This meeting is offered at the Center for Architecture and on Zoom. Please email skaba@aiany.org for details on how to join.
Join us for an engaging conversation with three NYC-based architecture professionals as they share firsthand experiences from the early stages of their careers. This session offers candid insights into the realities of working full-time in architecture—beyond the portfolio. Geared toward students, recent graduates, and emerging designers with up to a year of professional experience, the talk will explore the transition from academia to practice, covering the challenges, surprises, and growth opportunities that come with stepping into the profession.
Speaker bios:
Nika Mo, AIA, PMP, LEED GA
Nika Mo is a Project Architect at Moody Nolan with seven years of experience delivering commercial and healthcare projects. Her expertise spans all phases of design and construction, from master planning and repositioning to technical coordination and project delivery.
Known for her strategic mindset and collaborative approach, Nika thrives in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. She is also a dedicated mentor, committed to supporting young professionals as they navigate the early stages of their careers. With experience in both boutique practices and global firms, she offers a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing emerging architects today.
Huanyu Chen, Associate Urban Designer & Assistant Studio Director
Huanyu Chen is an Associate Urban Designer and Assistant Studio Director at STARR WHITEHOUSE Landscape Architects, where he leads efforts in project visualization and production coordination. In his role, he works closely with senior leadership to optimize studio workflows and transform complex urban systems, client goals, and community input into thoughtful design strategies.
Huanyu has strong expertise in New York City standards and guidelines, including the DOT Street Design Manual, NYC Parks construction details, and DCP zoning regulations. With a Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University, his work centers on landscape infrastructure and public space. Huanyu is also an active mentor and a strong advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration to advance inclusive, community-oriented design.
Luna Zhou, AIA, LEED GA
Luna Zhou is a Project Architect at Gensler, specializing in healthcare design. With six years of experience, she is dedicated to shaping innovative, regulatory-compliant, and human-centered environments that support healing and well-being. Luna works closely with hospital leadership, clinical users, and diverse stakeholders to transform complex healthcare needs into future-ready design solutions.
Her portfolio spans from outpatient facilities to large-scale hospital master plans, integrating clinical operations with sustainability and evolving healthcare standards. A strong advocate for inclusive and resilient care environments, Luna’s work has been recognized for its impact on community health equity.
Luna is also committed to mentoring emerging designers and fostering collaboration across disciplines, advancing architecture’s role in shaping healthier, more equitable communities.
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The committees of AIA New York are the foundations from which the Chapter positions itself in the field of architecture, whether through discussion, advocacy, policy making and development, event and exhibition planning, or other endeavors.
Committees meet monthly, usually at the Center for Architecture. AIA members, AIA associate members, and general public are all welcome to participate.
If you have questions or are considering attending a meeting for the first time, contact each committee’s co-chairs for more information at aiany.org/committees.
AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee
