately, our kids don’t have a lot of specials anymore like art or hands-on science labs. Our science curriculum is a lot of seatwork and answering questions. As teachers, we learn that not all our students are readers or auditory learners. Students really need this hands-on learning. It allowed me to see my tactile learners in a different way and allowed them to be more creative." 


Madji Alkarute, KieranTimberlake Architect
Q: In this short time frame, you essentially became the leader of a classroom filled with students. In what ways has this allowed you to develop your presentation and/or management skills in a new way?  
A: "Designers often talk about what we can do to shape the future for the better. In essence, that is why we entered the field. Of the million different ways to shape the future, I think learning how to teach young students—especially students who are underrepresented in practice today—is one of the most direct and valuable contributions we can make in order to develop presentation and management skills." 


Sean Finn, Philadelphia School District Guidance Counselor 
Q: How has the program made a difference in the school community, either inside or outside of classroom walls? 
A: “Our school usually has around 30+ languages which mean there are a lot of different cultures, customs, and ideas. I believe that is one of our strengths. With your program, they explore a common language through lived environments and spaces that we all share. It helps build on our community, culture, collaboration, and creativity where students come together through design. I hear conversations like, "This idea came from my family tradition" and their peers respond with how they can add that to their mutual design project. It is in sync with what Rhawnhurst is trying to do with the school - bring all these folks together as one. That is why it was such a natural match with ADE” 


Sophea Nouth, ADE Summer 2023 Intern  
Q: Before this internship, how did you envision your future? How did this experience reinforce or change those expectations?   
A: "I’ve always dreamed of working in an environment where I can be myself. My experience with ADE showed me that that lifestyle is obtainable and not just a dream. Everyone at CFAD is very supportive and uplifting towards one another. I have also envisioned my future to be the same routine every day. ADE showed me that every day can be different and exciting. There is always something new every day, and often tasks I would not have imagined myself doing. For example, I never imagined myself assisting Michael teaching a workshop at recreation centers. My time at ADE has shown me what the future can look like in this profession." 


Anjela Alvarado, Assistant Director in the Office of Strategic Partnerships 
Q: How do you believe ADE fits into the school district's mission?  
A: "This question is timely because Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington joined us about a year ago. With his leadership, the district released Accelerate Philly- a five-year strategic plan. One of the priorities is partnering with families in the community. Through these listening and learning sessions, we learned that school communities value partnerships because they strengthen school capacity and help the needs of students. Equity is at the center of every aspect of our work. We're committed to identifying key areas where partners can support our school communities. ADE fits into the district's mission because you're prioritizing introducing black and brown students to careers they might not otherwise considered thus creating career pathways for our students at such an early age. It aligns so well with our mission, and we love it!"

Interested in volunteering with CFAD's Architecture and Design Education program? Please reach out to Michael Spain (michael@philadelphiacfa.org), Liza Niles (liza@philadelphiacfa.org), or Carly Clifford (carly@philadelphiacfa.org) for more information.