We recently caught up with newly licensed architect Bailee Cota, AIA, LEED Green Associate. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Bailee shares about her daily life as a project designer, her passion for people-centered design, and her advice for other licensure candidates.
What inspired you to become an architect?
In high school, I participated in a state-wide student home design competition that completely reshaped the trajectory of my life. I spent every free moment in our drafting studio—during lunch, after school—immersed in designing, modeling, and problem-solving.
The competition culminated in a first-place award my senior year, and that affirmation solidified my path forward. I carried that momentum to Penn State University, where the intensity and camaraderie of studio culture was a natural extension of what I loved. I thrived on the rigor, the hands-on approach, and the friendly competition among peers.
I love the puzzling nature of this discipline and the art of putting on someone else’s shoes to create something that enhances life.
Tell us a bit about your licensure journey: Were there any challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
I began my licensure journey in January 2025. After three months of dedicated studying, I passed my first exam, Practice Management. Two months later, however, I sat for Project Management and failed. It was disheartening, and I felt depleted.
That moment became a turning point. I reassessed my strategy, stepped back, and committed to a more structured, focused approach. Using Amber Book, I immersed myself in the content from July through October and ultimately completed the remaining exams within a three-week window. It was intense, and it definitely felt like a leap of faith—but it worked.
Tell us about your current role—what does a typical day look like for you?
I currently serve as a project designer at Moseley working within the affordable housing/multifamily sectors. Much of my work involves collaborating with developers pursuing tax credits across various jurisdictions—primarily in the Carolinas.
A typical day involves balancing the intersecting requirements of owners, jurisdictions/codes, and the needs of the inhabitants. Each project becomes its own intricate puzzle, and I enjoy navigating that complexity to deliver thoughtful, well-coordinated solutions.
I’m especially proud to work alongside a team that values mentorship, curiosity, and continual professional growth. That environment has shaped me significantly as a designer.
What or who do you think most shapes your approach to architecture and design? Is any design area of particular interest to you?
The user—and the lived experience of inhabiting a space—has always been central to my design philosophy. Working in residential sectors, especially affordable multifamily housing, I think constantly about how people move, gather, rest, and build their lives within the environments we create.
Architecture, to me, is at its best when it elevates everyday moments and quietly supports dignity, comfort, and connection. That lens guides the way I think, draw, and make decisions.
Looking ahead, I’m deeply interested in eventually expanding my practice into bespoke single-family residential design. I’ve always been drawn to homes that reflect the personality, routines, and narratives of the people who inhabit them, and in the long term, I hope to contribute more directly to that scale of work.
At the same time, my experience in affordable multifamily housing has been invaluable. It has strengthened my technical foundation, sharpened my understanding of codes and accessibility, and deepened my appreciation for the impact well-designed housing can have at a community level. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and continue to have—and I know the skills I’m developing now will make me a stronger designer should I ultimately pursue that residential path.
What advice do you have for others working to earn their architecture license?
Don’t be afraid to be bold in your strategy. The Amber Book “all-in” approach can feel daunting, but for many people, it’s an incredibly efficient and effective way to build momentum.
Leaning on NCARB’s practice exams was also essential for me—they are extremely representative of the actual test structure and content. I reviewed them the night before every exam, and that confidence boost made a tangible difference.
Want to hear more from architects across the U.S.? Check out more stories from NCARB's Architect Spotlight series.