Debanjana Chatterjee

I've always been interested in architecture since I was young. Growing up, I was really interested in design and creativity, and I also had a good science background, which led me towards architecture because you need both a mathematical mind and creativity to be a good architect. In my initial years, I didn't have too much knowledge about how architecture and urban planning were different, so I first thought they were very similar, but when I studied it, I gradually realized it's a lot different. I did my master's in environmental planning, which is how my interest in sustainability stayed with me. When I moved back to architecture, I had so much interest in sustainability and sustainable design, and I'm still involved with those initiatives in my profession. I hold dual master's degrees in both architecture and urban planning, and before coming to the States, I was teaching in urban planning departments as an associate professor. Now I work as an architectural designer at Alliance, and even though urban planning is not my official designation in my office, I also work in planning because of my background. I serve as an associate director with AIA Minneapolis, which is the American Institute of Architects, the nationwide organization that gathers all architects and sets the rules for our profession. I'm also the DEI co-chair for the American Planning Association's Minnesota chapter. My goal for the next five years is to become a licensed architect, as I'm still giving my exams. Beyond that, I want to impact more in my community as a woman architect and be more involved in enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in people and students, because I always feel that students are the next generation, and what we embed in them will help us grow a better field.