Environmental Design Student Ambassadors help promote the Program and provide a better understanding of ENVD majors, student life and student support services to prospective CU Boulder students and families.
Meet the Ambassadors
Lakin Fain
Major: Architecture, with a certificate in lighting design
Minor: Fine Arts
Why I selected ENVD at CU Boulder
I decided on ENVD because it combines my passion for creativity and artistic consideration with the practicality of creating a positive impact. I love art and design but I wanted to end up in a career that directly attacks some of the major issues that our world is facing today.
My goals with this degree
My dream job after completing the program would be to work in stage design/ performance designs in the live music industry. I am pursuing a lighting certificate and fine art minor along with my architecture major. I am also just excited to do anything design-related that this degree leads me to. There are so many options for design-related work that ENVD prepares you for–I think that what I will end up doing is not something that I could predict right now.
My advice to you
When searching for a college/degree know that whatever you end up choosing–you can always adapt and adjust to make any situation work for you. There are so many opportunities and freedom in college to build the environment and situation that you want. I see it as there is no “right decision.” You just pick what you feel is best and make it work.
Gabriela Hernandez
Major: Architecture
Why I selected ENVD at CU Boulder
As a transfer student, ENVD stuck out to me for the many opportunities it would provide me to learn about the major disciplines. I was thrilled at the chance to understand the impact design can have on the social and environmental climates we live in. ENVD does a great thing by allowing students to gain experience in all disciplines.
It really stuck out to me because it would allow me to gain an understanding of the majors before committing to one. I loved that it would allow me to begin to understand my values. I was incredibly appealed by the program because of its collaborative nature and the feeling that your contributions and ideas are valued. The students and instructors are really there to help you grow and it’s such an excellent environment to be a part of.
My goals with this degree
After graduating, my biggest goal is to work for a firm that prides itself on sustainable design and designing for the spaces for communities that reflect them. I want to make a difference in communities like the one that I grew up in, where the people are often overlooked.
My advice to you
Keep an open mind and learn as much about yourself and what interests you as you can! Every school offers so many different opportunities to develop and grow. Never be afraid to run with what you are passionate about and what feels right to you. Accept what values you have as a designer and never stop advocating for them. You’ll quickly find how rewarding it is to do something you care about and how proud you’ll be of it!
Lleyton Karimi
Major: Architecture
Why I selected ENVD at CU Boulder
Environmental Design at CU Boulder provided the opportunity for me to study architecture while focusing on the broader social and environmental implications of design. Additionally, I wanted to find a program that was directed toward a modern and sustainable approach to design while still being a place I could feel connected with my professors and classmates at. The creative spaces, talented people, and enthusiastic faculty have confirmed for me that this was the right choice!
My goals with this degree
I hope to further my education in architecture and design to start my track toward licensure. I would one day hope to become a principal architect at a successful firm or even run my own firm. I hope to create new and exciting designs that can simultaneously help to address real environmental and social issues.
My advice to you
Take pride in what you do and work hard to impress yourself! Environmental Design is not an easy field but anyone can be successful with the right attitude, focus, and passion. You can do so much more than you might believe, you just have to take the first steps to push yourself. Finally, do not stress if you are coming into this program, you will find a place here at ENVD with supportive faculty and other passionate peers.
Chloe Lapierre
Major: Architecture
Why I selected ENVD at CU Boulder
What I really love about the ENVD program is that you have so much freedom with all of your work to really explore what you want to pursue after college. By having four disciplines rather than just committing to one initially, you get a very well-rounded environmental design education and the chance to take classes that you wouldn’t originally consider. Now as an ENVD student, I love that I get to be creative every day fully backed with support from professors and the community. I feel that I could really make a positive change in the world through environmental design.
My goals with this degree
After college, my goal is to work for a firm with an emphasis towards sustainability. I also really hope to travel and see what design looks like throughout the world.
My advice to you
For students still deciding on their major or school, my advice would be to not hold back on your passions and dreams no matter how far away they seem at the moment.
Aspen Randolph
Major: Architecture
Minor(s): Business
Why I selected ENVD at CU Boulder
What really drew me to ENVD was the number of opportunities this program creates and promotes. I loved the fact that students are encouraged to explore their interests within the four disciplines and explore opportunities within the Boulder community. There are so many clubs and support programs that make the design work here meaningful. I also was drawn to the creative energy and excitement from students and faculty that is so apparent right as you walk in the doors. It feels amazing to be a part of such a creative and supportive community that actually makes a difference in our world.
My goals with this degree
My goal with this degree is to focus on sustainability and equity. I want to create spaces that promote inclusion and are kind to the Earth. Eventually, I would also love to own my own firm.
My advice to you
My advice to you is to have an open mind when entering ENVD. Studio-based learning creates an environment where there are many different perspectives and design styles and it can seem overwhelming at times. Being open to trying out new styles and techniques is how you find out what you’re passionate about and foster your own design style. It is also how you form meaningful connections with studio instructors and peers which may just lead to internships and job opportunities!
Cece Thyen
Major: Planning
Minor(s): Geography
Why I selected ENVD at CU Boulder
I selected CU Boulder’s Environmental Design program because of the opportunities that it creates for learning and growing both as a student/designer, and as a person. The support systems that are built into the program, and that form organically within the student body and with professors, are extremely valuable and unique to ENVD. ENVD’s curriculum lays the groundwork for your experience, but the rest can be completely individualized to your passions and end goals as a student/designer. As an ENVD student, the world is truly your oyster!
My goals with this degree
Social and environmental justice are two of my driving factors as a designer and a person. I hope to use my Urban Planning degree to make the world a more equitable place for everybody. This includes expanding the amount of and access to comfortable green space in urban areas. I would love to make a positive impact on those who are undermined by the current design of our cities, one green space at a time!
My advice to you
The Environmental Design curriculum can seem extremely daunting as a freshman, but once you begin you will realize you’ve got it. For me, making connections, with my peers and professors, and reaching out for help have made the biggest difference. Everybody in this program is rooting for you and will provide you support in any way they can, you just have to ask!