Jack Christie, AIA, is an architectural designer at Rozzi Architects, a small firm specializing in healthcare and commercial design. Jack earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Alfred State College and an associate degree in architecture from Finger Lakes Community College. We asked the New York-based architect about formative leadership experiences in school, advocating for diverse work opportunities, and giving back to the profession.
Your licensure journey started at just 15 when you enrolled in an associate degree program. What inspired you to become an architect and start your education at a young age?
Building models out of any materials I could get my hands on was one of my favorite childhood activities. I once spent a month of my free time building a model of a Roman villa while studying the Roman Empire. Fitting the pieces together was what truly fascinated me about architecture. After taking an architecture class at Finger Lakes Community College to explore this interest, I was motivated to pursue an early architectural education.
How did your experience as president of Alfred State College's AIAS chapter shape your approach to professional development and leadership?
Leading an American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) chapter trip to Montreal made me realize the attention to detail it takes to assemble a wall section also applies to securing funding, organizing a schedule, and figuring out logistics. The draw of exploring Habitat 67 helped me convince a group of fellow students that this trip was the best use of their fall break. The firm tours we ran as a chapter made me realize that the best way to explore your career path is to connect with those who practice it day-to-day. The theme of exploration, trying new things, and pushing my comfort zone defines my approach to professional development.
What were the biggest challenges to earning a license, and how did you navigate setbacks?
It’s not always obvious when work will count toward the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®). Gaining experience in all six areas of the AXP was something I perceived as a challenge at the outset of my licensure journey. After voicing this concern, my coworkers and supervisors made a conscious effort to expose me to areas of practice, such as construction administration and practice management, early on. As I began to bring projects into the construction phase, I realized I was gaining a much more well-rounded set of experiences than I thought possible on just one project.
How did you stay motivated during your licensure journey, and who helped you along the way?
My roommate, a licensed architect, gave me his words of advice on each exam. One of my coworkers gave me a comprehensive overview of the licensure process, recommendations on study material, and checked in with me throughout the process. Having a peer group that showed genuine excitement for my journey kept me motivated every step of the way.
Tell us about your current role at Rozzi Architects. What does a typical day look like for you, and what projects are you excited to work on?
At a small firm like Rozzi Architects, you don't get handed one slice of a project. I've followed projects from early design through construction, which is how I earned a range of experience. Most of our work is healthcare, so a given day might mean laying out an outpatient suite around equipment clearances in the morning, walking a job site in the afternoon, and answering a department of health (DOH) plan review comment in between. The firm has been expanding into multifamily, and my work on Eagle Ridge in Irondequoit, New York, has been an interesting set of new problems to solve.
My role with AIA Rochester allows me to give back to a profession that welcomed me with open arms.
You’re currently a member of the AIA Rochester Board of Directors. Why is giving back to the profession important to you?
During the pursuit of my B.Arch., I was incredibly grateful for the scholarships I received from American Institute of Architects (AIA) Rochester and other professional organizations. My role with AIA Rochester allows me to give back to a profession that welcomed me with open arms.
What’s next on your professional journey?
Starting this summer, I will be pursuing an MBA at the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School. While my architecture training was highly targeted at developing technical capabilities, my experiences with AIAS and AIA Rochester have shown me expanding my skillsets even further. The MBA program will give me the opportunity to hone my business acumen and further develop as a leader.
