This ‘In Studio’ feature is sponsored by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The NAAB accredits professional degrees in architecture offered by institutions accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting agency. All 54 U.S. registration boards accept the NAAB-accredited degree for registration; 37 of those boards require it. naab.org
Name: Blake Kem
School: Miami University
Degree Program: Architecture
Year in School: Third Year
Describe your studio culture:
Our studios are highly collaborative and dynamic environments. From students personalizing studio spaces to our 24-hour access, there is always life and activity in studio.
Give one tip that has helped you succeed in studio:
Being proactive and taking initiative in projects has helped me succeed in studio in that I am able to push my designs further before a deadline.
What motivates you to work hard in studio:
Many of my friends are in studio with me, so when we are all in there working on our projects, I am motivated to work even harder. I don’t feel like I’m “missing out” on anything because all of my friends are right there with me.
What aspect of your studio experience do you think will help you get a job?
I think the close relationships I’ve formed with professors will help me get a job because they can help me make connections in the field and vouch for me in interviews.
What can professors do to create a helpful and supportive studio culture?
By being readily available and always willing to help outside of studio times, our professors have cultivated a supportive studio culture.
What should a high school student understand about studio at my university:
Studio at Miami University is hard work and demands a sizeable time commitment, but the environment cultivates friendly relationships with both students and professors.
What can AIAS do to help improve your studio experience:
AIAS currently holds skills workshops to augment what we learn in class, but even more of these as well as professional opportunities would help bring my studio experience outside of the building itself.
What would be in your ideal studio care package:
Hot chocolate, a sandwich from the bodega uptown, and Bluetooth speakers.
Complete this sentence: I love studio because:
I’ve made some of my best friends there, and I get to see them all the time.
