Faces of ENVD

Faces of ENVD | Maggie Brown

Anonymous — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:51:08 +0000

Faces of ENVD | Maggie Brown Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 04/14/2023 - 13:51

Maggie brings so much contagious inspiration, passion, and energy to ENVD.

–Chloe

I love that we created an environment where we can lean on each other on the tough days and celebrate the successes as well.

What year are you at CU?
I am transferring from Engineering into ENVD, and this is my first semester, so I haven’t decided which major I want to pursue but I’m hoping to either get further into architecture and product design.

Where are you from?
Washington D.C.

What inspired you to come to ENVD?
I was in engineering before this semester and my two roommates transferred to ENVD last spring. I saw the dedication that their class brought to each assignment and got to see firsthand how these projects could become so beneficial as the steppingstones to creating monumental projects that can change the world. It inspired me as I wanted to be in a more intrinsic, hands-on environment and felt that this program provided just that.

Describe a typical studio day for you.
I have afternoon studio, so I usually go in a tad bit early or have a nice walk as a break between my classes to prep for my studio. After entering the ENVD building you are greeted by the kind, and loving Angela, who works in the front office but cares for everyone so deeply, so I think of her as the ENVD mom, so I usually chat with her each time I come in. Studio, especially as a transfer is a fast-paced and hard-working environment so you get acquainted with everyone in your class quickly. I specifically wanted to be in the transfer program as people usually transfer in because they're passionate about the course material so the energy each class period is exciting as everyone truly seems like they are excited to be there. We’ve genuinely grown into a family-type relationship with each other so joining each class has a lot of familiarity and trust within it.

Each class period we join and set the expectations for the class period and have a lesson on what specific elements of the project were working on at the time, then we either do desk critiques or get straight to work. We work individually or break into small groups and continue to develop each prototype until pinups. The real studio begins after class when we all work deep into the night on our projects, sometimes till morning as each of us tends to side of working till a so-called perfection in our brains. It can be hard to put a project down, so we basically run of caffeine and dreams.

What has been one of your favorite memories so far, this academic year/or throughout your time at ENVD?
I loved when we went to the Denver Art Museum as a class a few weeks ago, we got to explore the city and spend some quality time outside of the studio. But one of my favorite memories was during our EPOD studio when we were working on our assignment 2 and doing our object sketches. This was one of the first times the class really bonded, and many stayed until after sunrise. We danced, sang, listened to music and worked hard. It really set the scene and the classes intention for the semester.

If you could say or share anything to all your ENVD peers, students and friends, what would you say?
That you all are the best, even on our hard days, the bonds that I share with you all genuinely bring me up on my lowest days. I love that we created an environment where we can lean on each other on the tough days and celebrate the successes as well. A word of advice, we need to learn how to manage time so that we don’t loose too much sleep:) ps. We also need a good espresso machine in Stu as well!

What’s your go-to activity during spring months?
I love going for walks! When you move, it brings oxygen to the brain and allows your clouded thoughts to clear and sustain a better mentality. I also love soaking in the sun and going to the creek when it's super nice. On a sweet afternoon sometimes, I love to go for a drive up Flagstaff and have a little picnic on the mountains.

Maggie brings so much contagious inspiration, passion, and energy to ENVD.

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Faces of ENVD | Joe Laform

Anonymous — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 20:27:29 +0000

Faces of ENVD | Joe Laform Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 12/13/2022 - 13:27

Joe goes above and beyond to help students around ENVD. He is both a mentor and a comedian. Joe works at the CINC helping students with their projects as well as TA for the lighting design class. Joe always finds a way to brighten everyone’s day! 

–Zoe Turner

Be kind, relax, and stop taking life too seriously.

What year are you and what is your major? 
I'm a senior in product design

Where are you from?
New York

What inspired you to come to ENVD?
I was leaving the Navy and was looking for a fresh start. I wanted to go back to school for a career that had a lot of growth for the future. ENVD seemed like the perfect choice for a sustainable career. 

Describe a typical studio day for you.
Studio days are long days. I get to school at 8 am every day. I work on projects until 9 am, and then I start my teacher's assistant position for the EPOD 1110 Lighting class. I focus my mentorship on empowering my peers to trust their design instincts and have confidence in what they create. My studio (EPOD 3100) starts right after. Both studios are at the CINC. On Mondays, we start with sketching before getting into teams and working on our products. This semester our studio is a market-based design course and my team worked on reusability and upcycling outdoor/adventure gear. We made drinking koozies with local 14ers embroidered on them. We just sold our products at the Firefly Market in November. I end studio days working at the CLC and going home around 7 pm. 11-hour days, woot!

