Empowering the next generation of designers is how we build a more beautiful, equitable world. We’re proud to continue sponsoring the Next Generation Scholarship in partnership with the Architects Foundation, a commitment that helps ensure the future of architecture is as vibrant and diverse as the communities it serves.
This year, we are incredibly excited to celebrate our recipient, Holland K. Harrell. Holland’s journey from creating shoebox models and floor plans as a child has evolved into a focused pursuit of architecture at Penn State University. For her, design is a powerful tool to affect change and improve communities.
Discover Holland's perspective on what receiving this scholarship means to her and how she plans to leave her own legacy in the world of design, along with excerpts from her portfolio, in our Q&A below.
Meet Holland!
Hi Holland! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you studying? When did you first become interested in architecture?
I’m 18 years old and from Harrisburg Pennsylvania. I’ll be attending Penn State University to further my education! I originally took an Engineering class in high school my sophomore year and by the end of the year my teacher pulled me aside and suggested that I look into architecture. He said that it was obvious I was much more into the designing, planning, and drafting parts of the class than the actual building and construction, and that he thought I would thrive in an architecture-related field. After attending Bucknell Engineering camp that same summer I realized I care more about buildings and the built environment than anything else. So to jump start my architecture experience, I landed an internship building project models for Chris Dawson Architect in my hometown and took a Technical and Architectural drafting class!
What does receiving the Next Generation Scholarship mean to you personally?
Receiving this scholarship not only makes me feel seen, but inspires me even more to make my dreams and passions a reality. Coming from a household of hard workers and two younger siblings, I was admittedly nervous about college funds. I am so incredibly grateful to be given this opportunity and I don’t think I can even put into words how honored I am to receive this scholarship and be recognized as a Fireclay Tile Scholar!
Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you hope to make within the architecture industry after you graduate?
Growing up, I was the kid who built shoebox models out of junk and created floor plans of dream homes both digitally and on paper. I’ve always had an affinity for old homes and buildings featuring craftsmanship and fine details that I feel have been lost to modern design and construction techniques. I hope to one day restore this country’s love for classic architecture and somehow find a way to make classic architecture sustainable and affordable.
Beyond the financial support, how do you envision the Next Generation Scholarship helping you achieve your professional goals and contribute to a more inclusive future in design?
Thanks to those overseeing the scholarship recipients, I have been given the chance to push forward with less worries regarding my financial status. Receiving this scholarship will allow me to focus on pursuing my Bachelor’s of Architecture over the next five years and hopefully my architectural license soon after! Additionally, this opportunity gives me the ability to focus on my education and allows me to really immerse myself in architecture. With this knowledge I hope to make an impact in the architecture community as well as to improve communities across the globe with design.
Learn More About Our Scholarship Fund
With innovative thinkers like Holland leading the way, we know the future of architecture is set to be more inclusive and inspiring than ever. Her vision for blending heritage with sustainable design is the exact kind of legacy we aim to support.
If you’re feeling inspired, we invite you to help us keep this momentum going. To date, we've helped raise $300k for Black women pursuing architecture! You can learn more and donate to our open scholarship fund here.
This work stands on the shoulders of giants. The Next Generation Scholarship was first established in 1970 following civil rights leader Whitney Young Jr.’s 1968 call to action for a more equitable field. The Architects Foundation has been managing the program since 2009 and has expanded the program size thanks to the support of sponsors like us.
As we move into our sixth year of partnership with the Architects Foundation, we’re eager to continue cheering on Holland and every future architect who brings their unique perspective to the built world.