March Student Member of the Month - Anna Bednarko

Anna Bednarko

4th-Year Architecture Student | Iowa State University

Click here above for Anna's work

Where do you attend school? I attend Iowa State University and am a fourth-year student working on my Bachelor of Architecture degree.

Why did you choose the design/construction field? I knew I wanted to pursue a career in architecture from the moment I took my first art class in grade school. Throughout my education, I took a variety of different art classes and the most influential ones were drawing and model making. The projects I produced in class led to woodworking projects with my father at home. Each project sparked my interest in trying to figure out new ways of constructing those as well as thinking about how I can use similar techniques in creating a building.

What motivates you to work towards a career in design/construction? I want to take the experiences that I have been given through art classes, schooling, etc. to create spaces that impact people’s lives and inspire them to create things in a new way.

What is the best advice you have received? If you have a great idea, make sure that you are passionate about it and go for it.

How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you? I believe that Iowa Women in Architecture has influenced me to become a leader. I was given the opportunity to host a career path event, which allowed me to connect with experienced architects and created a presentation with them to inform students about how to create a successful portfolio. This opportunity has influenced me to help others and give them the resources to become a better designer and pursue their career.

FEBRUARY STUDENT MEMBER OF THE MONTH | SARAH SCHNEIDER

 

Sarah Schneider

Where do you attend school?

I attend Iowa State University, studying as a fourth-year student pursing a Bachelor of Architecture.

Why did you choose the design/construction field?

I chose architecture because I have always been interested in how things are constructed and put together. In high school, I learned multiple hand and computer drafting techniques which sparked my interest in the field of design and more specifically architecture.

What motivates you to work towards a career in design/construction?

I have become very interested in the process of making through technology. This past year I have assisted with research using Ceramic 3D printing, which has lead me to become more interested in the fabrication aspects of design. I am always very eager to learn new techniques or tools for fabrication as they are continuously improving and changing, which makes this aspect of the field of architecture very exciting.

What is the best advice you have received?

"A project is never finished. No matter how bad or good your last review went, your project is continuously evolving." - Alonso L. Ortega

How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?

I currently serve as the Vice President for the Student Chapter on campus. This position has given me the opportunity to connect with women peers and professionals in Central Iowa.

You can view more of Sarah's work here.

DECEMBER STUDENT MEMBER OF THE MONTH | MAKAYLA NATROP

Makayla Natrop

Where do you attend school and what type of design work would you like to pursue?

I attend Iowa State University studying as a fourth-year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Architecture.

Why did you choose the design/construction field?

I first started college as an engineering major because I’ve always been interested in math, science and problem solving. However, a year into pursuing a civil engineering degree I decided there wasn’t enough design opportunity within the profession. Thus, I switched my major mid semester to architecture. Architecture was the perfect mix of design and problem solving. This past year I’ve been working as an undergraduate researcher exploring different potentials for fabrics in architecture through digital fabrication. This type of architecture research work has been evident in my studio projects with interactive environmental design for facades.

What motivates you to work towards a career in design/construction?

Creating spaces is a very direct and beautiful way of invoking an emotional response and thought. What I’ve always been interest in is the story, the expression, the experience of places; something I wish to do in my career is promote thought about an important discussion, and idea or social problem for the people that interact with the spaces I design.

What is the best advice you have received?

“The best moments come out of moments of being uncomfortable; Don’t let fear stop you, don’t let hardship stop you, don’t let someone else stop you… You endured and something beautiful came out of it.” - Kale Paulsen

How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?

Iowa Women in Architecture has been in an influence in connecting me with other women in architecture. I currently serve as secretary for the Iowa State iaWia organization. In our degree, it has been historically male dominant; however, being able to hear and share the successes of other women in this field has created a support system for women.

See a sample of Makayla's work HERE.

October Student Member of the Month | Kaela Burmeister

Kaela Burmeister

portfolio pin up

Where do you attend school and what type of design work would you like to pursue?

I attend Iowa State University and would like to pursue  Education or Commercial design work. I am interested in looking into how the experiences of space can help individuals focus and learn better.