What has been one of your favorite memories so far, this academic year/or throughout your time at ENVD?
I really enjoy working at the Creative Lab Center and helping fellow students with their projects. It's always fun to work through fabrication problems and see the end results.   

What’s your go-to activity during the winter months?
Hibernate

Joe goes above and beyond to help students around ENVD. He is both a mentor and a comedian.

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Faces of ENVD | Lakin Fain

Anonymous — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 00:29:24 +0000

Faces of ENVD | Lakin Fain Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 11/11/2022 - 17:29

Lakin always has a smile on her face and is the most positive and loving human, and she never fails to bring other people up.

–Anonymous

To all my ENVD Peers: Keep sharing your work with anyone and everyone- it's so fun and inspiring to see everyone’s passions shine through their projects.

What year are you and what is your major?
Junior in architecture

Where are you from?
I am from Louisville, Kentucky 

What inspired you to come to ENVD?
I joined ENVD because I thought it would allow me to indulge in my passion for art/design while working to address some of the many issues our society faces. I am very interested in sculptural forms and the balance of their beauty/function. This lead me to choose architecture as my major. I am super interested in the design of live music venues/stages as well–so I am pursuing a lighting design certificate and I work for CU’s program council doing the lighting and sound equalizing of concerts in boulder/Denver. 

Describe a typical studio day for you.
A typical studio day for me starts by sprinting up the spiral staircase. I got to my desk and start playing with all my models, messing around on trace paper, and talking to my peers about our designs, then maybe I chat with Marianne in a desk crit- Get an idea and draw it out. Then I go give a tour of the building then I go to art class! 

What has been one of your favorite memories so far, this academic year/or throughout your time at ENVD?
I create custom t-shirt designs and hand paint them with bleach to fundraise donations for various social/environmental issues in my hometown in Kentucky. My website is www.lakinfaindesign.weebly.com if you are interested in collaborating on a t-shirt design! In middle school, I started selling portrait drawings in my hometown and now I have progressed to sell commissioned paintings of portraits, landscapes, pet portraits etc. in all different mediums and shipping them all across the world. It’s the most enjoyable job I’ve ever had! 

What’s your go-to activity during the fall and winter months?
My go-to activity is painting and basket weaving, and a little bit of harmonica playing. I am on the Board of Backcountry Squatters–a women in outdoors club on campus where I have met a lot of my closest friends going on camping, climbing, hiking trips.

Lakin always has a smile on her face and is the most positive and loving human, and she never fails to bring other people up.

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Faces of ENVD | Sarah Fitzpatrick

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 18:37:29 +0000

Faces of ENVD | Sarah Fitzpatrick Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 11/03/2022 - 12:37

Sarah runs a business repairing clothes and upcycling thrifted clothes for people on campus and even sells them at an artisan market in Boston. She also uses social media to inform people on sustainable gardening practices and ways that you can help the environment daily as an individual.

–Lakin Fain

Try new things, let your passions breathe into everything you do and know that you are capable of changing this world for the better.

What year are you and what is your major?
I am a third year studying product design.

Where are you from?
I’m from Louisville, Colorado and Boston, Massachusetts.

What inspired you to come to ENVD?
I like to create, and I want to address climate change in any way I possibly can, and ENVD seemed like the option to pursue both passions.

Describe a typical studio day for you.
Well, currently I am in a market-based product design studio with climate change as the overall theme, where we have been working in groups–making teamwork the name of the game. So far, my team and I have been ideating a product that will help address Boulder’s compost contamination crisis. During each studio we are sketching, researching and bouncing ideas off each other—every day refining our idea to make as big of an impact as possible while making a product as sustainably as possible!

What has been one of your favorite memories so far, this academic year/or throughout your time at ENVD?
My favorite memory this year was the initial brainstorming of solutions to climate issues in my EPOD studio. It is so empowering to be in such a collaborative and solution-oriented environment around the topic of climate, when the news and narrative is usually focused on playing a blame game–which has its time and place, but more often than not, the negative tone stuns many of us into fear and climate doomism. 

What’s your go-to activity during the fall and winter months?
Hiking! Chautauqua is too close to not visit at least once a week :)

Sarah Fitzpatrick, a third year in product design, runs a business repairing clothes and upcycling thrifted clothes for people on campus and even sells them at an artisan market in Boston.

