Lily Hengya Gucfa, Assoc. AIA

Candidate for Director

I recently graduated with my Bachelors of Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design and joined a Providence architecture firm Vision 3 Architects. At the encouragement of a few colleagues, I’m applying for the 1 year position of Director at Large.

While I may be new to the industry, I’ve been involved with efforts to build community at the academic and professional levels for several years. When I was a sophomore in high school student, I participated in ACE RI Mentorship Program. Largely due to the dedication of my mentors, I became passionate about continuing with design, proposing ways to alter the built environment, and improving the experience of its inhabitants people and nature alike. That support network led me to RISD where I was later elected Co-President of our NOMAS chapter. With NOMAS, especially following the pandemic, I entered into a campus climate where greater media visibility, increased member engagement, and generating exciting programs were at the top of everyone’s priority list. I led department initiatives for NOMAS’s first BIPOC architect speaker series, wellness nights, professional development, and outreach opportunities outside of RISD. Much of my life again and again seems to come full circle because now I’m an ACE mentor!

I’d appreciate the opportunity to meet with the Board whether that is as a general member or as a Board member to gain a better understanding about AIA’s goals regarding giving back to its members and keeping them engaged. As a Board member, I’m looking to find community once again and facilitate the same for others.