Architecture school makes me so cool that… I nearly died.

Entering architecture graduate school without experience (ie computer software, physical model-making skills and/or design experience) really made first year a very hard challenge. It was still a vicious battle even for those in the same program who already had four years of architecture as an undergraduate! But, in a matter of months, the computer programs were learned, model-making skills acquired, and design experience gained. But I can do better…

If there is anything I’ve learned while making my portfolio, it’s that representation is extremely important. The ideas behind my work are strong, but representing these ideas in a simple, creative and graphically stimulating way makes all the difference. In addition, various modes of material and construction exploration during the academic year can be time consuming and seem to distract from what is actually “due.” So, during the academic year these opportunities for discovery were not fully explored. But I want to explore more…

Therefore, this summer, I decided, rather than to join the internship rat-race I will be tapping into the craft of handmade objects, furniture design/build and zoning in on the architectural and graphic representation of my work. Dedicating this time to improve upon articulating my ideas, showing my skills, and heightening my ambitions is already creating a road map of adventure for this summer.  If all this building, fabricating, and devotion to representation opens a door to a new undefined path, then I welcome it with open arms!