The Young Architects Forum (YAF) recently hosted its first ever Pecha Kucha Night and it was a total success! For those not familiar with the concept of Pecha Kucha, here is a little background. Pecha Kucha is Japanese for “chit-chat” and is a presentation format designed to keep ideas concise and engaging.  The format consists of a group of designers who each prepare and present 20 slides, with only 20 seconds permitted per slide. The concept originated in 2003 from architects at a firm in Tokyo, Japan who were looking for a way to get ideas across quickly while avoiding long winded presentations.            

For our Pecha Kucha Night, we specifically chose Quincy Hall in downtown Arlington – as opposed to a conference room or more formal setting. The location was key as another important component of a Pecha Kucha is being able to relate and engage with those outside of the architecture/ design profession. A more public, informal setting provided just the environment for being personable while also open to any curious, outside patrons.

For this inaugural event, we agreed on the theme of Where will you go? Who will you be?’   Seven presenters stepped up to tell some wonderful Pecha Kucha style stories and audience members learned fascinating design facts about Disney World, the intersection of fashion and architecture, forgotten places, and some new perspectives on architecture and the environment.  Special thanks to Valerie Long, AIA; Ava Helm, AIA; Bernadette Keplinger; Jess Somygnari, AIA; Jin Park, AIA; Stephanie Smid, Assoc. AIA; and Erin Barger for taking the time to present such inspiring and informative narratives! YAF would also like to thank event sponsors, FGM Architects and Toto for making this evening possible.

              Keep an eye out for our next Pecha Kucha Night – we promise to have a microphone!

–  Tom, Ava and the rest of the Young Architects Forum