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AIA Central New Jersey Spotlight on Members  

Mugdha Chawathe, AIA, LEED AP 

Having it All is Living in Your Own Happy Place 

AIA CNJ is happy to share this member spotlight on Mugdha Chawathe, AIA, LEED AP, a Licensed Architect with over 16 years of extensive experience in the field. Her expertise spans diverse architectural projects including industrial/warehouse, retail, restaurants, core & shell, and K-12 education. She is currently working with STV as a Senior Project Manager, managing projects with various K-12 School Districts, DASNY and MTA. 

As an active member of the AIA CNJ Section, Mugdha is engaged in volunteering as a Trustee and member of the AIA CNJ Design Awards Committee. Mugdha feels very passionate about mentoring in the field.  She has been volunteering as a mentor for AIA NJ’s Architectural Mentorship Program and is an active mentor with ACE NJ Newark chapter.  She has been appointed as a Board member with ACE New Jersey.  We admire the example she sets as a mother in practice.   

We think you will enjoy hearing more about her below: 

Q1. What is your favorite type of project to work on?  

Choosing a favorite project is like being asked to choose a favorite child! Throughout my career, I have enjoyed every project I've been involved with, as they have all contributed to my growth as an Architect. One recent project that stands out is a feasibility study I conducted for a food bank. Working with them to develop options (to either renovate their current space or build a new facility) was challenging and rewarding. What made this experience truly special was the chance to volunteer with the food bank, gaining a firsthand understanding of their impactful work in the community. Collaborating with such clients is a humbling and fulfilling experience for any architect as indirectly you are now a small part of the great work the food bank is doing for the community. 

Q2. Give us some examples of meaningful memories that you have from your years working as an Architect.  

I have been fortunate to have many fond memories. Most of them are from working with my teams and clients and the relationships formed during the course of the project. Completing a successful project is only possible with teamwork. Being part of a motivated team, where clients are also integrated as essential collaborators is a wonderful experience. Personally, the heartfelt messages from satisfied customers after the successful completion of a project validate the dedication and effort invested, making it all worthwhile.  

Q3. What do you think is the most significant issue currently affecting our profession?  

Lack of Mentoring - Architecture is a field where most of the learning happens on the job. Mentoring, however, isn't a one-way street. While it's crucial to have seasoned individuals ready to share their wisdom, it's equally—if not more—essential for young professionals to actively seek knowledge and keep a growth mindset. That passion for learning should remain constant even for the seasoned professional, evolving into a commitment to pay it forward by sharing what you have learned along the way in your journey to the next generation. 

Q4. Tell us about your family, how did they affect you?  

 I am an enormously proud mother of 2 teenage boys, and even more proud of how they have affected my career at this stage in my life. To tell my story in short - Growing up I always thought of myself as a “career woman” who would not be capable of staying home. Little did I know that becoming a mother can change you completely. When I had my first child, I realized I did not have the heart and courage to keep him in the daycare. So, I decided to take a break right when my career was also just starting. Then I had my second child. By the time they were both full-time in school and I was back in the workforce, I had a nice 7-8 years of a break from work. I was fortunate to have a supporting husband at home, some great mentors and colleagues in the industry who supported, encouraged and helped me get back on my feet in no time, (even after such a long break). Now that the boys are 17 and 20, they have become my biggest cheerleaders, pushing me to step out of my comfort zone and tackle new challenges in my career. It's funny how the tables have turned—I'm happily embracing this role reversal!  

Q5. How has being involved with the AIA impacted you personally, and professionally?  

Getting actively involved with the AIA has opened up a new world for me. I am very grateful for the new friends I made; the support I received from the AIA CNJ team and the new opportunities they have created for members like me. AIA provides a platform to meet like-minded people in the field and learn from the work of fellow Architects. Being part of the AIA has helped me on a personal level as well. I have always wanted to be involved in some social cause that is close to my heart. As mentioned earlier, mentoring is one of them. The AIA AMP (Architectural Mentorship Program) gave me that opportunity. I was also introduced to ACE and have been mentoring the ACE Newark group since last year. I hope to get engaged with the WIA (Women in Architecture) Committee and to continue supporting my fellow colleagues.  

Q6. Do you have any special tips or tricks to share with our members (for example time management, communications, technical development, or marketing)? 

Being a working mother of two kids, I have been following some strategies in my daily life that have helped me to successfully time-manage in a way that achieves Work-Life balance. I recently had an opportunity to share these strategies in a session for AIA NJ Women in Architecture month. The recording of that session is available with AIA NJ. (SEE IT HERE ON YOU TUBE:   (https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=eA_G3bNc0us)  

Q7. Do you think it is possible for woman/diverse members of the professional community to “have it all” in regard to their professional and personal life? 

Yes and No: 

Yes, if you start defining “your own goals” - meaning, something that YOU really want for yourself, not what society expects. I don’t believe climbing the corporate ladder is the sole path to fulfillment, especially in today’s time with countless opportunities expanding for diverse professionals. I personally define "having it all" as being in a happy space, doing what I love at any given moment. That space and time should evolve with career development and life experiences, but even that should always be defined by you for yourself. 

NO, I don’t think it is possible to “have it all” if you are constantly trying to measure your success by comparison with someone else’s achievements. Success isn't about measuring up to someone else's achievements; it's about finding your own joy and defining your own path.