This session will explore and discuss the lessons learned and ideas generated from the ArchVoices Essay Competition which, over the past four years, has engaged more than 650 emerging professionals worldwide in a dialogue of critical thinking and writing that addresses the role of young professionals, the meaning of the word architect, how the profession of architecture engages the public, the future of professional practice, and other related topics.
    Learning objectives:

• Analyze the future of professional practice, the means by which architecture engages the general public, the evolving definition of the word architect, and the role of emerging professionals within architecture
• Identify critical issues and challenges facing the profession, as discussed in the more than 650 responses to these issues received by the ArchVoices Essay Competition over the past four years
• Identify the value of critical thinking and writing to the development of emerging professionals