Houston-based WHR Architects has named Lia Rodi, AIA, LEED AP, as the new curator of the firm’s Tradewell Fellowship Program, now in its 15th year. A past Tradewell Fellow, Rodi’s first official duty was the announcement of the 2012 Fellow Akshay Sangolli.
“It’s an honor to assume responsibility for the Tradewell program,” said Rodi. “Fourteen years ago, my own year as a Tradewell Fellow under the guidance of Kirk Hamilton was the ideal preparation for my new role. My experience and work with other Tradewells over the years has provided a model that will help to be of the best possible service to the Fellowship as a leader and mentor.”
Although internships are a tradition in the architectural profession, there are still few fellowships that offer recent graduates a focused opportunity to gain experience working closely with senior firm leaders and significant interaction with clients. This year’s Fellow, Akshay Sangolli, pursued the Tradewell in recognition of its exceptional nature. “It is a unique opportunity that puts you at an entirely different level at the outset of your career,” said Sangolli. “The Tradewell Fellowship offers [a] perfect combination of professional guidance, academic realization, and hands-on learning.”
The year-long Tradewell Fellowship was established by David Watkins, FAIA, president and chairman of WHR Architects, along with Kirk Hamilton, FAIA, FACHA, EDAC, now a professor at Texas A&M University and associate director for the Center for Health Systems and Design, in honor of the late Gary Tradewell, a former vice president and medical planner at WHR. The fellowship focuses on building careers of aspiring healthcare architects. Each year the Tradewell Fellow is involved with clients in early master planning and design, with a particular focus on healing environments and collaborative design methods as part of their employment at WHR. In addition to working directly with senior medical planners on design projects, Fellows receive career guidance from leaders at WHR and a network of past Tradewell Fellows.
In addition to project assignments, the Fellow also receives a scholarship to attend a healthcare architecture conference, and the opportunity to attend in-house educational presentations. Other educational opportunities include: assisting with teaching a graduate-level course on health facility planning, design, and construction; participating in evidence-based design activities; and assisting members of the firm in authoring speeches, articles, or books.
Fellows are selected by the group of past Tradewells at WHR, based on the strength of their design portfolios, letters of recommendation, and essays describing their accomplishments and career goals.
Sangolli, who began his fellowship in June, summarized his goals: “In the long term, I want explore how architecture can enhance human health, healing and well-being. I hope to participate in improving the quality of the built environment and its implications on human life around the world, especially in much-neglected developing nations.”
Related Stories
Architects | Jun 22, 2021
6 ways design can supercharge innovation in health sciences and medical education
It might sound radical, but the best way to achieve better collaboration is by eliminating traditional operational silos and the resulting departments.
K-12 Schools | Jun 20, 2021
Los Angeles County issues design guidelines for extending PreK-12 learning to the outdoors
The report covers everything from funding and site prep recommendations to whether large rocks can be used as seating.
Hotel Facilities | Jun 18, 2021
Adaptive reuse for hospitality, with Frank Cretella of Landmark Developers
In an exclusive interview for HorizonTV, Landmark Developers' President Frank Cretella talks about the firm's adaptive reuse projects for the hospitality sector. Cretella outlines his company's keys to success in hospitality development, including finding unique properties and creating memorable spaces.
Architects | Jun 16, 2021
BSB Design acquires California architectural firm Withee Malcolm
The acquisition marks a pivotal step in BSB Design’s long-term strategic plan.
Architects | Jun 15, 2021
Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial set to break ground
SWA Group designed the project.
Architects | Jun 15, 2021
Chicago Architecture Center and Chicago Architectural Club announce competition calling for new visions for State of Illinois “Thompson Center”
Competition seeks to give State of Illinois Center new life while preserving its architecture and public character.
Wood | Jun 10, 2021
Three AEC firms launch a mass timber product for quicker school construction
TimberQuest brand seeks to avoid overinvestment in production that has plagued other CLT providers.
Office Buildings | Jun 10, 2021
The future of the workplace is social clubs
Office design experts from NELSON Worldwide propose a new concept for the workplace, one that resembles the social clubs of the past.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 3, 2021
Student Housing Trends 2021-2022
In this exclusive video interview for HorizonTV, Fred Pierce, CEO of Pierce Education Properties, developer and manager of off-campus student residences, chats with Rob Cassidy, Editor, MULTIFAMILY Design + Construction about student housing during the pandemic and what to expect for on-campus and off-campus housing in Fall 2021 and into 2022.
Architects | Jun 2, 2021
Two new practice leaders appointed at FGM Architects
FGM Architects appoints Jan Behounek to lead Higher Education and Scott Nall to lead Federal Practice.