đź“Ť Recorded live at AIA Aspire 2025, Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville, NC
What the RFI? went live at Aspire 2025 with a powerhouse panel to explore resilience, mentorship, AI, and the evolving practice of architecture.
Aspire: A Transformative Experience
“Aspire is a transformative experience that brings people together in a community to have dialogue and problem solve.” – Mark Levine, FAIA
Aspire isn’t just another conference. Since its first year in 2019, it has grown into an immersive event designed to connect architects, contractors, and design professionals with community, culture, and each other.
Asheville’s vibrant downtown, walkable streets, and creative spirit make it the perfect backdrop for these conversations.
Resilience and Recovery in Asheville
This year’s Aspire carried even more meaning in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Flooding devastated Asheville and surrounding areas, testing the resilience of both infrastructure and community.
Mark reflected on his own experience:
“September 27th, 2024, my house flooded and I was out for eight months… It is more important than ever that we should support Asheville.”
From local firms to drone companies scanning washed-out roads, architects and engineers are playing a direct role in recovery—and preparing for what comes next.
Sustainable Design and Timelines
Clients are demanding sustainability and resilience, but that shift isn’t always smooth.
“Our clients are starting to prioritize resilience and building performance over aesthetic… that need is elevated.” – Mark Levine, FAIA
“We are looking to get more data on the systems that we design… that way we can make better decisions on how to be more sustainable.” – Akhil Hemanth
The panel emphasized that while sustainable design is no longer optional, timelines, budgets, and client education remain significant hurdles.
Mentorship Across Generations
Mentorship was a recurring theme—from firm programs to one-on-one coaching.
“These soft skills are extremely important if you want to get to the next level in your career.” – Morgan Chawaga, AIA
“I get schooled every day. Every time I open LinkedIn, there’s a 20-year-old who did something incredible. That keeps me running.” – Akhil Hemanth
“It’s not going to hang in the F’n Lou. It’s a communication tool.” – Mark Levine, FAIA
Mentorship flows both ways. Emerging professionals bring fresh ideas and resilience, while seasoned leaders pass along hard-earned wisdom.
Negotiating Salaries and Career Growth
Morgan brought her coaching expertise to the stage with practical advice for architects seeking better pay and work-life balance.
“We have to provide the data from the last 365 days and also talk about what we’re going to do in the next 365 days.” – Morgan Chawaga, AIA
Her approach? Use data-driven negotiation to achieve raises, secure benefits, and reshape outdated firm policies.
Technology and AI in Architecture
AI was everywhere in this conversation. From ChatGPT to Finch 3D and Xfigura.ai, the tools are changing how we work.
“How can we become an AI-first engineering firm? Every process needs to be looked at, broken apart, and put back together.” – Akhil Hemanth
But the panel also offered caution:
“AI will never have those soft skills.” – Morgan Chawaga, AIA
“AI does not have taste.” – Matt Brennan
“A sword, no matter how sharp, is only as good as the one who wields it.” – Mark Levine, FAIA
AI can accelerate workflows, but it cannot replace the creativity, empathy, and judgment of architects.
In-Person Connections & Knowledge Retention
Virtual tools are here to stay, but in-person experiences remain critical.
“We’re better when we’re together. The most effective mentoring happens face-to-face.” – Mark Levine, FAIA
“Get up from behind your computer and go walk the floors. Go talk to people. That’s how you level up.” – Morgan Chawaga, AIA
The panel also reflected on knowledge retention in the digital era, emphasizing sketching, site visits, and hands-on construction experience as ways to truly embed learning.
Key Takeaways
Aspire is an experience, not just a conference.
Resilience and sustainable design are now central to practice.
Mentorship matters—across generations and firm sizes.
Data-driven negotiation is a critical career skill.
AI tools are powerful, but humans provide taste and judgment.
Face-to-face connections drive growth, trust, and mentorship.
Final Word
Aspire 2025 highlighted the challenges and opportunities shaping architecture today. From rebuilding Asheville to negotiating salaries, from mentoring the next generation to embracing AI, the message was clear:
Architecture is evolving—and it will take resilience, innovation, and community to shape its future.
“Your network is your net worth.” – Akhil Hemanth
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