Celebrating Katie: Our Newest Licensed Architect

We are thrilled to share that Katie Gordon has officially passed her final licensure exam and is now a registered architect. Her journey is full of curiosity, perseverance, and the kind of problem solving that has shaped her path since high school.

How It Started

Katie graduated in May of 2019, but her interest in architecture began years earlier in a design and robotics class. The class used outdated materials, and one problem in a newer workbook stopped everyone in their tracks.

“It took us two weeks to work out, test, and run through various scenarios to figure out the problem,” she said. When she finally solved it, her solution was adopted into the publisher’s curriculum. That early win stuck with her. “Finding those aha moments is one of the best experiences during the design process.”

Working with people from many backgrounds and navigating the complex mix of design, codes, health, and safety keeps architecture exciting for Katie. “Every project is unique,” she said, and that challenge is what motivates her.

Joining Synthesis

Katie first encountered a Synthesis employee at a Ball State job fair. One detail she remembers vividly: “With a bright pink jacket and a 3D printer next to him, I knew this place would be an interesting place to work.” Six years later, she still feels the same.

One benefit of working at a firm of Synthesis's size, she said, is the variety. “I have become a Jill of all trades,” and her portfolio reflects that. Her favorite project so far is the recent INDOT Clear Creek Welcome Center. “It is one of the most complicated and beautiful buildings that I have ever had the opportunity to be a part of.” She supported it from renderings through construction administration and loved seeing the concept come to life.

The Road to Licensure

Katie planned to begin exams in 2020, but life had other ideas. “The world fell apart and I got horribly sick from Covid,” she shared. More delays followed, until she reached a turning point. “I am scheduling this exam, and I will take it no matter what.”

From there she set a steady pace, taking one exam each month and scheduling the next right away. Support from friends and classmates made the process more manageable. “It helped to bounce topics and study ideas from one another.”

The exams were no small task. “You can study for six months and still fail your first exam,” she said. Learning to read deeply and understand the reasoning behind each answer was one of the toughest parts.

The Moment It Happened

Katie passed her final exam the Saturday of Labor Day weekend in 2025. “Walking out knowing that I was done and finally accomplished my goal was indescribable.” She sat quietly in her car, letting the relief sink in, then celebrated.

During this long process she developed a personal ritual. After each exam she stopped at a gas station for either a “success slushie” or a “sadness slushie.” In her words, “They usually have five or more flavors that I would mix all together.” It became a small but important moment of comfort.

Looking Ahead

Now that she is officially licensed, Katie is both excited and a little nervous for her next steps. “I am excited and terrified to be able to take on more project manager and project architect roles for incoming projects and stamp my own drawings.”

She is eager to continue learning. “I want to continue to learn and hone my skills as an architect, taking on more responsibility and experiencing more.”

Her advice to anyone pursuing licensure is simple and steady. “Set expectations and allow them to have flexibility for when life happens. This process is a marathon, not a sprint. You got this, you just need to take that first step.”

We are incredibly proud of Katie and grateful for the determination and care she brings to our studio. She has already made a meaningful impact on our work, and we cannot wait to see what she accomplishes as a licensed architect.