Karen Lesney, Assoc. AIA, is an emerging architect who strongly believes that architects need to become leaders for themselves and the profession. She urges others not to go by convention, but by conviction. For Ms. Lesney, the best leaders are ones that learn by example; observe others; and absorb new information and techniques well.

Ms. Lesney recounts her experience in the Monterey County Concepts competition, where young members of the community offered solutions to the affordable housing crisis in Monterey, California. By looking outside the professional community, the ideas of community members of all ages can useful in meeting challenges unique to that community.