Kayla Anderson
Portland State University
Degree Program: Architecture
Year: Junior
Describe your studio culture:
We have rules and safety precautions that we agree to at the beginning of each term. However, there are rules that aren’t followed or expected to be followed, and there are unrealistic expectations that are sometimes suggested to us.
Give one tip that has helped you succeed in studio:
One tip would be that I try really hard to never get too attached to a design; I continuously question my design decisions and adapt my overall design accordingly.
What motivates you to work hard in studio:
The reminder that some day, no matter how small, I will make a difference.
What aspect of your studio experience do you think will help you get a job?
I think that being taught to think through all aspects of a design and being required to sketch ideas/hand draw final drawings will help me get a job because it has helped me to create thoughtful designs and is training me to be quick at putting my thoughts on paper.
What can professors do to create a helpful and supportive studio culture?
They could be more aware of an individual’s strengths, help us recognize our strengths, grow in those strengths and then help us adapt our assignments based on those strengths to produce better final products.
What should a high school student understand about studio at my university:
In all honesty, it is extremely time consuming and frustrating at times, but it can also be exciting, fun and very rewarding to see all of your hard work and dedication pay off.
What can AIAS do to help improve your studio experience:
They could offer more workshops on computer programs or push to have more technology classes added to each term.
What would be in your ideal studio care package:
Coffee, grilled cheese and french fries, artist pens, watercolor, trace paper, and bass wood (cut to the exact dimensions of course).
I love studio because:
It is nice to be part of a community that shares the same interests, to build lifetime friendships and to be in a safe space where we can push each other to be better designers.
