Meet Sara Katz, a highly talented and sought-after architectural team member in CPL’s Rochester office. Since joining the firm in 2016, Sara has made a great stride in her career, showcasing her strong passion for design, and working on a variety of projects that positively impact the Rochester community.

Her dedication to this profession is further demonstrated through her involvement in professional affiliations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Emerging Rochester Architects (ERA), and the Architectural Foundation of Greater Rochester (AFGR).

An exemplary leader both in the office and the design community, Sara shares her story on what inspired her to become an architect and how she hopes to advocate for the architectural community in her newly appointed role as a board member on the AFGR.

What led you to pursue a career in architecture?
This is probably cliché, but I always enjoyed drawing and sketching, and somehow, it developed into drawing and sketching spatial relationships. In high school, my homemade, paper bag text book covers were always covered with floor plans of some sort.

When did you become involved with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Rochester Chapter?
I was involved with the AIA Rochester Chapter as the Associate Director from 2011-2013.I met so many wonderful people and some of my closest colleagues and friends.It was a whirlwind of time planning educational events, waking the Emerging Rochester Architects (ERA) group from its hiatus and bringing energy and excitement to an architectural industry struggling through an economic downturn.

Tell us more about the Emerging Rochester Architects (ERA) group and your involvement.
ERA aims to connect people who are new to the architectural profession, and invites them to participate in fun sketch socials, networking events, educational opportunities and local tours. The group also offers support through the registration process including hosting ARE study sessions and mentorship programs.

As Associate Director, I helped revive the ERA group in 2012 alongside fellow CPL team members, Jason Streb, AIA and Ben Deuel, as well as many other committed and energetic aspiring architects at local area firms. I really enjoyed being part of a talented group of young professionals who all share a common passion for this profession and our community.

What got you interested in joining the Architectural Foundation of Greater Rochester (AFGR)?
Once my term as the AIA Rochester Associate Director was over, I continued to attend and help plan ERA/AIA events, but soon work, studying for licensure exams and life in general seemed to absorb my time. I wasn’t as active in recent years, but I attended the AIA Annual Meeting in 2017 and was inspired by all the activity and involvement of our local chapter and its members. At the Holiday Party that year, Linda Hewitt (AIA Rochester Executive Director) informed me there was a spot opening up on the Architectural Foundation of Greater Rochester Board (AFGR or Foundation for short).

I quickly learned that The Foundation is a group of highly passionate architects/designers who want to see our community grow and flourish while spending much of their own time and resources reaching out to others to help spread the word. I'm excited to be able to play a part in a group that represents such strong values.

For those not familiar, tell us more about The Foundation.
Our mission statement is as follows, “The Architectural Foundation of Greater Rochester’s mission is to promote and enhance the practice of architecture as a cultural, artistic and business resource in the region. We advocate for the architectural community and built environment and provide scholarship opportunities to regional students pursuing a career in Architecture. We also partner with government, professional, education, community and arts organizations to increase our reach and impact”

As Tom Zimmerman, The Foundation’s current President, stated, “The Scholarship Program begun by AIA Rochester is the keystone of the Foundation’s efforts. We work closely with local education at the high school and college level to provide programs and support for students.”

Now that you’re AFGR board member, what do you hope to achieve in this role?
During my time on the Board, I hope to help promote awareness and aid in the Foundation’s growth financially. I hope to encourage people to step out of the box and explore their creativity while providing guidance and lessons learned from my mentors.

Any other exciting stuff happening in the Rochester design community?
Yes! AIA Rochester is actually celebrating its centennial year, which has spurred lots of fun, local celebratory events. With our own Jason Streb serving as the current President of AIA Rochester, I’m proud that CPL has been making a huge presence and many of our team members are taking time out of their own personal lives to partake in the activities.

The most recent Installation Design Competition was a huge success! I believe about nine firms participated and it was easy to see the thoughtful effort that went into each design. I am obviously a bit partial towards CPL’s Ghost Gable design as I think it serves as a great tribute to the vacant and demolished homes in Rochester that have ultimately led to the City revitalizing its neighborhoods. It pays homage to our local history while marking new community beginnings!

The Fashion Show is our next large event, which will take place in October. CPL Rochester and Buffalo are collaborating as one team for this special occasion, where local firms and AIA/IIDA members will showcase their “Project Runway” designs, all of which will draw inspiration from local Rochester architecture. Again, the extra effort outside the office and excitement within our team and architectural community is something I haven’t seen in a while.

As a passionate leader and influencer in the Rochester design community, what’s one of the most important things you’ve learned thus far about your profession?
Wow, it’s tough to pin point one thing! I guess for me, it’s been important to recognize that this is a very fast pace industry, which makes keeping up with the latest technologies, building materials and construction processes critical. Learning never stops and even when you think you are proficient in certain areas, there’s always more to learn and discover!