We're thrilled to introduce the new leadership team for 2025 at Philadelphia Emerging Architects (PEA)! This dynamic group is ready to bring fresh energy, innovative ideas, and a renewed commitment to fostering connections, collaboration, and growth within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) community. Please join us in congratulating Raphaella Pereira and Mitchell Schools, our new directors, as they take on this important role and help guide PEA into an exciting new year!

For those unfamiliar with PEA, we are a committee within AIA Philadelphia dedicated to supporting emerging professionals in the AEC fields. Whether it's through mentorship, networking, or creating opportunities for professional development, our goal is to build a vibrant community of young professionals who are passionate about shaping the future of the industry. Each year, new directors are selected to bring fresh perspectives and ideas, ensuring that PEA continues to grow and evolve.

Now, let's meet our incredible 2025 directors:

Raphaella Pereira, Assoc. AIA

Raphaella Pereira is an architectural designer at WRT Design, where she specializes in affordable housing projects. She brings a diverse skill set, with experience in residential, commercial, and retail design, along with a solid background in lighting design.

A 2021 graduate of Drexel University's Bachelor of Architecture program, Raphaella's thesis on biophilic design in São Paulo, Brazil remains a key interest in both her professional and academic endeavors. She's also an adjunct professor at Drexel, where she continues to mentor students and stay engaged with the next generation of architects.

Raphaella is deeply committed to mentorship and professional development. She is involved in several committees, including WRT's EDI Committee, AIA Philadelphia's PEA, and AIA Pennsylvania's EPiC, where she's working hard to create more opportunities for young professionals to thrive.

Mitchell Schools, Assoc. AIA

Mitchell Schools, a 2021 graduate of Temple University with both a Bachelor's and Master's in Architecture, brings a wealth of experience to PEA. He has worked as an architectural designer at RLPS Architects, Sargenti Architects, and Colliers Engineering & Design, focusing primarily on retail sector design.

In addition to his professional work, Mitchell is currently working on a highly anticipated publication, The Loss of the Philadelphia Rowhome, which examines the effects of gentrification on one of the city's most beloved housing typologies. Mitchell's dedication to preserving Philadelphia's architectural history, combined with his innovative design approach, makes him an invaluable asset to PEA.

We are beyond excited for Raphaella and Mitchell to lead PEA into 2025. With their energy, vision, and expertise, we're confident they'll help continue PEA's mission to inspire and empower the next generation of AEC professionals.

To get involved and stay updated on all the exciting PEA events, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @aiaphlpea.