School
Northeastern University
Degree Program
Bachelor of Science of Architecture
Year in School
First Year
Describe your studio culture:
At Northeastern university, the architecture program creates such an interesting studio culture. The architecture studio is a long, open space where all architecture students have a desk to work. The spatial organization of the studio promotes collaboration with other students and provides support like no other. In addition to personal workspaces, there are separate spaces that provide facilities such as laser cutting and a makerspace. Having all of these aspects in the studio lead to a supportive, inclusive, and welcoming environment. In addition to this, I feel that the architecture studio culture emphasizes a balance between the technical and artistic aspects of architecture, encouraging students to explore new materials, construction techniques, and design methodologies.
Give one tip that has helped you succeed in your studio:
One tip that has helped me succeed in the studio is time management. Although this is a concept that is always retired, I feel that it is very effective in my success in the studio. Maintaining a work/life balance helps me stay on top of everything. You can’t put all your effort 24/7 into your architectural projects, even if it feels like it is necessary. Taking time for yourself and getting enough sleep has helped me follow my deadlines and all of my other commitments. Even if that seems counterintuitive, using time management to your advantage is definitely my biggest tip.
What motivates you to work hard in studio?
What motivates me to work hard while I am in the studio is my classmates. Being around architecture students so often creates a strong bond between everyone. My classmates are always providing my endless support, giving me feedback and positive advice. They are the ones that motivate me to work the hardest. Personally, receiving recognition from my peers who are all so passionate about the subject inspires me to work hard and push myself to improve.
What aspect of your studio experience do you think will help you get a job?
I see my time in the studio as a stepping stone for my career goals. All the work I produce gives me the opportunity to develop a strong portfolio that will be included in all of my job applications. Having a strong portfolio helps me to secure a job as well as demonstrate all of my architectural and design abilities. One more important aspect of the studio is networking. Being in a space that has all of the architecture students in addition to all the faculty and staff gives me the opportunity to expand my network and gain countless personal connections that could help me with my career in the future.
What can professors do to create a helpful and supportive studio culture?
I believe that professors play a big role in cultivating studio culture. First of all, professors should be available to students and approachable for questions and concerns. This can help students to feel supported and can encourage them to seek out assistance when needed. Secondly, I feel as if professors should help to discourage unhealthy studio habits. I tend to see my fellow students struggling to maintain a healthy balance when it comes to studio, which even I do as well when the workload is strong. Professors should be able provide support and advice when it comes to this.
What should a high school student understand about studio at your university?
I feel that high school students should know the large impact that studio culture has on one’s life, especially as an architecture student at Northeastern University. Despite the support and camaraderie that the studio can provide, it can also be a unique and challenging environment. Along with all the positives of the architecture program at Northeastern university, the studio can be intense and demanding environments, with long hours and high expectations. Students often stay up all night to meet deadlines. It’s important to be prepared for this level of intensity and to develop good time-management and stress-management skills. But in the end, the students in the studio are supportive of each other and are committed to helping each other succeed. It’s important to be open to learning from others and to be willing to help others when you can.
What can AIAS do to help improve your studio experience?
I believe that AIAS, especially the Northeastern Chapter, is doing a great job of helping my studio experience. AIAS can play an important role in improving the studio experience for architecture students by providing resources, organizing events, promoting collaboration, and providing mentorship. By working together with students, faculty, and professionals in the field, AIAS can help to create a more supportive and enriching studio environment for architecture students. As a member of the e-board, playing a part in these events and having the opportunity to help other students is really great.
What would be in your ideal studio care package?
My ideal studio care package would be a water bottle and snacks. I personally find it super important to stay hydrated. Being in studio for long hours can have an affect on my eating schedule sometimes, so having something to snack on is essential for me.
Complete this sentence: I love studio because…
It provides a creative and collaborative space where I can explore and develop my design ideas while working with other talented individuals who share my passion for creating beautiful and functional buildings and spaces.
