We had a chance to speak with Washington, DC-based architect and designer Dandi Zhang, AIA, WELL AP, about her motivation to pursue architecture and her experiences as she continues to grow in her career. Read more about Dandi’s unique journey through both architecture and landscape architecture, as well as her advice for emerging professionals on networking and leveraging personal strengths along the path to licensure. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?

From a young age, architecture captivated me. I spent long hours honing the skills necessary to succeed in this field, particularly focusing on drawing interior and exterior spaces. Looking back, I realized my fascination was not about drawing itself; it was about the satisfaction to envision and think about environments that could influence how people live and interact with their surroundings.

As I grew older and had the opportunity to travel, my interest naturally expanded to urban design and placemaking. Seeing how different cities were planned and how the urban fabric impacted the lives of those who lived there added a new dimension to my passion for architecture. It wasn’t just about individual buildings anymore—it was about how those buildings fit into a broader context, contributing to the vibrancy and functionality of entire communities. This holistic view of architecture across different scales ultimately inspired me to pursue a career where I could shape not just spaces, but entire experiences and environments.

Tell us about your path to licensure—did you face any unique challenges or circumstances that shaped your progress?

Holding both degrees in architecture and landscape architecture, I started off practicing architecture until the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the world. During that time, I worked on several large-scale competition projects on the side and found it very fulfilling, so I decided to try to explore a career in landscape architecture. I worked at TBG Partners for a few years while finishing my licensure requirements.

My experience in landscape architecture has profoundly shaped my approach to design. It required me to focus on early site analysis, network and connections, grading, and understanding how the building interacts with the surrounding environment. This has given me a unique perspective that helps shape my design process in architecture. I can think more holistically about how a building interacts with the larger context and the public realm. Working in a landscape firm also gave me valuable insights into the architect's role from a consultant's perspective, which ultimately enhanced my communication and coordination skill as an architect. Last but not least, it influenced and helped me understand many of the skills tested in the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), especially Programing & Analysis and Project Planning & Design.

How did you stay motivated while working to earn your license?

What kept me motivated throughout the process was the act of studying itself. I’m someone who’s naturally self-driven, and I understood that certain knowledge could only be gained through active study rather than just on-the-job experience. I also recognized the significant financial investment involved in the path to licensure, which made it even more important for me to stay focused. I didn’t want to take the money I had already spent for granted, so I made sure to put in my best effort to complete all my requirements before any of my exam divisions expired.

Tell us about your current role—what does a typical day look like? Are there any projects you’re especially proud of?

I am a designer at HKS, Inc., based in Washington, DC. In my current role as a designer, a typical day involves a lot of work on the early phases of projects, such as working on pursuits and entitlement projects. This work includes some zoning research, test fit, design presentations and storytelling to help sell the design, both to the client and regulatory agencies. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to shift gears and stay on a project through the construction document phase and potentially into construction administration. This allows me to have more control over aspects like material selection and detailing, ensuring the design intent is fully realized. I’m proud of the work I’ve done on this project, as it has given me the chance to grow as a well-rounded architect.

What advice do you have for emerging professionals?

I think it’s important for emerging professionals to be aware of the time and money they’ve invested into their careers to continue to push them to complete their goals, but I also think that it’s important to consider some other things along the path as well:

  • Make your study process engaging and rewarding. Try connecting the content you’re learning, studying, and gaining experience with real-world experiences to help make the material more meaningful and impactful.
  • Celebrate small wins. Take the time to acknowledge your progress and hard work with each exam you complete!
  • Network! Connect with other emerging professionals who are also going through the licensing process. Building a community within the industry is essential and allows you to motivate each other, share tips, and offer support.
  • Exam fails don’t define your worth as an architect. Keep your focus on developing the skills and experience needed to practice architecture successfully, not just passing the tests.
  • Find what works for you. There are so many fields and specialties in architecture that you can succeed in. Leverage your strengths and discover what works best for you!

I also encourage students and emerging professionals to network and explore leadership and development opportunities available within the industry. I’ve recently been selected to participate in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) DC’s Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program for emerging professionals in DC area. The program covers various leadership topics, including understanding industry trends, tackling climate change, professional development, and the art of negotiation. Participants are paired up to lead sessions on these topics, which involves finding speakers, organizing events, and even fundraising for the program. This allows emerging professionals to develop important leadership and organizational skills beyond their day-to-day work. It’s also an excellent networking opportunity, as participants build relationships with the other scholars in the program. Emerging professionals interested in getting involved can look for information about the program on the AIA DC website. The application process typically opens in the fall, so I'd encourage anyone interested to watch for that.

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Want more insights on the path to licensure in the U.S.? Check out the rest of NCARB's Architect Spotlight series.