I have had a rich and exciting experience as a student at Virginia Tech in the School of Architecture and Design, ranked 4th in the nation by DesignIntelligence. The studio culture is one of encouragement and camaraderie among students, where ideas are shared and pushed forward so that new and greater ideas are developed.
My campus experience is complemented by invaluable internships at Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM) in Chicago, MKSD in Allentown Pa., Aki Ishida in Blacksburg Va., and a study abroad experience in Switzerland. I have worked in three different sized firms with three different ways of working, helping me to understand which environments and working methods enable me to be as thoughtful and productive as possible. Through these experiences, I was exposed to more than I ever thought possible, from the professional life in a big city to the small town life of the Swiss. These experiences were about living outside of my comfort zone and gaining a more informed perspective on the world.
I am the recipient of Academic Scholarships, selected because of my architecture skills. I also served as Treasurer and Fundraising Chair of the Virginia Tech Chapter of the AIAS.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Chicago, IL, US, Intern
The CHICAGO STUDIO, a Virginia Tech program, allowed me the opportunity to work closely with professionals throughout the city of Chicago. The semester was dedicated to exploring architectural and urban design ideas for a growing Chinatown neighborhood. In addition to the Chinatown studies, I worked on projects for clients, making digital and physical models.
MKSD architects, Allentown, PA, US, Intern
I conducted a 2 month study for a new hospital for St. Luke’s Hospital Network, which included multiple user interviews in order to understand the nature of relationships between people and departments within the current hospital. I also gained experience through client meetings, picking up red marks, assembling construction document sets, and building models.
Aki Ishida Architect PLLC, Blacksburg, VA, US, Intern
I led a team of four students in designing and constructing a temporary washi lantern installation at the Blacksburg, VA farmer’s market for the AIA Blue Ridge Design Awards ceremony. Our design team worked in collaboration with other university organizations to incorporate interactive lighting and sound. The project’s intent was to help mark and celebrate the event, as well as to engage the local public, university students, and market vendors, strengthening the Blacksburg community.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), BArch, Bachelor of Architecture
Winner of the Ferrari Study Abroad Award, 1st Place
Winner of the W. Wyatt and Annette M. Hibbs Scholarship, 1st Place
for drawing skills without the use of a computer
Pennsylvania School Board Association Architecture Competition, 3rd Place
