Emily Hays is a graduate student studying Architecture at the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture.
What do you like most about your division/program of study?
The Division of Architecture has been exceptionally open to new ideas, even when they don’t follow precedent. I feel this adaptability is a quality lacking in other architecture programs, and its lack always leads to stagnation. This openness is partly accomplished through teacher-student relationships. The relationships that I have cultivated here have been crucial to my development.
What advice would you give to incoming students in your program?
First, community is paramount to your growth as a person and a designer. Do not isolate yourself, and despite your commitments, enjoy your community and your experience. Secondly, you will never make all the people happy all of the time; that is the way with art. Finally, make this journey your own. Enjoy the ups and downs of your time here and the people you get to spend it with. Take ownership of your space, your decisions and your time.
What project are you most proud of?
In the Spring of my third year, our studio competed in a team competition for a master plan redesign, which our team won. We then designed specific buildings for the site. This design elevated my understanding of program and the requirements related to it since the program I developed for the building had no precedent. I also began my experimentation of hybrid drawings here, which I am continuing to expand upon.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture announces John Harris as Associate Dean for Research ad interim, effective Aug. 25, 2026, until the permanent position is filled.
Gibbs College is pleased to announce the 2026 Gibbs College Faculty & Staff Awards recipients. These individuals were recognized by Dean Butzer during the Gibbs College Back to School Meeting and will be honored during the Celebration Banquet in October. They were nominated by their colleagues via an open nomination process.
Telesis, the Gibbs College of Architecture’s student journal, has been awarded a grant from the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts to support its next two issues, “Pause” (Volume IX) and “React” (Volume X).
