KATHI TRAN

Portrait courtesy of Kathi Tran.

B.S. Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Kathi Tran is a first-generation student currently finishing her undergraduate architecture studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She was previously a Civil Engineering major at the University of Georgia and transferred to the Georgia Tech in hopes to continue her passion for design. Kathi serves as the President for Equity in Architecture (EQiA) for the 2020-2021 academic year and continues to represent EQiA in hopes to highlight the importance of inclusion. In addition to being president, she is also an Undergraduate Student Ambassador for the School of Architecture and won the Academic Achievement and Professional Promise Award.

Taking a Leap of Faith and Chasing Happiness

What inspired you to pursue architecture?

I grew up loving all my art classes, so I knew from the start that I wanted to be in a creative field. I ended up attending a STEM orientated high school and thought I could merge my love for the arts and math into engineering in college. It took me about one and a half years, but I realized that it was missing the creativity that I had enjoyed so much before undergrad. On a whim, I took a leap of faith and decided to apply to Georgia Tech to study architecture. Before I knew it, I transferred to a new school with a new major for a fresh start – all without my mom knowing! At the time I didn’t have any exposure to architecture, and I felt scared and excited to pursue a field that I didn’t know anything about. Looking back now, I think architecture chose me! I can definitely say I am extremely glad that I made the decision to pursue this field because it gave me that creative outlet that I was searching for. Architecture has pushed me to do more with my passion for the arts. 

Mixed Media painting about city pollution titled Toxic. Photo courtesy of Kathi Tran.

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

I think treasuring time spent with friends and family (safely in-person or virtual) is one of the most important things I’ve learned. I always loved being surrounded by people who make me happy, and when quarantine started, I found myself feeling unhappy. As the months passed, I started stressing over miniscule things that weren’t worth the time being sad over, and I became upset with myself for feeling that way. It may sound a bit cliché, but life is really short. I don’t want to spend the whole year feeling negative at myself or at the situation but to instead be happy that my loved ones are safe and healthy. Now more than ever, I always try to tell the people who matter most to me how much I cherish them and love them. You never know when things can change your life forever.

Panel Discussion with Pascale Sablan and Kathi Tran. Photo courtesy of Kathi Tran.

Student Organization Lead Panel Discussion with Pascale Sablan, Kathi Tran, Colt Brock, and Andres Troncoso. Photo courtesy of Kathi Tran.

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

My dad. My dad was the bravest, kindest, and strongest person I know. He fought in the Vietnam War and came to a foreign country he knew nothing about. When I lost my dad in 2014, I thought I lost everything too. My world was crumbling around me, and I didn’t want to believe that he was gone. I felt like I took everything for granted. I was able to overcome this time by remembering the lessons he taught me – to chase happiness and always believe in myself. I found renewed joy from being productive with not only my schoolwork but with my relationships with friends and family. I took chances and wasn’t afraid of the unknown because I knew there would always be people supporting me on the way. Fast forward to 2018 when I applied to be on the executive board of Women in Architecture (now known as Equity in Architecture) as Vice-President of Undergraduates. I found an amazing organization that had people who strived to create opportunities for others, nurture communities, and advocate for inclusivity. I would have never thought I would be here today as President of Equity in Architecture and pursuing a field that is challenging yet enjoyable. To my surprise, my world started to become whole again.

EQiA Executive Board Members at GSD Women in Design’s Convergence conference in November 2018 (Amy Stone, Emily Wirt, Stephanie Wright, Anna Kiningham, Minh Nguyen, and Kathi Tran). Photo courtesy of Kathi Tran.

EQiA Leadership at the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit, Minneapolis MN, September 2019 (Anna Kiningham, Kathi Tran, Julie Kim, Maria Pastorelli, Julia Gamolina, Amy Stone, and Dani Marquez). Photo courtesy of Kathi Tran.

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

I would travel! I was born and raised in Georgia and never got much opportunity to travel and explore different cities growing up. My family couldn’t afford to spend money on vacations or traveling. It wasn’t until I got my first job at a bakery that I was able to save money and travel to Florida to the beaches and to New York to visit my best friend! This was by far one of my biggest accomplishments! I was able to juggle a part-time job on top of my schoolwork and extracurriculars and I felt so much independence knowing I could do anything I set my mind to.

Since I loved exploring different cities so much, I wanted to find a way to gain experience outside Georgia. I applied to an externship program at my school that allowed students to be externs in famous architecture firms around the United States. I got matched with Rodgers Partners in New York City and was so excited to go back to New York and explore the city again. Due to the pandemic, I never got the opportunity to work with Rodgers Partners and wish I could go back and get the chance to work with them. Overall, I would have loved to travel to more cities and to have taken advantage of different architectural opportunities outside of my home state. 

First time in New York in front of Brooklyn Bridge. Photo courtesy of Kathi Tran.

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

I think my compassion for others is one of my biggest strengths. My mom never had a lot, but she always makes sure to help others whenever she can. She donates to those who are less fortunate and finds time to consistently volunteer despite working seven days a week. She taught me to be compassionate. There has been a wave of protests across the United States, and this has led to a lot of uncomfortable but necessary discussions regarding racial injustices. When I heard how my classmates and friends had directly experienced racism, I was heartbroken and angry. I was raised in a diverse community and it pains me to witness the unfairness that my peers have to encounter every day. I did what every citizen should do and voted. But I also used my position as President to effect change within the architecture community at Georgia Tech. With the help of faculty and other student organization leaders, we were able to shed more light impact our community with invited advocate guest speakers and additional courses (e.g., Social Issues and Public Policy). I used my position to make sure that nobody was left with the impression that they don’t belong. I wanted to let you know that you will ALWAYS belong.

Video Call with Student organization leaders and Bryan C. Lee Jr in preparation with joint Lecture with Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali. Photo courtesy of Kathi Tran.

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. 

An issue that starts in architecture education to the profession is Work-Life Balance. We shouldn’t have to ask if schools have healthy studio culture or if this firm has a healthy work-life balance. This should be mandatory — not optional. We shouldn’t glorify late hours and all-nighters. Students and employees are people too. 

Final Review presentation on Savannah, Georgia Community Center, Spring 2019. Photo courtesy of Kathi Tran.