Christian Willis is proving that he can make his dreams come true by staying focused.
After completing his bachelor's degree in architecture, he is continuing his education with UL Lafayette's Master of Architecture graduate program. Christian shared what led him to begin studying architecture at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
“My lifelong interest in art led to several friends suggesting that I pursue architecture. During my first year at UL Lafayette, I developed a deep passion for architectural design that has only grown throughout my four years as an undergraduate and now into the final stretch of graduate school,” he said.
He participated in a collaborative project in 2022 called The House of Cards.
“The project is a 260-square-foot artist retreat cabin completed in 2022. This project introduced me to the realities of architecture, as I was exposed to the entire design and building process. The process required collaboration with engineers, contractors, donors, clients, and architects and was a great first step into the profession,” he said.
Christian wanted to be a part of a program that focused on all aspects of architecture design.
One positive attribute that I appreciate about UL Lafayette’s Architecture program is the heavy focus on design. Typically, architecture schools lean towards either a technical or a design-centric approach. UL Lafayette, however, strikes a healthy balance between the two while maintaining a heavy emphasis on design and artistic expression.
Connecting and networking with others can open unimaginable doors. This proved to be true at the annual career fair held by the School of Architecture and Design in Fletcher Hall. The event offers students an opportunity to network with employers.
Christopher shared, “During my third year of undergraduate school, I left a resume to one of the firms and I ended up securing the job – I have been working there for the past two years. Beyond career day, I have received many job opportunities and leads from both professors and the network of students who have begun their careers. I have also witnessed over twenty students find work in the same way.”
Christopher expressed some of his memories of being in the architecture program.
My favorite moment so far at UL Lafayette was seeing the faces of about 200 engineers when a group of architecture students won the ACI 2022 Best Overall Concrete Project Award in Louisiana for the design/build project the House of Cards.
He has specific plans that he does not want to jinx, but his sole aim is to produce architecture that has a powerful presence in terms of space, form, and societal impact.