RACHEL CHON

Rachel was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. Soon to graduate with a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Florida, her graduate thesis project investigates the relationship between anthropology, architecture, and the design process. She is a co-founder of the Coalition in Design, a group working with the UF School of Architecture to improve conversations between students, faculty, and staff and carry out initiatives to move towards an anti-racist institution.

Throughout her studies, Rachel has been interested in representation and community-oriented design, with the aim to strengthen intrapersonal relationships between students and disciplines. As former UF NOMAS President, the creation of community, transparency, and communication was established through mentorships, team design competitions, and collaboration with other organizations nationally. She hopes to apply her interests and knowledge to future work to promote more inclusive, people-oriented design.

What inspired you to pursue architecture?

To be honest, I didn’t know the architecture profession even existed. I applied to the University of Florida under the premed track and attended that orientation, along with 100 other students and parents. After that overwhelming meeting, I passed by a small classroom dedicated to the School of Architecture. I decided to go in, only accompanied by 2 others and was amazed at what was presented. There were pictures of students working together with sticks! I very much did not know what it meant, but I was hooked on this method of thinking and working. The main reason why I stayed and continued to pursue architecture is because of the community I was surrounded by. I appreciate the creative ways of thinking, but I think the relationships we develop with people are amazing.

What is the most important thing that you learned in the past year?

Something that I am still trying to improve on is how to talk to people. This summer the Coalition in Design group was established to improve communication between our students, faculty, staff, and alumni and start having honest conversations. We work with the University of Florida School of Architecture to talk about the systemic racism present within our institution and ways to move towards an anti-racist, multicultural institution. As a part of this group, I realized that there is a great value in being transparent about such topics and talking to others about their experiences. Our conversations with other universities, alumni, faculty, staff, and classmates became important for determining our needs and how to effectively ask for them.

The ways in which we (Coalition in Design) talk and listen to people have become more nuanced during this period. The school and its students are becoming more and more comfortable in having discussions on race and racism and how it correlates with architectural education and the profession which is great to see as a first step. I think it is very important to have discussions and talk to people even if the conversations are uncomfortable.

September 2020 School for Architecture Roundtable. Photo courtesy of Rachel Chon.

What are some architectural organizations (or specific person/role model) that helped you learn to overcome an obstacle? How did they?

I think I was very inspired by many people and groups throughout 2020. I always find new people to listen to and talk to, architectural or non-architectural, through Instagram or podcasts. Specifically, when talking to and participating in conversations about architecture, design, and inclusivity, the NYRA (New York Review of Architecture), Joana Dos Santos (Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at the Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning), Justin Garrett Moore (Program Officer, Humanities in Place at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and UF alumnus), and of course Coalition in Design co-founders Jalisa Mills and Shane Ah-Siong (UF Alumni and dear friends) are all some people that have helped in moving forward with anti-racism objectives, and discussions. During times of doubt, conversations with these people were always refreshing and helpful in moving forward. Sharing experiences and actions with them helped me see situations from different perspectives and learn about movements outside of my college. Conversations with them always reminded me that I am not alone, and they always encourage me to do better with a purpose.

Graduate Work Fall 2020. Photo courtesy of Rachel Chon.

If you were given the opportunity to repeat the year, what is one thing you’d do differently?

I wish I was more outspoken about experiences of racism or exclusivity in the workplace. I think there is a fear in speaking out because of potential consequences, even if the other party has the best intentions. I am not sure about others, but it is very difficult for me to pinpoint why racism, exclusivity, or discrimination is present in certain situations and if I were given the opportunity, I would do more research and talk to more people about it. I believe spreading awareness and having transparent conversations is very important, but I was very timid when talking about racism, the BLM, and the death of George Floyd among coworkers out of fear. The lack of conversations in the workplace about these topics made it seem taboo, and I accepted that as the norm. From the experiences of last year, I know now the types of questions to ask a workplace about diversity, and if I could do last year differently, I would unapologetically ask the hard, uncomfortable questions.

Graduate Research Spring 2021. Photo courtesy of Rachel Chon.

Graduate Research Fall 2019. Photo courtesy of Rachel Chon.

As you reflect on the past year, what did you discover as your biggest strengths?

I realize after this past year that I really enjoy working with others and listening to their thoughts and opinions. I think it’s important to listen to what people have to say and to see and recognize them for who they are. I have learned so much from the people that I have talked to in-depth and I believe I have grown largely as a student, future architect, and person in general. I really enjoy sharing what I have learned and dispersing information that may seem helpful, I hope to continue this in the future and connect people to various resources.

NOMAS Competition Team 2018. Photo courtesy of Rachel Chon.

NOMAS Competition Team 2017. Photo courtesy of Rachel Chon.

In terms of rising concerns and problems (in the architectural profession) over the past year, what is one change that you wished would happen and it did not? This can be in an educational or work atmosphere.

People need to start listening to each other and taking action in a more nuanced way. Not only within the architecture community but, also with the communities we are designing for. Understanding that our architecture impacts the social constructions of space is a topic I hope to see brought to the forefront.

RACHEL CHON

MIRA DAVIS