Why did you choose the design/construction field?

I was interested at first in creating something. Later, I realized I want that something to be an impactful experience for all users.

What motivates you to work towards a career in design/construction?

My motivation comes from the desire to better the experiences of built space. I also am always curious in continuing to learn how people use spaces and why they chose certain spaces over others.

What is the best advice you have received?

Don’t forget about life. Design and the field of architecture is stressful and demanding; however, don’t give up involvement or other passions. It is who you are and how you live your life that shape your passions and designs.

How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?

I try and keep an open mind, and I enjoy speaking with professionals and being able to connect with them. Iowa Women in Architecture has assured me that women are just as major a part of Architecture as men and in that, I am not afraid to share my thoughts and ideas with employers and co-workers in the future.

Student Pin-Up: Jill Maltby

1)      Student’s Name: Jill Maltby

2)      Year in School: 5^th Year

3)      Discipline: Architecture

4)    Role in iaWia: Students: 5^th year coordinator and iaWia: Students Creator

Q:  What studio are you currently in and what is the goal?

A:  I am a student in the Bridge studio under the direction of Nadia Anderson. The focus for the semester is to develop proposals to help with infrastructural issues in three neighborhoods targeted by the city of Des Moines as areas for revitalization; Capitol East, Capitol Park, and MLK Jr. Park. The team I’m working on, in particular, is composing an informal network of organized aid. By mapping and understanding plots that have received some sort of aid, whether it be monetary or physical labor (Home Inc., GDM Habitat for Humanity, NDC…etc), and affected plot’s proximity to vacant lots, we hope to create a matrix that might better inform organizations about potential collaborations for certain sites. I’ve been an architectural intern with ASK Studio since my 3^rd year at Iowa State. I’m fortunate in that much of my initial growth as an ‘architect-hopeful ‘has been influenced by ASK’s work with several of the organizations in these neighborhoods. Witnessing the power of combined efforts from both academia and industry is quickly becoming one of the more exciting parts of my academic career. It’s real!

Q:  What is your favorite facet of the studio thus far?

A: I’m happy that I get to continue to uncover Des Moines. Des Moines is a city where once you feel as though you have everything figured out, something new is thrown your way. It’s easy to find inspiration in how often the city can adapt to the next thing.

 Q:  Why did you choose the field of architecture?

A: I was always convinced I would end up designing the interiors of Maseratis. Purple Maseratis, to be specific. However, the closer college became, the more I realized I was interested in the space that was a product of the form of the car. The relationship between in the interior and exterior, and how each works to inform the other is fascinating. Between my lack of technical knowledge for automobiles, and acknowledging the fact that 500 of the 550 images taken during family vacations were of buildings and urban conditions…the choice became very clear.

 Q:  Why iaWia: Students?

A:  I have been inspired by iaWia since my 2^nd year in the Department of Architecture. Introduced by Department of Architecture faculty members Mikesch Muecke and James Spiller, I took part in forming the secondary student branch after several encouraging conversations with some of the iaWia founders. The goal of iaWia: Students is to better educate students in the College of Design at Iowa State about potential differences between the profession and academia for women and minorities. With a mentor program initiated by students, portfolio seminars, one-on-one portfolio reviews, unpacking internship strategies, and guest speakers, and large group discussions; iaWia: Students works to continue the conversations iaWia works so hard to initiate through a student lens. iaWia is fostering a design culture where people are asking questions, analyzing results, and taking action, from the student level to the employer. It’s exciting to be a part of an organization I believe to be fearless.

Q:  What is the best advice you have received?

A:  “Be smart enough to know that you don’t know.” Various versions of this phrase continue to surface in both school and at work, especially over the last year. We’re more aware than ever about the power of the collective. Taking time to utilize resources, and to engage experts regardless of their role, is essential.

Q:  What’s next?

A:  Graduation is approaching in less than 40 days, and I’m looking forward to continuing to challenge myself as an Intern Architect in Seattle, WA.