Laiqa Gitosuputro, a candidate for a Master’s in Architecture from Harvard Graduate School of Design, Aaron Spann, an undergraduate architecture student at Howard University, and Jeffery Luc, an undergraduate architecture student at the Academy of Art University, each received a 2026 SCB Foundation Scholarship Award. Established to encourage students pursuing careers in architecture, interior design, and urban planning, the scholarship provides financial support for their education and includes a paid summer internship at one of SCB’s five offices.

Through the SCB Foundation, we invest in the next generation of architects, designers, and planners by supporting students as they develop their voices and begin their professional journeys. This year’s scholarship recipients each bring a distinct perspective, united by a belief that design has the power to improve people’s lives and strengthen communities.

Until high school, Laiqa imagined she would become a doctor. Everything changed after attending an architecture camp that introduced her to the possibilities of design. “It completely changed what architecture was and could be for me, and it made me dive in headfirst, no fear.” As she continued studying architecture, her family’s experiences and visits to Indonesia gave her a deeper understanding of how the built environment reflects larger social and systemic challenges. Today, she sees design as a way to create more equitable communities. Her advice to aspiring architects is to stay grounded in purpose. “Know why you’re doing what you’re doing and care deeply about it. If you don’t know yet, find it. Talk to people, ask questions, reckon with yourself.”

Aaron was drawn to architecture for its ability to shape the way people experience the world around them. “My passion for architecture grew as I began to understand how deeply the built environment influences daily life.” Through his education and internship at SCB, he’s come to see how thoughtful design can express identity, strengthen communities, and create spaces that resonate long after they’re built. That same perspective informs the advice he shares with aspiring architects. “Coming from a diverse background means you bring perspectives the field needs,” says Aaron. “Keep showing up, keep growing, and keep proving to yourself that you belong in every room you step into.”

Jeffery had an early appreciation for art, but it wasn’t until a high school 3D design class that he discovered his passion for problem solving. “For most of my life, I saw problems as roadblocks,” he says. “Now, I see architecture as an encounter with challenges where each project presents a new opportunity to take action.” Beyond innovative thinking, Jeffery is driven by uncovering the stories, needs, and perspectives that shape a place. “I’ve realized that the needs and stories of the local community are just as crucial to a project as the design itself.”

While each recipient arrived at architecture through a different path, they share a curiosity, sense of purpose, and commitment to creating meaningful places. We look forward to following their careers, welcoming them to our studios this summer, and seeing the impact they make on the profession in the years ahead.