UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Beresford Pratt, senior project manager for the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) and a 2014 Penn State College of Arts and Architecture alumnus with a bachelor of architecture from the Stuckeman School, has created a name for himself at a young age in the architecture industry through his professional work and his dedication to mentoring young designers in underrepresented communities.

After graduating and earning his architecture license in 2017, Pratt became involved in the Young Architect’s Forum (YAF.) As the YAF’s editor-in-chief and communications director, Pratt oversaw the production of a quarterly publication titled “CONNECTION,” for young architects by young architects.

He also collaborated with other professionals to develop a series of shadow days in collaboration with the Baltimore Design School — where he now serves on the Board of Trustees — to introduce high school students to design professions.

In 2018, Pratt co-founded the Baltimore chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (BmoreNOMA). Through a collaborative effort with AIA Baltimore, BmoreNOMA and Beyond the Built Environment, Pratt co-led “Say-it-Loud Maryland,” an exhibition highlighting the work of underrepresented design professionals.

“Through exhibits with Say-it-Loud and showcasing the work of underrepresented groups, we were able to elevate their voices, plan events and build up the chapter,” Pratt said.

It is Pratt’s work as an ambassador for community empowerment and a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion in architecture that earned him the 2023 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Young Architects Award, which is awarded to architects who have been licensed fewer than 10 years.

“This award is a great opportunity to look back at everything I have accomplished within this last decade,” he said.

Applicants for the award were asked to demonstrate how they have created a ripple effect in the industry. In his application, Pratt focused on his work as a mentor, advocating for underrepresented groups and showcasing his active design projects.

In 2021, Pratt transitioned from working in the private sector to working in the public sector by taking a position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. There, he acted as an owner's representative by contracting and leading architecture and engineering firms or a team of in-house architects and engineers on projects.

“I was essentially the bridge between the client and the design team,” he said.

Pratt recently changed agencies from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the GSA. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Morgan State University.

A native of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Pratt remembers his own time in college at Penn State fondly.

“The training I received at Penn State was phenomenal,” Pratt said. “It gives you the balance between theory, technical skills and developing your graphic skills. I think that’s part of the reason that I was hired so quickly out of school.”

To aspiring architects, Pratt advises, “Ask a lot of questions.”

“Architects can be so invaluable across the globe,” he continued. “If you ask the right questions, you may find that you can still be an architect in non-traditional avenues and it may still align with your vision, too.”

The AIA award’s selection jury included AIA members Ann Marie Baranowski, Sarah Broughton, Christian Joosse, Greg Luhan, Virginia Marquardt and Danielle Tillman.

“Though his career is still young, Pratt’s impact has been powerful and is sure to be lasting,” according to the AIA website. “His actions and voice have led to meaningful change and inspired others to follow his lead.”