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Faces of ENVD | Ainsley Watkins

Anonymous — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 17:41:55 +0000

Faces of ENVD | Ainsley Watkins Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 10/24/2022 - 11:41

Ainsley doesn’t only teach critical skills to first-year students but also inspires them to go above and beyond in their creative work through her position as a TA for the TECH 1 class. During my final, I was encouraged not just to hit the deliverables, but also to use color and outside inspiration to create something beautiful. Ainsley also supports indigenous communities by leading trips to different natural places around Colorado, Wyoming, and beyond with the Alpine club. Hundreds of dollars have already been contributed to different native organizations. Ainsley is a welcoming, inspiring, and inclusive person.

–Fellow Design Buff

I have felt so lucky to be a part of this community and hope to see it continue to evolve. I love seeing my peers tap into their emotions and share designs that come from a vulnerable place and hope to see those values bolstered in the program. 

What year are you and what is your major?
I am a senior studying product design 

Where are you from?
I am from Saint Louis, Missouri 

What inspired you to come to ENVD?
My love for woodworking in high school created my desire for tangible creation, a pull towards the design process.

Describe a typical studio day for you.
A typical studio day for me starts with my sketchbook and whichever pen or marker I’m currently obsessed with. I’m a big list maker and work best when I can write and sketch out my ideas on paper. Community is very important to me so tying in discussion and collaboration with my classmates and instructors is my favorite part about a studio environment. 

What has been one of your favorite memories so far, this academic year/or throughout your time at ENVD?
One of my favorite memories from my time in ENVD has been sitting at camp with my classmates from Jade’s design/build studio at the Lama Foundation. We would end a long day of working on the build by making jokes and playing word games that always descended into a profane and dirty mess. 

What’s your go-to activity during the fall and winter months?
Engaging with nature through activity is my favorite way to get out of my own head which makes climbing on chilly rock and camping in the fall leaves my real happy place. I love being out of service for the weekend and sending it in my Tiguan.

Ainsley Watkins, a senior in product design, doesn’t only teach critical skills to first-year students but also inspires them to go above and beyond in their creative work through her position as a TA for the TECH 1 class. She is a welcoming, inspiring, and inclusive person.

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Faces of ENVD | Sophia Kollar

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 19:21:05 +0000

Faces of ENVD | Sophia Kollar Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 03/30/2022 - 13:21

“Sophie brings joy to studio every single day. She inspires, likes to tell stories and asks questions about everything. Her go-to line upon meeting someone is “so, what is your story?” Three hours later she is your best friend.”

–Keaton McCargo

Talk to anyone and everyone, all the time. It is so easy to keep your head down and just move through your four years of college, thinking that staying and chatting after studio sounds insignificant when all you want to do is go home and sleep, but these are the moments that add up to make this program what it is.

Where are you from?
Silverthorne, Colorado

What inspired you to come to ENVD?
The spiral staircase. I have found I am drawn to incredibly inefficient, yet extremely fun design elements…though I also loved that ENVD holds a core tenet of interdisciplinary teaching; that you could come out of undergrad with a degree that has allowed you to hone skills spanning so many design disciplines.

What have you enjoyed the most about being back in person on campus and ENVD?
My favorite thing about being back in person is being able to sit in the stifling heat of the third floor. I wasn't able to fit in enough sauna time in my day-to-day schedule, so it is very nice to be able to have a one-stop shop for academics and sweating. No, I'm kidding, I have loved to be back around the hustle and bustle of designing minds. You don't realize when you're designing alone, what is lost when you have a lack of cooperative iterative moments.

What has been one of your favorite memories so far, this academic year?
I forced my studio to have an elementary school-style Valentine's Day party. Everyone brought in handmade Valentine's boxes and passed out individual valentines. I just said this is the last time we will have a “class party” as students so let's take this back to our roots! It's funny the mundane school events you mourn when you realize your time in academia is up.

If you could say or share anything with all your ENVD peers, students and friends, what would you say?
I would tell my peers to talk. Talk to anyone and everyone, all the time. It is so easy to keep your head down and just move through your four years of college, thinking that staying and chatting after studio sounds insignificant when all you want to do is go home and sleep, but these are the moments that add up to make this program what it is. Your time at ENVD is made up of what seem to be so many inconsequential mundane moments, but it is the community here who celebrates your wins and supports you through your losses (or your painful jury critiques). Maybe I talk just too much, and this is bad advice…but it has gotten me this far.

