I grew up in and around North Carolina and came from a family that doesn’t have any architects or designers in it.  However, my grandfather developed a neighborhood and he handed down his drafting materials to me, and that is what I think started me on this journey.  To be honest, after my first semester in design school, I wasn’t sure that I was in the right major.  We didn’t draw floor plans and elevations, or create concept models and renderings.  Luckily that winter break, I took a trip to New York City and that is when I fell in love with architecture all over again.  I was lost, looking for my next tourist stop and I happened upon a street of brownstone houses that New York is famous for.  Between two of the houses was a modern home with a stainless steel façade. I realized then how architecture at any scale can impact anyone who encounters it. This is when I realized architecture is what I wanted to do.  

Architecture is taking something and making it better.  Whether it is taking an empty lot and placing a masterpiece within it, or taking an old relic of a building and bringing it into the 21st century.  As architects, we have a responsibility to make places better for the people that interact with them.

In terms of programs that are used in the field, I felt fairly prepared.  I still haven’t mastered Revit, but luckily the firm I currently work for has not made that leap yet.  I think what we all need preparation for working in an office.  We became comfortable working at our own schedules and staying up till 3 AM. In the real world however, clients don’t stay up that late, and get up early instead.  (Shocker I know)

During sophomore year, I had been working on a final presentation board all day over a holiday weekend. Just as I was leaving, I realized I had drawn something wrong and my whole day’s work was wasted.  That is when I realized my newfound love for digital boards and ctrl+z.

Do it only if you love it.  There will be lots of long nights in studio, but you will be surrounded by people who love architecture as much as you do.

The more work experience I have, the more I think that my interests lie in residential design when it comes to built form.  However, I really enjoy public space design and urban planning as well, so hopefully I will be able to dabble in that too.

As great as Europe is, I have to recommend New York City.  The history of architecture is so interesting there.  The skyscraper and how it started, the importance of designated public spaces and how they relate to buildings have always intrigued me.

This building is called "Urban Townhouse" by GLUCK+ in New York City. My friends and I were rushing because we were late for a tour of the UN, and this building made me just stop. It was hidden in the city and there weren't any signs to let people know it was there. It was good design because the residents wanted good design.

GLUCK+ Urban Townhouse Video