The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization dedicated to advancing leadership, design, and service among architecture students. They aim to promote excellence in architectural education, training, and practice; to foster an appreciation of architecture and related disciplines; to enrich communities in a spirit of collaboration; and to organize students and combine their efforts to advance the art and science of architecture.

KYLE BURDS

AIAS – VICE PRESIDENT | 4th YEAR STUDENT

I chose Environmental Design as my major because I have an enthusiasm for design, and the program provides a range of problems for solving, from technical, socio-economic, cultural, and aesthetic.

CU Boulder contains a uniquely collaborative dynamic that is a Petri dish for innovation in a variety of practices.

My favorite class was the introductory course for the Environmental Design program. “Human Behavior in Design and Planning” laid the groundwork for the coming years and inspired my initial design philosophies.

My favorite project was conceived when I was tasked with designing a greenhouse & classroom. The project was a blend of technical and programmatic design solutions from passive design elements to the incorporation of a brewery into the program.

I plan on pursuing new experiences and continuing my education by working in the field of architecture.

My advice for new students is to try new things, have fun, let your personality show through your design, and don’t be afraid to take risks.

  • Kyle Burds
  • Kyle Burds
  • Kyle Burds
  • Kyle Burds

KATE SECTOR

AIAS – CO-PRESIDENT | 4th YEAR STUDENT
  • Kate Sector
  • Kate Sector
  • Kate Sector
  • Kate Sector
  • Kate Sector

I picked Environmental Design because it is multidisciplinary and allows us to gain experience in not just architecture, but landscape and planning as well. With this degree, I hope to become an architect who specializes in sustainable conscious design and work with a firm who has a multidisciplinary holistic approach to design.

My favorite class was my first architecture studio where I was able to explore sustainable design strategies through designing a greenhouse that included rammed earth walls and other passive and active design features.

My plan after graduation is too work with a firm that has a strong focus on environmental design similar to our major. Once I gain more experience and explore other specialities in design, I plan to go to graduate school.

My advice for incoming students is to get involved. The best decision I made coming to college was joining various organizations that allowed me to network and has provided me with endless opportunities to get involved in the design community and explore what I am truly passionate about.

SCOTT RATHBONE

AIAS – SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE | 4th YEAR STUDENT

Architecture has always seemed to fit my personality. I have a technical mind with creative sensibilities and thus enjoy the problem-solving quality of design. I am super sensitive to environmental influence – how spaces make me feel, indoors or out. I have an affinity for all things beautiful.
I hope to produce work that reflects myself in those ways. Functionality, sensitivity, and beauty are mutually important to architecture and design.

Location. Boulder is a ceaselessly inspiring place to live and study. The environment is breath-taking. The culture is conscious, creative, and cheerful. It is an innovative university that is special in many ways.

My favorite class, and one that I think the Environmental Design program will continue to be recognized for is “Digital Fabrication.” Digital Fabrication is the future of design. Parametric modeling and digital fabrication techniques (laser cutters, CNC machines, 3D printers) allow us to create forms once unimaginable. It’s art, it’s math, it’s really, really cool.

Graduate school is on the mind, but I plan to spend a year or two working with a design firm before going back to school.
Canada and Japan have had my heart for a long time, so I would like to explore opportunities for both work and education in those locations.

Take advantage of the opportunities CU affords you. Pack your schedule with classes that are interesting to you. Less coffee, more exercise. Most importantly, don’t believe everything your professors tell you.

  • SCOTT RATHBONE
  • SCOTT RATHBONE
  • SCOTT RATHBONE

SARA TAKETATSU

AIAS – PAST PRESIDENT | 4th YEAR STUDENT
  • SARA TAKETATSU
  • SARA TAKETATSU
  • SARA TAKETATSU
  • SARA TAKETATSU
  • SARA TAKETATSU

The Environmental Design Program at CU allows students to explore design at different scales and develop an understanding of who they want to be as designers. I’m still exploring my interests but my goal is to continue on to graduate school for architecture and pursue licensure.

My favorite class has to have been the Praxis studio taught by Neal Evers and Seth Wilberding where our studio worked on Ponderosa Mobile Home redesign options as the current community prepared for infrastructure updates. Working on a real project based in the Boulder community was an amazing learning experience and encouraged my interest in public interest design.

After graduation, I plan to work for a year in a Boulder based architecture firm while applying for graduate school.

Take the opportunity to go crazy with your designs. Remember you won’t have many opportunities to be your own client with an unlimited budget! Also, get involved.

ANN DANG

AIAS – CO-PRESIDENT | 4th YEAR STUDENT

I picked Environmental Design because of its flexible and multi-disciplinary program. Jumping straight into the field of architecture is a bit intimidating, so I wanted to explore the design field and figure out what specialty best suits me.

After being in the Environmental Design program for three years, I realized that I want to pursue architecture and incorporate landscape architecture within my career. Also, I would like to become a licensed architect in the future.

CU Boulder is unique because of its location and amiable atmosphere. The Flatirons are right next to the campus and there are 300 days of sunshine every year. Besides the physical environment, the people on and off CU’s campus are very friendly.

My favorite class was probably the first architecture studio because we had to work on the developing our design process and visual communication skills. Also, I enjoyed designing a greenhouse and learning about passive design strategies.

My plan after graduation is to work at a firm in the Boulder/Denver area for at least a year and apply to graduate school during that time period.

My advice for incoming students is to get involved! There is a diverse amount of student organizations at CU Boulder, so it is just the matter of reaching out and getting involved. The campus feels a lot smaller and more personal when an individual finds their niche in college.

  • ANN DANG
  • ANN DANG
  • ANN DANG
  • ANN DANG