Class of 2021

Peyton Floyd

Anonymous — Wed, 05 May 2021 16:55:59 +0000

Peyton Floyd Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 05/05/2021 - 10:55

Peyton Floyd, an architecture major from Durango, Colorado, plans to go to graduate school at Pratt Institute in the fall.

Reach out to me if you will be in New York next year! It was an honor being in an environment of such talented and creative thinkers.

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
Internal Events Coordinator for Alpha Phi

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
I actually had another school picked out that I was pretty positive I was going to go to. During a layover in Denver before touring that school my mom encouraged me to come tour CU, during the ENVD tour I fell in love with the studio culture and atmosphere and couldn't see myself anywhere else.

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
Your mindset forges your experience and reality.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Work in studio as much as possible, and don't underestimate the value of learning from your peers.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
Studying abroad in Prague with the most incredible ENVD students and now lifelong friends.

What does graduating from college represent for you?
A milestone in cultivating my personal collection of knowledge

What are your plans beyond graduation?
I will be going to graduate school at Pratt Institute in the fall.

Peyton Floyd, an architecture major from Durango, Colorado, plans to go to graduate school at Pratt Institute in the fall.

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Isabella Manzo

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 23:43:34 +0000

Isabella Manzo Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/29/2021 - 17:43

Bella Manzo, a landscape architecture major from Indiana, will graduate with a minor in ecology and evolutionary biology and plans to keep farming and apply to graduate school programs in regenerative agriculture systems.

“Bella has given so much to ENVD over the years in her work ethic, community-building and leadership among her peers. In the last few years, her unwavering sense of joy and optimism built up those around and set an example of what it means to be resilient. I admire her strength, creativity, and uncanny sense of humor (those never-ending puns though!), and trust that she'll amplify her unique light anywhere she chooses to go.”

–Alexis Harper

I really wish that we would've gotten to say goodbye, and I know that you all are going to go on to do great things! You are the most passionate and wonderful people I've had the privilege of knowing, and I hope you carry that passion on in whatever comes next.

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
I've been a Peer Advisor for two years, and this past year have been the Peer Advising Coordinator at the ENVD advising office. I've also been involved with The Rural Project as a member, Vice President, and Interim President.

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
I transferred into ENVD as a sophomore and was inspired to come here because of the school's focus on ecology and environmental responsibility in design. I thought it was great to have an interdisciplinary program that would let me explore multiple design professions.

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
The greatest lesson that I've taken away from my experience has been to speak up for myself. I've always tried to be pretty easygoing and have often been a bit shy. I've learned in my time at CU that it's vital to communicate what you mean, people might value what I have to say, and it actually can have an impact.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Don't forget to think about what it is that YOU want to do. What are you passionate about, what excites you, what makes you happy? You can say no to things that may seem like good opportunities, but don't fall in line with what you want to do.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
The most cherished memory I have from my time at ENVD is being in the Scone Zone studio. I had transferred into ENVD the semester before, and that studio brought me together with so many friends and showed me how amazing the community here is.

What does graduating from college represent for you?
For me, graduating from college means that I get to take a break. I feel like I've been toiling nonstop between classes all week and work every weekend for the past four years, and now I get to enjoy having just one job. The end of this experience also means that I've overcome some nasty obstacles and that I'm much stronger and more resilient than I knew I could be.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
Sleep, in the immediate future. Looking forward though, I'm planning to keep on farming for the next year and apply to graduate schools in the fall for master's programs in regenerative agriculture systems.

Bella Manzo, a landscape architecture major from Indiana, will graduate with a minor in ecology and evolutionary biology and plans to keep farming and apply to graduate school programs in regenerative agriculture systems.

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Matthew Andronowitz

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 23:21:47 +0000

Matthew Andronowitz Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/29/2021 - 17:21

Matthew Andronowitz, an architecture major from Connecticut, plans to contribute to designing a better future after graduation.

Thank you all for being so inspiring!

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
Four-year board member of the American Institute of Architecture Students as President, Treasurer, and Freshman representative.

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
To learn more about design as a whole.

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
Empathy is the most powerful tool in design.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Work hard, play hard! (In that order)

Describe one of your favorite memories.
Jumping out of the car during our class trip to Lama Foundation, New Mexico!

What does graduating from college represent for you?
Moving into a new chapter of life!

What are your plans beyond graduation?
Designing a better future!

