Ashley Lowe
Degree: Masters of Interior Architecture
Expected Graduation Date: June 2021
Previous Degree: Fine Art, Brevard College, Brevard, North Carolina
Why I Came to the UO and How I Chose My Major
I chose to attend the University of Oregon because of its unique Track 1 master’s program and how it prepares students coming from a different academic background than architecture. I also chose the University of Oregon because of its location. I was born and raised in North Carolina and wanted to experience the wonders of the Pacific Northwest and where better to do that than in the city of Eugene. Within the College of Design, I really enjoy the relationships and community that I have built here. Both students and professors come from a wide range of backgrounds and I enjoy learning from them.
My interest in interior design stemmed from my grandmother and it wasn’t until after I graduated from Brevard College when this interest started to become a passion that I wanted to pursue. I chose interior architecture because it would allow me to combine all of my artistic interests into one profession.
Unique Qualities I Bring to My Studies
My degree in fine arts and work as a freelance artist has ingrained in me a different way of thinking and expressing ideas. This artistic expression brings a unique thought process to my studio assignments and other elective courses.
My Influential Professors
I have had many influential professors during my time here at the University of Oregon. The one who stands out the most is Esther Hagenlocher. For example, in Esther’s domestic scenes course, I struggled to find a way to express my own artistic vision through the assignments. I was creating flat uninteresting digital collages that didn’t reflect me personally. Esther encouraged me to work by hand to create these collages and not to be afraid to bring my hand media and artistic skills into my studio projects.
My Extracurricular Activities
I am a student member of the International Interior Design Associate (IIDA) Oregon chapter. This is important to me because I enjoy the relationships that I have formed within this design community and the workshops and symposia are extremely beneficial to learning more about the interior design profession.
My Greatest Learning Experience at UO
So far my greatest learning experience at the University of Oregon has to be the BILDS studio I took with Rob Thallon. This was such an interesting studio because everyone was working together to accomplish one design goal. Together we designed four tiny cottages for veterans that are located just south of Eugene in a small town called Cottage Grove. Throughout the term, we learned how to communicate with our client, how the permit system worked, and how to work together as a small design firm. The following term, I registered for the BILDS elective to help construct the cottages that we designed as a studio. During this process, I learned how important clear and concise construction drawings are and how important a good relationship between the architect and contractor is.
After Graduation
My greatest hope is to join a small women-led design firm that strives to create positive, thoughtful, and responsible designs. I imagine using the design skills that I have curated both as an interior architect and as an artist in the work that I do for this firm.
Your Gift
This scholarship is important to me because it recognizes the hard work and effort I am putting in to learning new skills and further my design education at the University of Oregon. This scholarship encourages me to continue striving to accomplish my goals and helps me achieve them by lightening the financial burden of pursuing a master’s degree.
Thank you!! Your support means so much to me and I am truly grateful to receive the Gunilla K. Finrow Excellence in Interior Architecture Scholarship.