Today we’d like to introduce you to Malcolm Jones.
Hi Malcolm, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Hi! My name is Malcolm Jones, Assoc. AIA; I am an Emerging Professional working at a firm in Maitland, FL, called Scott + Cormia. My journey began in Tampa, FL as young boy, my mother would observe me playing with Legos and K’nex; this along with sketching floorplans of my childhood home, she realized quickly what my future had in store.
Upon matriculating from Middle School, my parents did their due diligence to cultivate this interest of mine and enrolled me into Tampa Bay Technical High School. This school was unique in the sense that had specific program paths similar to college, therefore, I was engulfed in the drafting and design program for all four years of my high school experience.
Fast forward… I graduated high school and immediately began my pursuit of enrolling into Florida International University’s School of Architecture.
“The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible, and achieve it, generation after generation.” – Pearl S. Buck.
The above quote is a pretty accurate summation of my perception as to how the industry of architecture will improve over time. I choose the word “improve” particularly, not because it speaks to something that is broken prese, rather to a system that has kinks to be worked out.
It is no secret that the majority in our field are individuals that identify as white, and unfortunately, those that do not statistically pale in comparison. However, it does not serve us well to harp on the problem, but instead to be solution-based in “IMPROVING” upon this matter.
Throughout my time as a student at Florida International University, I became well acquainted with a gentlemen named Craig Aquart (Co-partner at MC Harry & Assoc.) by way of our school’s NOMAS chapter. Craig has been and still is heavily involved with SoFlo NOMA and AIA Miami, and through this involvement, he’s had firsthand accounts of the industry’s lacking diversity. Mr. Aquart involved himself in many community-based efforts, one being the summer program – Architects in the Making (AIM).
During this involvement with AIM, he quickly noticed that there was a particular lack of students that shared a similar skin complexion to himself. Following this realization, Craig laced up his boots and headed over to the Miami Center for Architecture and Design (MCAD), where he would propose the idea to create a program known as Black Architects in the Making – Miami.
*Cue TV montage* and moments later…. They loved this idea! To refer to my earlier mention of becoming acquainted with Craig, almost in the same instance, I became a volunteer of the program. I helped to oversee and coordinate workshops with students at the Overtown Youth Center and other Miami-based boys and girls clubs.
After my short tenure of 2 years with the program, it was time for me to graduate and continue my Architectural journey; however, Craig had more mind for me. He knew that I had plans to move to Orlando, FL and thought that would be a great opportunity to expand the program’s footprint.
I graciously accepted the charge to bring BAM to Orlando, and upon my arrival in June of 2018, I did just that. I quickly acquainted myself with AIA Orlando and their Young Architect’s Forum committee. They gave me a brief audience to present to them the idea of BAM, and much like MCAD, they took to the idea almost instantly.
Today BAM – Orlando is well connected with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida, NOMA Orlando, AIA Orlando, Edgewood Children’s Ranch, the Orlando Science Center, and the Orlando Foundation for Architecture. Along with that, I have recently been inducted as a new member to the board of trustees for the Orlando Foundation for Architecture.
Learn more at: www.bamorlando.com
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Surprisingly, yes, my path from an adolescent intrigued by building blocks to a relatively experienced (still learning every day) Project Manager has been quite smooth and interesting process.
Granted everyone has their own obstacles to deal with as they’re progressing through life, but I have been blessed to navigate through them and come out better on the other side.
My current obstacle that I am battling with are the ARE (architectural licensing exams), There are six exams in total, and I have complete 5/6. Unfortunately, NCARB (licensing board) has regulations in place that place a force time delay (2 months plus) for every time you fail to pass any given exam.
However, I will not allow this to deter me, and I will remain steadfast in becoming a licensed Architect early 2023!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Black Architects in the Making – Orlando’s mission is to enhance and diversify the field of architecture by enticing, exciting, and encouraging students of color and minorities to pursue a career path within the architecture profession.
Diversity in architecture is important because it will allow architects to be a part of the communities they are designing for. It allows professionals to get to know and connect with minority groups, which is a need in the field of Architectural design.
If we can increase diversity in architectural design field. We can change the perception of the architectural world. It’ll make the profession seem more attainable or encouraging for those from minority cultures.
What do you think about luck?
I think that luck is only beneficial when the beneficiary of said luck does their due diligence to cultivate and maintain the opportunity set before them.
Example, I was lucky to find a wonderful job at my current firm immediately out of college. This is not typical for a lot of individuals; however, I had to ensure that this opportunity afforded to me would not be squandered away by a lack of effort and focus.
Pricing:
- BAM Fundraiser – October 5th – Event Cocktail Sponsor: $5000
- BAM Fundraiser – October 5th – Title Cocktail Sponsor: $3500
- BAM Fundraiser – October 5th – Food Sponsor: $1500
- BAM 2023 Sponsorship Opportunities: $5,000 – $20,000
- Email [email protected] for inquires
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bamorlando.com
- Instagram: thebeard____ | bam.orlando
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BAMOrlando
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9UX26wdW8h6gRtGKXcayA