Matthew Andronowitz, an architecture major from Connecticut, plans to contribute to designing a better future after graduation.

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Caroline Walton

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 22:59:05 +0000

Caroline Walton Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/29/2021 - 16:59

Caroline Walton, an environmental product design major from Fort Collins, Colorado, plans to make cool things and go to neat places after graduation.

Remember when you could just meander around ENVD and look at everyone's projects? Miss y'all!

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
During my time at CU, I am really thankful for the supportive community at Mixed CU. I'm also thankful for the CU Alpine club for helping me get out to beautiful places and the Environmental Center for helping me learn about sustainability on campus and how to reach out and connect to the campus community.

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
I came to ENVD because I thought it would be an interesting way for me to connect my interests in art and the environment in an interdisciplinary program.

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
Going to distinguished speakers events at CU was a highlight of my time here. So thankful to be able to listen to speakers like Carolyn Finney, Viola Davis, and Hasan Minhaj. It was such a privilege to hear their stories and always worth the time commitment.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Don't do things that you don't want to just because it seems too late to quit! And explore new/different things!

Describe one of your favorite memories.
Some favorite ENVD associated memories include the one late night before pinup where it was my birthday and this guy said from across the room "oof saddest birthday ever" and it was funny. Better memories include eating scones in studio and in general various foods for free in the building.

What does graduating from college represent for you?
For me, graduating from college is an accomplishment I'm proud of. It's also exciting to enter another phase of my life post-graduation.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
Make cool things and go to neat places

Caroline Walton, an environmental product design major from Fort Collins, Colorado, plans to make cool things and go to neat places after graduation.

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Kris Kratovil

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 22:49:14 +0000

Kris Kratovil Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/29/2021 - 16:49

Kris Kratovil, an architecture major from Boulder, plans to find a position where he can apply what he's learned to make clients happy and continue honing his skills.

Even though this major is tough, it was always a blast. When we worked together, it was amazing what we could accomplish.

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
I knew I wanted to be an architect from the time I was in 6th grade. I've always had a love for architecture, and I wanted to stay local to stay in Boulder, so it was the perfect mix of constructive and creative.

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
The collaboration and creative process of ENVD along with the mix of digital media and physical construction.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
I would suggest learning Rhino and Revit early--it will be enormously helpful.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
Staying late into the night at the CINC for the design/build and working together collaboratively to meet our deadline.

What does graduating from college represent for you?
A sense of accomplishment and stepping into the working world to apply what I've learned.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
Finding a position to apply what I've learned, designing projects to make clients happy, and continuing to hone my skills.

Kris Kratovil, an architecture major from Boulder, plans to find a position where he can apply what he's learned to make clients happy and continue honing his skills.

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Ula Lijowska

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 22:05:45 +0000

Ula Lijowska Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/29/2021 - 16:05

Ula Lijowska, an architecture major from St. Louis, plans to get a job at an architecture firm after graduation.

Good luck, and maybe one of us will win a Pritzker Prize.

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
I've been a part of the CU Equestrian Team for four years and was social chair for two of them.

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
I was walking campus when I still hadn't decided on my major and saw the ENVD building, which inspired me to switch majors, but it's not because of the design of the building

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
It means overcoming a lot of challenges and learning a lot about myself, and using those skills in the next chapter of my life.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Make sure you start your first semester freshman year or you'll be behind.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
The Chair Project.

What does graduating from college represent for you?
It means overcoming a lot of challenges and learning a lot about myself, and using those skills in the next chapter of my life.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
I'm still trying to figure it out: world domination or get a job at an architecture firm.

Ula Lijowska, an architecture major from St. Louis, plans to get a job at an architecture firm after graduation.

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Ethan Harrington

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 20:49:27 +0000

Ethan Harrington Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/29/2021 - 14:49

Ethan Harrington, a sustainable planning and urban design major from California plans to stay around Denver to find a job in planning.

I miss you! Congrats! See you soon!

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
I really appreciated the mix of creativity and real hands-on experience. There's just an endless amount you can do with that.