What’s your go-to activity during the spring/warm months?
My go-to activity during the summer months is pretending to trail run. Every summer I believe "this is the year to take up a passion for long-distance running," and every year I am gravely humbled by my lack of appropriate pulmonary function. Though without fail when the weather gets warm, I don a hydration vest and stumble my way through the mountains.

Sophie brings joy to studio every single day. She inspires, likes to tell stories and asks questions about everything. Her go-to line upon meeting someone is “so, what is your story?” Three hours later she is your best friend.

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Faces of ENVD | Rachel Lee Lavine

Anonymous — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 20:31:05 +0000

Faces of ENVD | Rachel Lee Lavine Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 12/14/2021 - 13:31

“My professor has made a positive impact on me as a student because she shows up for every class with her bright, encouraging, and enthusiastic personality. For me, this makes all the difference in the world because as a new college student, it's hopeful and very relieving to know that someone wants the best for you and is looking out for you.”

–Fellow Design Buff

Thank you for being kind and being human – sometimes we could all use a smile and I’m glad I got one when I needed it most.

What courses do you instruct?
I currently teach the Beginning Digital Applications REVIT class and I am coordinating the 1020 Introduction to Architecture for incoming first-year and transfer students. In the past, I’ve dappled in environmental product design (EPOD) and taught upper-division architecture studios.

Where are you from?
I grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and attended school in New Orleans and Glasgow, Scotland. After college I lived in Asia for a year, then Ireland for two years and eventually moved to Colorado.

What inspired you to come and work for ENVD?
I had been invited to participate, as a community artist member, with the Boulder Office of Arts and Culture to help select the first piece of public art for Boulder. I evaluated art along with other community members from the Boulder Arts Commission and museum curators from Boulder and Denver. It was such a dynamic, exploratory experience and I realized this type of collaboration was missing from my work as an architect. I missed the conversation around art and design and realized that I could have that experience as a teacher. And, I wanted to dream again – to relax the requirements and constraints of being a professional architect and reconnect with my passion for architecture and design from a more conceptual and figurative place.

What have you enjoyed the most about being back in person on campus and ENVD?
Running into all my wonderful students from the previous online spring and fall semesters! I have had so many unexpected encounters with friendly faces. The delight to be in person together has almost made that time online feel comical – like we are all real now and that was a fantasy world where we were simply heads on screens.

What has been one of your favorite memories so far, this academic year?
I had a funny moment during a final review a few days ago….one of my first-year students was presenting his project and when he finished his introduction my juror sat back and said, “I saw this project on Instagram.” And I thought (and then said), “WHAT? NO WAY! This project is completely original!” I felt so protective and offended and a little confused. And then the juror (and student) clarified that the student had photographed his model the day before, posted it on Instagram and the post had been reposted by @cuboulderenvd. So, it was the real deal and we all laughed. I felt a little #out-of-the-loop with that one!

What’s your go-to activity during the winter/holiday months?
I love baking in the winter and knitting. So if the house smells like warm baked goods and I have a cup of tea and my knitting in front of me then, all is well.

My professor has made a positive impact on me as a student because she shows up for every class with her bright, encouraging, and enthusiastic personality.

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Faces of ENVD | Bella Manzo

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 23:11:29 +0000

Faces of ENVD | Bella Manzo Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 01/12/2021 - 16:11

“Bella is strong beyond words. She always commits herself to strong work, she supports groups that she works in, manages a nearly full-time job all while being sweet and kind to all she comes in contact with. I appreciate Bella so much.”

–Emily Greenwood, Instructor

I love the interdisciplinary aspect and the focus on systems and sustainability. No profession exists in a vacuum, and I loved how ENVD emphasizes working collaboratively with other disciplines from the very beginning.

What is your major and year of study?
I’m a senior in Landscape Architecture, with a minor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

Where are you from?
I’m originally from Valparaiso, IN, although I’ve lived in Minnesota, Texas, and Colorado (of course)!

What do you miss the most about being in person on campus and ENVD?
I’ve really missed seeing friends every day. Working with some of my favorite people and then decompressing with a post-studio coffee or tea hangout was my favorite way to spend time on campus.

What has been one of your favorite memories so far this semester?
My favorite memories have been using this time to bond with my roommates. We’re stuck together all the time, so we’ve been doing regular PowerPoint nights where we all create a presentation on a topic of our choice and give it in the living room. It always results in some…interesting conversation and lots of fun!

If you could say or share anything to all of your ENVD peers, classmates and friends, what would you say?
I miss you all!

