"Passing the Torch": Alisa Chirachaturaphak, Tzu Chen & Dharshyani Jackson

"Passing the Torch" Part 4: Alisa Chirachaturaphak, Tzu Chen & Dharshyani Jackson

Join us for an incredible online event as Alisa Chirachaturaphak, AIA, LEED GA, Tzu Chen, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, and Dharshyani Jackson, Assoc. AIA, NOMA converse about their experiences as Asian American Pacifica Islanders practicing architecture! Get ready to be inspired by these three amazing individuals. This is an incredible opportunity to gain wisdom that could help propel your success in the industry. Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of something truly special. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 28th, 12 - 1 pm, and get ready to "Pass the Torch" with Alisa, Tzu, and Dharshyani! Register Today!

More about our speakers:
Alisa Chirachaturaphak, AIA, LEED GA, Architect at HGA

Alisa Chirachaturaphak is a recently licensed Chinese- Thai Architect. She is passionate about creating resilient, equitable, and intentional Architecture – using Design as a catalyst for positive change. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a B.Arch, she worked at Clark Nexsen as a Designer. She then moved to HGA, where she is currently an Architect working in their Healthcare and Arts|Community|Education Market Sectors and the local Equity Chair. Her project experience ranges from small tenant fitouts, medium community based projects and hospitals, to larger campus planning. Outside of the office, she is interested in fashion design through thrifting and DIYing to create something new and unique from what’s already existing.

Tzu Chen, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Southeast Regional Director of ACE Mentorship Program of America

Before joining the ACE Mentor program as a regional director, Tzu Chen spent more than 15 years as a licensed and practicing architect, including volunteering as a Lead Mentor for the Raleigh ACE affiliate. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from Virginia Tech and has roots in Richmond, VA. Drawing from his love of mentoring and architecture, Tzu brings a unique perspective to his role, supporting ACE affiliates in the southern region. His goal is to diversify and raise awareness of the AEC industry through storytelling and firsthand experience. Additionally, Tzu has found success as an architectural photographer/videographer, leveraging his architectural training to capture projects in the best light. Collaborating closely with designers, he understands the importance of how the public perceives architectural work and considers documentation an integral part of the design process.

Dharshyani Jackson Interior Designer at HH Architecture

As a first-generation immigrant, Dharshyani relocated to the US from Singapore at the age of 9. She spent her formative years in New Mexico before moving to North Carolina and earning a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Meredith College in Raleigh. For the better part of a decade, Dharshyani has been designing spaces in various sectors, including healthcare, science and technology, community buildings, and higher education. Passionate about equitable design and community, she believes that the design industry has a responsibility to build equitably and consider the context of the community. This commitment is reflected in her social activism outside of work. Dharshyani actively participates in mutual aid efforts around Raleigh to support the unhoused community, and she also serves as an integral member of Triangle Barkitecture, helping raise funds for local rescues.