From the Congo to Philadelphia: How an Architecture Student Plans to Use His Degree to Give Back
Former refugee Fils Iragena believes in architecture for community improvement. Jefferson’s real-world learning model is already helping him do that.
The National Organization of Minority Architects named Fils Iragena the most promising architectural student in Philadelphia. Pictured here, he’s sitting on his first full-scale chair model.
Just two semesters in, architecture student Fils Iragena is already making an impact. An immigrant from the Republic of the Congo, Iragena started dreaming of becoming an architect shortly after arriving in the United States in 2018.
When his family settled in Philadelphia, Iragena enrolled in YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School, a one-year program that prepares the city’s at-risk youth for careers in fields like health care, culinary arts and the building trades.
Originally set on computer science, Iragena’s plans shifted after he met YouthBuild board member Sam Olshin, principal at Atkin Olshin Schade Architects and architect behind the Met Philadelphia restoration.
An immigrant from the Republic of the Congo, architecture student Fils Iragena arrived in the United States in 2018.
“I was inspired by Olshin’s drawing technique—the way he would freehand draw and sketch to visualize projects and concepts,” Iragena explains. “We talked at length about architecture and my future, and I decided to change my path.”
With a career in architecture in mind, Iragena attended the Community College of Philadelphia, where he received associate’s degrees in architecture and interior design. While there, notable organizations acknowledged Iragena’s talent and the National Organization of Minority Architects named him the “most promising architectural student in Philadelphia” in 2022.
After graduating, Iragena enrolled in Jefferson’s College of Architecture and the Built Environment. He says the University’s real-world learning model and creative opportunities set it apart from other schools.
“One of the reasons I chose Jefferson is because they encourage you to think outside of traditional techniques and use sketching as a way to think quickly and creatively,” Iragena says. “I’ve loved using sketching to learn how to solve problems faster.”
This past semester, he worked on a large-scale school project, sketching a library for Philly’s West Passyunk neighborhood. This type of community-based project motivates Iragena, who wants to give back through his education and skills.
One of the reasons I chose Jefferson is because they encourage you to think outside of traditional techniques.
“Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of opportunities. We didn’t have people looking out for our futures,” Iragena says. “Everyone deserves a chance, and while I’m getting my chance here in the U.S., I’m trying to help those who come after me who need a hand.”
Iragena has taken advantage of every educational opportunity presented, notes Daniel McVay, a social worker with the City of Philadelphia and refugee support coordinator. “He continues to impress everyone fortunate enough to meet him.”
Outside of his education, Iragena has already used his architectural skills to help others. After graduating from YouthBuild, he interned at Atkin Olshin Schade Architects as the firm developed the designs to transform a nearly century-old former PECO showroom into a permanent home for YouthBuild and its students.
Everyone deserves a chance, and while I’m getting my chance here in the U.S., I’m trying to help those who come after me who need a hand.
“I got to play a role in designing the new building for my alma mater,” he says. “It meant a lot because it shows that the school is investing in students like me and cares about their success. Kids need to see that.”
Following graduation, Iragena dreams of returning to his home in the Congo to help children find opportunities to succeed just like he did. But he also wants to give back to his community in Philadelphia.
“I care about people more than anything, and I want to create sustainable change that progresses communities,” Iragena says. “That’s what I like about architecture. I can be a part of a community, listen to my neighbors’ challenges, put myself in their shoes and solve those community problems in an artistic way.”
Visit here for more info on the College of Architecture and the Built Environment Summer Academy for high school students.
