When I began college, I did not have a very clear idea of what I wanted to study. I enjoyed all my classes and had already taken challenging classes at Andrews University for dual enrollment: math classes like Calculus I, II, and III, French, Computer Science, Psychology, and Introduction to Architecture. I have a passion for music and foreign languages and enjoy writing. Additionally, I love physical fitness and spending time in nature. Because of my love for all these things, it was pretty difficult to decide what to study. Since I have always loved art, I decided to try architecture. I took my first class, Introduction to Architecture, while I was still at Andrews Academy.
The following spring, I took my first “Studio” class, which was a completely new experience. I had never used a drafting desk, drawn a Tuscan Column, constructed a drawing of a building section, oblique plan, or perspective view, or measured and rendered an existing building like the Niles Train Station. The class was challenging, exciting, and frustrating, all at the same time, but all the hard work was definitely worth it because I learned so much. At the end of the spring semester, I received an award for my contribution to the first-year studio. I was excited because I overcame the challenges and realized that architecture was something I enjoyed!
Even after the 2021 spring semester, I was still not completely sure I wanted to study architecture, but I remained with architecture as my major going into fall 2022. During my second year, we started using computerized software and building models. This was exciting because I got to see my designs come together in a hands-on way. I was getting more and more excited about the field of architecture.
Third year was a blast! I really enjoyed the Background Building studio because I designed a downtown building in my hometown, Princeton, NJ. During the Spring Semester, in “Adaptive Reuse” studio, we got to reimagine an old building in Berrien Springs, MI. I was excited by Adaptive Reuse because it is good for the environment and reuses buildings that still have the potential to be positive centers for the community. Thanks to the career fair opportunities offered by AU, I got an internship this summer at an architectural firm. I think that is a great opportunity all architecture students should take advantage of! I am just now starting my fourth year here at Andrews University, and so far, my studio has been very interesting. We are designing a mixed-use building in Atlanta, GA. I cannot wait to see where this year will take me, and I am excited for a future in the architectural profession.
I spoke to other architecture students about their experiences within the program.
What are your favorite architecture classes you have taken at Andrews? Why?
“My favorite class this semester is woodworking class, as it’s something I have always enjoyed. It has a therapeutic sense to it. Woodworking simply relaxes me.” Guillermo Acevedo (senior, architecture)
“Fall environmental technology! I think it has opened my mind to a whole new way of designing. There are new limitations placed when learning new things about environmental design, but also a lot more efficient designs come to mind too!” Janeth Banuelos (junior, architecture)
“My favorite classes have been my studio courses and Architectural History. I love Studio because I have learned so many fun techniques for deeper thinking and the continual design process. I love Archi history because I get to learn the process, unique design ideas, and mistakes of geniuses throughout history. I have the privilege to be inspired by their architecture. Also, the professors are really cool!” Jadon Hardon (sophomore, architecture)
“My favorite classes were Background Building Studio, Placemaking Studio, and Urban Studies. Each of these classes played a unique role in broadening my understanding of architecture. I learned the beauty of Korean architecture and the importance of background buildings and how they shape spaces; explored design ideas and choices for people at different stages of scale, from individuals to the entire community; and gained insights into how architecture impacts a community in different contexts and times, and how they are relevant to societal issues. These classes have inspired me to like architecture more and more and guided me toward what I should aim for as an architecture student.” Halim Im (grad school, architecture)
“My favorite class was Design Theory. The professor I had brought architecture and faith together into the same realm, which was enlightening because before that I didn’t know that architecture and faith can coexist. Environmental technology, especially the first semester, was also one of my favorites, because I could see the mix of sustainability and architecture which is something I am passionate about (for example, passive cooling and heating).” Matthew Merrill (grad school, architecture)
“I would say my favorite class was Design Theory because we studied ideas and theoretical contexts behind building designs from various cultures and ages. For me, it was most interesting to study how early Adventist leaders had thoughts on their education system and how it influenced the building designs of that time.” Kensuke Okawara (senior, architecture)
How did your first year meet your expectations of what you were hoping to learn?
“My first year was completely different from my expectations. In my classes I was amazed to discover how much theory we discussed and retained. At first, I was confused why we weren't practicing designing, but as the classes went on, I found that what we were learning and discussing was very important. The constant focus on the depth of the design process and on architecture for PEOPLE instead of for ARCHITECTS/DESIGNERS helped me to remold my goals around a mission that calls architects to reform society through buildings.” Jadon Hardon (sophomore, architecture)
Why did you choose Andrews for architecture?
“The environment. Even for an SDA school, compared to the many schools I’ve moved between, it has been the nicest. Excluding my past interest in architecture, the architecture department was particularly welcoming and interesting to me the couple times I came to tour the building, so I just locked it in.” Luke Mattson (freshman, architecture)
“The professors. I met Professor Perry on my tour and was immediately drawn to the program because of his passion for the field.” Mackenzie Novakoski (freshman, architecture)
What attracted you to architecture?
“Architecture, as a field, attracted me because of the way it uses math and design to create spaces for community. Having the ability to design a building for someone, that you will be able to see come to life, is so incredible!” Mackenzie Novakoski (freshman, architecture)
Architecture is a very exciting field to be studying, and I hope you got a better understanding of what goes on in our program behind the scenes! Architecture is about designing buildings, but it is also about so much more. It is a way to connect people together and make the world a better place. Whether or not you are studying architecture, I hope you can have a greater appreciation for the work that architects do.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.