AJ Newlin, Architecture
Where are you from?
I am from Fort Collins, Colorado, which is about an hour away from ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ.
What inspired your decision to come to Environmental Design at CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ?
I was very interested in the interdisciplinary nature of ENVD even though I already knew I wanted to go into architecture. I was able to visit ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ in the spring of my senior year, and even during the pandemic I knew I was in the right place.
Did you know right away that you wanted to major in architecture? How/when did you know?
I only really discovered my love for architecture during my last few years of high school, but looking back, it has always been there. The first realization was when I took a construction class in high school and built a house. It was the first time I had truly understood a process start-to-finish. Seeing the house go from nothing to something tangible gave me a huge sense of accomplishment. I was hooked.
Do you have a favorite project that you're currently working on/have worked on in the past?
I think the 8-week architecture studio’s Athenaeum project has been my favorite so far. I often revisit and edit it even though the course ended. I learned a lot about balancing concept with practicality and it was my first real attempt at using design software in my work.
What has the program taught you about yourself as you’ve taken on your educational career?
I learned how to adapt to new challenges and deadlines that I have never faced in the past. ENVD has a lot of resources that are there to help me.
What would you like to do upon graduating from Environmental Design?
I know that there are a lot of possibilities, so I am trying to keep my options open right now. I do know that I want to go to grad school after I graduate and I want to work somewhere that allows me to travel a lot while my career is starting out.
What tips or advice would you give to future design students?
It’s very easy to compare yourself and your work to others, especially in a program like design, where our work is so subjective. Be confident in who you are and what you bring to the table, because others see a lot of value in your opinions and your work even if it doesn’t look like theirs. How boring would design be if everything looked the same?