6.17.15 | New York, NY | In a globalized market, it is increasingly important for design firms to have the contacts, skills and cultural sensitivity to work across borders. Architect-US, a new international training program, was conceived as a liaison between rising global architectural talents and U.S.-based firms. The program sponsors highly qualified bi/multilingual international architects and engineers to work in the U.S. as part of the U.S. Government J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, with young professionals eager to participate from Europe, South America, Asia and the Middle East. The program offers US firms a valuable resource to connect and deepen ties with designers in emerging and established markets.

Architect-U.S. provides structured, on-site training for up to 18 months. Candidates, ages 20-35, are selected through an intensive process that evaluates portfolios, communication skills, academic backgrounds, and fundamental compatibility with participating host firms. The organization offers a global architectural perspective available to hosts by providing access to top-notch international talents.  

Carla Prada, Architect-US Co-Founder, explains, “We started the program with the support of the Spanish government because we recognized a real need to help make these connections possible. We immediately realized that the demand and opportunities went far beyond Spain. Architect-US is unique because we will vet the candidates vigorously to ensure successful matches and future collaborations that are win-win for all.”

Architect-US will officially launch at the AIA-NY Center for Architecture on June 25 from 6-9pm. The event, entitled Emerging Talent Models of International Practice: Flourishing Spanish Architecture will feature a panel discussion on the benefits of hosting international trainees, with industry leaders including: Claire Weilsz (WXY Principal), Jorge Mastropietro (JMAPC Principal), Gustavo Rodriguez (FXFowle Principal), Carol Shappiro (BWAF Director) and Kenneth Drucker (HOK Design Principal). For more information or to register for this event, please visit http://cfa.aiany.org/index.php?section=calendar&evtid=8381.

According to Kenneth Drucker, one of the Architect-US’s first U.S.-based hosts, “In Europe, there are different issues of scale, urban design and architectural technologies. Trading that information is a great opportunity for HOK-- both sides of this process can learn from each other. Creating a culture of communication between different countries allows us to create global experiences and global opportunities. We’ve already had one successful trainee and are ready to open our doors to other talents.”

Another Architect-US supporter is English architectural icon, Sir Peter Cook, who says, “I find that in recent years, particularly speaking from London, we are dependent upon the cross-fertilization of our own cultural stream...we’ve become more global. I think any office in England with only English people would not be really reflective of the cultures we exist within.”
  
Beyond an educational training service, The Architect-US Program offers host companies the ability to promote diversity and expand business opportunities. These new international relationships will establish the need for platforms that encourage cross-pollination and global dialogues in architecture.

Patricia Garcia, Design Architect adds, “I can speak from personal experience about talent migration.  Early in my career, I was given the chance to work at prestigious firms like James Carpenter Design Associates by participating in a U.S. government-sponsored program as a professional trainee from Madrid. This great outreach opportunity opened up so many new doors for me.”

Firms interested in more information should visit Architect-US at http://www.architect-us.com and can contact [email protected]

About Architect-US

Architect-US, Member of Spain-US Chamber of Commerce, is an organization dedicated to giving Architecture students, recent graduates, and young professionals the chance to pursue an internship/professional training in the United States as part of the U.S. Government’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.

The aim of Architect-US Career Training USA Program is to provide structured, on-the-job training to the most talented up-and-coming architectural candidates for up to 18 months while promoting the value of cross-cultural exchange.  The goal of the program is to match and arrange training for the most promising international architects with U.S.-based firms.