Laura Sherman is an architect with a thoughtful and curious approach to design evident in built spaces throughout her city. Based in Atlanta, she goes beyond her role as an architect and contributes to the greater design community in purpose-driven leadership positions. Shortly after graduating, she began serving on the board of directors for the Architecture Foundation of Georgia, an organization which supported her own education. As a first-generation Filipino American, Laura contributes to advocacy and scholarship initiatives that make lasting impacts toward an inclusive industry. She was a graduate and enthusiastic voice in both the 2023 AIA National Intercultural Leadership Program and 2022 AIA Georgia Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program. Laura currently serves on the AIA Atlanta board and seeks the mindful advancement of the profession in her involvement with NOMA, EQiA, and as a mentor to her former students and emerging professionals. Apart from her career, Laura enjoys carving up a linocut block, creating pottery, and doing projects on her 1950’s home.
Jacob Powell is a young designer that was raised in the Metro Atlanta Area. As a graduate of Kennesaw State University, he was an Executive Board Member for the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS), Jeremy Smith Scholarship recipient, and a Cooper Carry Three Minute Thesis finalist.
As a professional, Jacob has had the opportunity to work on several types of projects, including Healthcare, Industrial, TOD, Commercial, Rural and Residential. Jacob believes that every aspect of the design process is pivotal. Whether it’s meeting with clients, communities or consultants he goes the extra mile to assure that the design process is clear and complete to the best of its abilities.
Jacob is an active member of NOMA Atlanta and a KSU NOMAS Alumni. He is passionate about his profession and people who want to serve their communities. Currently, Jacob is a Designer at Align Design Associates in Marietta, Georgia. He has the unique opportunity to work in the same area he grew up in doing architecture in the community he holds close to him
Joshua Patrick is a rising freshman at Georgia Institute of Technology. He has fervently been developing his interest in architecture and design since middle school and is eager to study these topics at the collegiate level. When his interest first sprouted, he downloaded the SketchUp software and taught himself how to design buildings. Joshua’s work continued to improve with practice, and he kept researching the field to learn how he could best contribute his designs to the world. As green designs advance in today’s world, Joshua plans to lead the process by implicating eco-friendly components into his buildings. Through architecture, Joshua believes that he could create a safer place for people to reside and work in. By becoming an architect, not only will he build buildings but will help build people. His designs will strive to improve its users, its surroundings, and local businesses.
Nia Lankford is a 2019 graduate of Mundy’s Mill High School in Jonesboro, Georgia. Not only did she graduate 4th in her class with a GPA of 4.5, but she was also able to receive her associate degree of science from Clayton State University through the dual enrollment program. This aspiring architect now plans to pursue a double major in architecture and civil engineering at Kennesaw State University in the fall of 2019.
Throughout high school, Nia contributed a lot of her time to her school’s community. As a member of multiple school clubs including DECA, FBLA, SGA, BETA club, NHS, NSHSS, and others, she was able to hold several leadership positions and make an impact at her high school. Nia held the position of Vice President of Finance in DECA and had the opportunity to compete in regionals where she placed first in her region and advanced to state competitions. Nia was the vice president of her freshman and sophomore class, where she was able to influence and plan homecoming and prom events and activities directly. As a mentor in Mundy’s Mill girls’ mentoring program, Women of the Mill, she was able to serve as a mentor and role model for underclassmen girls at her school. Nia was also a member of the Mundy’s Mill orchestra and captain of the swim team. She won the title of county champion in the 100m Butterfly and 200M Individual Medley every year and was recognized as one of Clayton County’s top student-athletes.
Outside of school, she was active in the community as well. As the chairperson of the Clayton County Youth Commission, she was able to participate and help coordinate several events and community service projects geared towards improving the quality of life in her community. The community work she completed enabled her to receive the civic engagement seal on her high school diploma. Also during her time on the youth commission, the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia awarded her with the youth leadership award at 2018’s annual ACCG conference. Nia strives for her goals with a grave amount of determination and is committed to making her future dreams a reality.
Michael “Grant” Stokes is a rising freshman at Cornell University, where he plans to study architecture. Grant graduated with honors from Davidson Fine Arts in Augusta, GA with concentrations in piano, ceramics, and costume design.
Grant was co-president of the Red Cross Youth Board, served on the CSRA Community Foundation Grant Committee, and was a member of the golf team.