What’s your go-to, non-Zoom activity when you get to take a break from your screens?
I try to take a midday break during workdays and go for a walk with my dog, Zoey. We go to the dog park and I’ll read a little while she hangs out with her fellow canine friends. I don’t have a ton of free time—usually, I’d go trail running or camping—but I try to grab moments when I can!

Bella is strong beyond words. She always commits herself to strong work, she supports groups that she works in, manages a nearly full-time job all while being sweet and kind to all she comes in contact with. I appreciate Bella so much.

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Faces of ENVD | Danielle Rivera

Anonymous — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 19:21:14 +0000

Faces of ENVD | Danielle Rivera Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 12/16/2020 - 12:21

“Danielle is an incredibly inspiring woman that has her hands full with research, publications, classes and a family and yet always brings a smile to those around her.”

–Fellow Design Buff

Celebrate the small victories. When you look back in time, you can see how the small victories amass to larger accomplishments, but rarely in life do we feel massive shifts. Acknowledging the small victories provides the perspective needed to create/design bigger change.

What is your faculty/staff position?
Assistant Professor of Environmental Design

Where are you from?
I was born in Brooklyn, New York, but I spent most of my childhood living outside of State College, Pennsylvania in rural Appalachia.

What inspired you to come and work for ENVD?
ENVD's interdisciplinary mission is what caught my eye. The ability to teach and research across my backgrounds in architecture, urban design, and planning seemed like a rare opportunity. Over my time here, I've also increasingly developed skills in landscape architecture, which has deepened my teaching and research even more!

What do you miss the most about being in person on campus and ENVD
I miss seeing everyone! There was an energy in the building, especially during studio, that is difficult to replicate online. I also miss in-person studios and the ability to walk around and see what everyone is doing.

What has been one of your favorite memories so far, this academic year?
Working with my PLAN 3100 studio! Despite the challenges of remote learning, the PLAN 3100 students have worked very hard and have been inspiring and incredibly creative. I look forward to every class and can't wait to see their final projects!

What’s your go-to, non-Zoom activity when you get to take a break from your screen(s)?
Baking and gardening, which is a great combination! I absolutely love to bake and am always experimenting with new ideas. I've also been learning to garden and am quite bad at it, but it's refreshing to try learning something new!

Danielle is an incredibly inspiring woman that has her hands full with research, publications, classes and a family and yet always brings a smile to those around her.

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Faces of ENVD | Caitlin Anderson

Anonymous — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 17:22:23 +0000

Faces of ENVD | Caitlin Anderson Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 10/22/2020 - 11:22

“When we think about what it means to be a critical part of this community, Caitlin defines that. She has been the one behind the scenes ensuring every studio has a kit for safety, she welcomes everyone into the ENVD Building with a true sense of excitement and commitment that confirms we all belong here, and she ensures that no matter what is going on the entire community feels supported.

It is evident that every staff and faculty member are doing their part to make this educational experience rewarding for our design buff community, but a special thanks needs to go to Caitlin for ensuring we remain safe and that the space we love is somewhere we can come in and thrive because of the detail and attention she gives. We are lucky to have someone like her here at ENVD.”

–Fellow Design Buff

Don’t let these challenging times define you. Take on each day with confidence and fortitude. Continue to learn, grow and move forward with positivity.

What is your faculty/staff position? Front Office Professional Assistant

Where are you from? Silverthorne, CO

What inspired you to come and work for ENVD? Even though I don’t have a design background, I was inspired to be a part of the ENVD community from the moment I walked through the doors. It was evident that ENVD is committed to an inclusive, creative and experiential learning experience. I love working in a team environment and my ENVD peers are the most supportive and encouraging individuals I work with and I am honored to be here.

What do you miss the most about being in person on campus and ENVD? Face-to-face interactions, engaging in collaborative discussions and coffee, and conversations with colleagues!

What has been one of your favorite memories so far, this academic year? Although these times have been challenging, it has also empowered us. We have reached new limits with creative and innovative solutions we never imagined would be possible.

What’s your go-to, non-Zoom activity when you get to take a break from your screen(s)? I love to get out and explore the outdoors whether it’s hiking, camping, skiing or my newest hobby, fly fishing. Since my commute to work has decreased, it has definitely freed up time to cook some new amazing recipes with my husband. Our favorite is pan-seared steak with garlic, olive oil, thyme, butter then topped with cherry tomatoes and basil. It’s absolutely delicious! I also cannot forget to mention my furry officemate, Lila. Working remotely has definitely spoiled her with endless chin scratches and belly rubs.

When we think about what it means to be a critical part of this community, Caitlin defines that.

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