“You never learn anything that is not part of yourself” –Louis Kahn

Louis Khan best captures my background so far in Architecture and what I hope to gain through working with this quote. Though I am now focused on pursuing architecture, I did not begin my career at UPENN completely certain of architecture. It took me two years to reach Kahn’s conclusion.

It’s been two years, but I’ve finally come to the decision embrace architecture. During my freshmen and sophomore years, I explored philosophy, neuroscience, astronomy, and mathematics. I also explored information technology and sales during the summers after freshmen and sophomore years. I eventually found that, while I could be successful in any of those fields, I could never deny my natural inclination toward architecture. While taking various courses, I also consistently took courses in the architecture major. While working in information technology and as a sales representative, I also spent time as an architectural intern. Architecture is what I consistently turn toward; it must be part of me and should be the center of my interest.

The summers after my freshmen and sophomore year were spent at a firm in Hawaii specializing in residential and small commercial projects. The medium size of the firm, allowed me to gain experience ranging from marketing and administration to interior design to producing drawing sets to receiving clients. Though I felt insignificant, my neophyte ideas, optimistic demeanor and fresh outlook on design were greatly appreciated.

My next summer was spent down the hall from my previous internship, interning at a one man firm specializing in residential projects. The nature of this firm gave me an overarching experience of architecture and a valuable mentor as well. I learned Revit within a day and proceeded to create ceiling plans, dimension drawings, detail rooms, etc. What I value most from that summer though, was the opportunity to work directly with clients, engineers, and contractors.

I’ve come to realize the dynamism of Architecture. In what other field do you have the opportunity to rethink years of tradition or innovate new ways of living or redefine the face of the world? My scope of goals is not as wide arching though; I aspire to be a practicing residential architect. I aspire to create dwellings for people that will satisfy fully their every need and desire. I aspire to work in close collaboration will the client, contractors, subcontractors, engineers, and all parties involved in the process of making the project a reality. I aspire to not only create a design I’d be proud to call my own, but also a house my client will be proud to call their home.

The only way I can even hope to reach any of these aspirations is through expanding my architectural knowledge. I am humble enough to know that there is much more out there for me to experience and learn. In order to shape the future and reach my aspirations, I must first learn, learn that which is part of myself—Architecture.