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
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.
KATE SECTOR
AIAS – CO-PRESIDENT | 4th YEAR STUDENT
SCOTT RATHBONE
AIAS – SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE | 4th YEAR STUDENT
I hope to produce work that reflects myself in those ways. Functionality, sensitivity, and beauty are mutually important to architecture and design.
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.
SARA TAKETATSU
AIAS – PAST PRESIDENT | 4th YEAR STUDENT
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.