Architectural Science alumni named top 40 under 40 in North America.
Congratulations to Farida Abu-Bakare and Tura Cousins Wilson for being named to the 40 Under 40 list by the World Architecture Festival (WAF) and The Architect’s Newspaper. The inaugural list recognizes outstanding architectural talent from across North America, with recipients being showcased at WAF Miami later this month. Both architects are alumni of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Department of Architectural Science (DAS); Abu-Bakare is a graduate of the Master of Architecture program (2012) and Cousins Wilson is a graduate of the Bachelor of Architectural Science program (2009).
Since graduating from DAS, both alumni have continued to shine, embracing the power of architecture to uplift communities, advance sustainability practices and challenge design conventions. Abu-Bakare and Cousins Wilson have also been steadfast in their commitment to mentoring and championing the next generation of architects, designers, and innovators, including those at TMU. Most recently, Abu-Bakare participated in the Buone Nuove/Good News from MAXXI to Met Exhibition hosted by DAS, and Cousins Wilson, who is a part-time DAS instructor, was a featured presenter at the DAS Bash exhibition and co-curated the Toronto Imagined exhibition hosted at DAS.
We asked Abu-Bakare and Cousins Wilson what advice they would give to architecture students who seek success in the field and want to make a positive impact – here’s what they shared:
“Focus on the work, and make mistakes. That is how you find your way. Every project will teach you something if you let it. Stay curious, stay open, and keep going. The work will meet you where you are, and that is where your impact begins.”
“My advice to a young architecture student is to be present and aware of the world around yourself and respond to it. Ignore the cultural clichés of the profession – architecture is in fact a diverse and expansive field in which many personality types, ambitions and skill sets can thrive. Take curiosity in something... anything, and invest yourself in it.”