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Building Future Leaders: My Journey with the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP)

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October 24, 2024•4 min read

Leadership is not just about guiding others; it's about continuous self-improvement, learning, and making a meaningful impact in your field and community. As an architect, my journey toward leadership has been profoundly shaped by the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP), a transformative program designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in architecture.

The CKLDP is highly regarded in the architectural community, providing emerging professionals with the tools, mentorship, and resources necessary to thrive. With a holistic approach, the program focuses on critical leadership topics such as business development, community engagement, design, and project management. But beyond skill-building, CKLDP fosters a sense of responsibility in its participants, challenging them to think beyond projects and profits and consider how their work impacts society at large.

My Introduction to CKLDP

My involvement with CKLDP began in 2018, during its inaugural year in Houston. I had the opportunity to serve as a committee member, playing a behind-the-scenes role in shaping the program’s success. While I wasn't directly participating as a scholar, this experience opened my eyes to the importance of creating spaces where emerging professionals can grow, connect, and influence the industry. It was an incredibly rewarding experience that sparked a desire in me to one day fully participate as a CKLDP scholar.

Fast forward to today—after nearly a decade of being licensed as an architect, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been accepted into the 2024-25 CKLDP class. With this milestone, my status as an emerging professional is soon coming to an end, making my inclusion in this cohort even more meaningful. It feels like the perfect time to fully immerse myself in the program and embrace the opportunity to grow as a leader.

The CKLDP Experience So Far

Our first session as scholars was both inspiring and insightful. The day was designed to introduce us to the program and help foster connections among the group. Through team-building activities and small-group discussions, I got to know my fellow scholars—an inspiring and diverse group of professionals, many of whom are still working toward their licensure. It was eye-opening to discover that this year’s class has a majority of male scholars, which is a first for CKLDP, and that a significant portion of the group consists of associate members. This shift is a reminder of how the industry continues to evolve, reflecting the growing diversity and dynamism of the architectural community.

During the session, we broke into groups to brainstorm potential topics and themes for each of the eight program sessions, which we then presented for feedback. It was a collaborative and creative process, fueled by the collective experience and ambition of the group. We ended the day with candid discussions led by past CKLDP scholars and local leaders, who shared their stories about how the program shaped their leadership paths. These discussions emphasized the importance of community engagement and initiative, reinforcing the idea that leadership is about more than personal success—it's about elevating others and contributing to the broader community.

Looking Ahead: Leading “The Future of You”

One of the unique aspects of CKLDP is that each session is planned and executed by the scholars themselves. I’ve been assigned to lead the program’s final session, titled “The Future of You,” a topic intentionally designed to be broad and open-ended. This session will serve as the program’s conclusion, challenging scholars to think critically about their personal and professional futures. I’m excited to collaborate with my fellow scholars to craft a session that leaves a lasting impact, encouraging reflection and forward-thinking as we all prepare for the next steps in our careers.

The Road Ahead

As I embark on this eight-month journey with CKLDP, I’m eager to see how it will shape my understanding of leadership and expand my professional network. The program is already proving to be an enriching experience, filled with opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and meaningful connections.

In a rapidly evolving industry like architecture, the importance of strong leadership cannot be overstated. Programs like CKLDP are essential in preparing the next generation of leaders to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future with confidence, creativity, and compassion.

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue this exciting journey. I’m looking forward to the lessons learned, the connections made, and the future leaders that CKLDP will undoubtedly shape, myself included.


Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program architecture leadershipemerging professionalsleadership developmentprofessional growthmentorship in architecture
Nicholas Banks is an architect at Architangent, where he’s become known for his ability to bring exciting, functional spaces to life especially in the restaurant and hospitality sectors. His portfolio includes some exciting new project in Houston, from overseeing the construction of a new downtown coffee shop and a brand new stand alone ChopnBlok restaurant on lower Westheimer, to managing permitting for a new La Calle location in the brad new East River development. Currently, Nicholas is collaborating with design partners on two highly anticipated projects—a new Mexican restaurant in Webster, and a new flagship restaurant poised to be a landmark in the city's dining scene. His work is driven by a commitment to creating experiences that are not only visually striking but also thoughtful in their design, enhancing both customer engagement and operational efficiency. Since joining Architangent, Nicholas has taken on increasingly complex projects, seamlessly navigating the challenges of fast-paced construction timelines and detailed permitting processes. His ability to manage multiple stakeholders while keeping a sharp eye on design integrity has earned him a reputation for delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget. He’s not just an architect focused on the technical side of things; he thrives in a collaborative environment, working closely with clients, contractors, and other designers to bring unique visions to life. Nicholas’s journey in architecture has been marked by both hands-on project management and leadership within the broader architectural community. Early in his career, he played a significant role in the AIA’s Intern/Associate network, mentoring peers through the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) process and ensuring that resources and support were readily available. His passion for helping others succeed extended to his role as a Young Architect Regional Director, where he advocated for emerging professionals and ensured their voices were represented at the national level. His dedication to both the built environment and the growth of those within the profession showcases his belief in the power of design to impact not just spaces, but people. His designs—and his leadership—leave a lasting mark on both the city and the architecture community.

Nicholas Banks

Nicholas Banks is an architect at Architangent, where he’s become known for his ability to bring exciting, functional spaces to life especially in the restaurant and hospitality sectors. His portfolio includes some exciting new project in Houston, from overseeing the construction of a new downtown coffee shop and a brand new stand alone ChopnBlok restaurant on lower Westheimer, to managing permitting for a new La Calle location in the brad new East River development. Currently, Nicholas is collaborating with design partners on two highly anticipated projects—a new Mexican restaurant in Webster, and a new flagship restaurant poised to be a landmark in the city's dining scene. His work is driven by a commitment to creating experiences that are not only visually striking but also thoughtful in their design, enhancing both customer engagement and operational efficiency. Since joining Architangent, Nicholas has taken on increasingly complex projects, seamlessly navigating the challenges of fast-paced construction timelines and detailed permitting processes. His ability to manage multiple stakeholders while keeping a sharp eye on design integrity has earned him a reputation for delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget. He’s not just an architect focused on the technical side of things; he thrives in a collaborative environment, working closely with clients, contractors, and other designers to bring unique visions to life. Nicholas’s journey in architecture has been marked by both hands-on project management and leadership within the broader architectural community. Early in his career, he played a significant role in the AIA’s Intern/Associate network, mentoring peers through the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) process and ensuring that resources and support were readily available. His passion for helping others succeed extended to his role as a Young Architect Regional Director, where he advocated for emerging professionals and ensured their voices were represented at the national level. His dedication to both the built environment and the growth of those within the profession showcases his belief in the power of design to impact not just spaces, but people. His designs—and his leadership—leave a lasting mark on both the city and the architecture community.

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