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
Iteration in design is a powerful tool.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Enjoy the little things, but try to think big picture. It's vague and deep-sounding but it's basic. Youll miss balsa wood and Exacto knives, maybe not the stools, but as you get to be a senior remember what its like to model something, maybe you arent building anything but think about what you'd highlight, or how you'd want somebody to approach your project. Its still vague but maybe you get my point.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
I was very stressed out for one of my first presentations in studio, unsure of what to expect or how this whole board of my own design would go over, and the first person up is a good friend of mine from then until now, and hopefully after this. He puts his board up and goes through his whole presentation, does a great job, but all I can think about is how nervous I am. He gets done and the class claps and then quiets down, and the professor stays quiet for a moment, and then says just one thing, "Denver is spelled with a v." And so the title of the project was "Design in Dener." He laughed, the professor laughed, I laughed, everyone laughed. Everyone needed a little reprieve and it was a great one at that.

What does graduating from college represent for you?
A great achievement and the beginning of an amazing new chapter. We've been taught some lofty ideas and there are signs they can become reality so I'm very excited to get out there and see if that's true.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
I'm planning on getting a job in or around Denver in the planning realm and doing that for at least a year before deciding on grad school.

Ethan Harrington, a sustainable planning and urban design major from California plans to stay around Denver to find a job in planning.

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Gerardo Mario Grajales

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 20:33:55 +0000

Gerardo Mario Grajales Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/29/2021 - 14:33

Gerardo Mario Grajales, an architecture major from Colombia, plans to return to Colombia after completing an architecture project in Boulder.

Thank you!

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
Currently doing an architecture internship in Boulder.

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
The integration of nature into design theory.

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
The tranquil silence of ENVD at 4 am the day of the final pin-up.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Develop an intellectual relationship with professors.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
Always forgetting my clicker in Paul's lecture.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
Finish my architecture project in Boulder before returning to Colombia.

Gerardo Mario Grajales, an architecture major from Colombia, plans to return to Colombia after completing an architecture project in Boulder.

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Cecilia S. Placidi

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 20:24:47 +0000

Cecilia S. Placidi Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/29/2021 - 14:24

Cecilia S. Placidi, an architecture major from Italy and New York City, plans to go into interior design after graduation.

It feels like time flew by, regardless of how many long hours we felt like we were spending tweaking our projects but, hey, we made it.

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
I have been part of AIAS for the past four years and have made my way up in different board positions until becoming Co-president this academic year. I will be trying to keep in touch since I will in the role of Past President next year and want to see the organization thrive. Last semester I was also the TA for two classes in ENVD, Architecture History and Ecological Systems in Design.

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
I loved the natural landscape of Boulder and loved the energy that the school had as a whole.

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
I think one of the biggest things that I learned is that the way you perceive something changes drastically if you are doing something that you love and if you feel like the people around you are giving you positive energy.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
I think the biggest piece of advice, especially in design is that, yes professors can teach you new things and give you advice, but they are there to guide you; you are the one who has to come up with your own style and your own passion for things that you want to pursue.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
I think one of my favorite memories is enjoying the small breaks while studying with friends in the building. It is hard to work many hours in a row and feeling stuck. But taking a little break or getting someone else's opinion on it will always help.

What does graduating from college represent for you?
It represents a door to a new type of life. School is not going to be a daily thing for me anymore. Now I will be able to explore what is out there.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
I plan on going into Interior Design. I have explored architecture while in school and I want to be able to see what Interior Design has to offer and if it will be more related to what I want to be doing in my life. I will be exploring job opportunities to find one that works for me.

Cecilia S. Placidi, an architecture major from Italy and New York City, plans to go into interior design after graduation.

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Jake Norris

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 20:17:27 +0000

Jake Norris Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/29/2021 - 14:17

Jake Norris, a landscape architecture major from Castle Pines, Colorado, will graduate with Cum Laude honors.

I love you guys and I hope you tackle the future head-on!

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
Brief involvement in ASLA, Currently working under Paul Chinowsky for Resilient Analytics.

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
I had a passion for design and creativity and ENVD allowed me to take that passion further.

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
K.I.S.S = keep it super simple. This small acronym has helped me in all subjects. It's a great way to form your communication skills and develop ideas.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Just do everything one step at a time!

Describe one of your favorite memories.
Morning studios were the best. You and your fellow classmates around a table throwing ideas back and forth, shredding through trace paper like it was no tomorrow. Studios allowed me to meet a lot of strangers. Today I can call them my friends.

What does graduating from college represent for you?
It represents the next fresh chapter of my life.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
Find a job I enjoy and save money so I can buy a house.

Jake Norris, a landscape architecture major from Castle Pines, Colorado, will graduate with Cum Laude honors.

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