Emerging Professional Awardees

This award recognizes and supports emerging, graduate architects who have made outstanding,
innovative contributions to the discipline and/or profession and have rendered exemplary service in the public realm.
Candidates can be nominated by peers, mentors, allied professionals, or employers.

2023 Emerging Professional Awardees

Cassandra Archer, AIA, NOMA
Centerbrook Architects and Planners

Cassie’s passion for mentoring the next generation of architects is evident in her involvement with NOMA CT; as their Sponsorship Committee Chair and K-12 Outreach Co-Chair, she engages with the architectural community to create internship, scholarship, and experiential learning opportunities for students. She also founded the “I AM” Lecture Series to help bridge the gap between the professional and educational world.

In addition to NOMA CT, Cassie is involved in several DEI initiatives dedicated to making the field of architecture accessible to all. She is active in the community as a board member of the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and a former Board Director for the Connecticut Architecture Foundation. During the pandemic, Cassie donated her talents to design an open-air meeting pavilion for school and community use in Chester.

Cassie is a generous supporter of her colleagues at Centerbrook and an energetic contributor to a more inclusive future.

Nominated by Todd E. Andrews, AIA

Laura Bedus, AIA, Well AP, NOMA
JCJ Architecture

Laura joined the National Organization of Minority Architects, Connecticut Chapter in 2021. She immediately got involved in NOMACT’s Communications Committee, becoming editor of the quarterly newsletter. She was asked to join the 2023-24 Board of Directors; she is also currently serving as Sponsorship Chair.

As Co-Chair for the 2023 AIACT Emerging Professionals Knowledge Community, Laura's involvement supports growth opportunities in networking, mentoring, and ARE/AXP. She has organized events that help connect emerging professionals to the wider AEC community. Laura is also collaborating with the AIA Allied Advisory Committee and the Women in Architecture 4x10 Mentoring Group to support EP’s with meaningful development and networking opportunities.

Laura’s efforts to support meaningful growth and development in the profession extend to her employment as well. Laura is a member of JCJ Architecture’s JEDI Committee and serves as a member of the firm’s REVIT working group.

Nominated by James E. LaPosta Jr., FAIA, LEED AP