Blayne Burnside

Degree: M.Arch, to be followed by an M.L.Arch degree.

Expected Graduation Date: 2024 (M.Arch) 2026 (M.L.Arch)

Prior Degree
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.S.Arch), University at Buffalo, New York

2023 Scholarship
F.F. Farm Scholarship
College of Design Scholarship

I Am Originally From Brockport, New York

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
I really believe that graduate school is an opportune time in someone’s life to experience a new setting to expand their horizons. Moving across the country to the University of Oregon certainly did the trick. I chose to UO for its historical reputation with sustainable design in architecture, as well as for the location. Of all the major schools on the west coast, Eugene, and its proximity to wilderness makes it the quaintest setting of all–and having grown up in rural America, I thoroughly prefer a small town and the woods! After having completed my first year here, I really have to say that the faculty and overall environment of the College of Design is truly compassionate and welcoming. I enjoy that our studio jury reviews are actually structured as a conversation, as opposed to the typical ego-driven jury panel that you get with most architecture schools. I love it here!

I knew since I was a just a child that I wanted to be an architect. What started as a boy who was abnormally picky with design for his age, has evolved, curbed, and grown into a life-long desire to change the world, and now that I am older and informed, I know now more than ever that the world needs architecture that reflects the true needs of humanity and the environment!

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
Having grown up amongst woods and farmland, and having the privilege of being immersed in nature during my every day life as a child, I am a bit of a nature-lover and city-fearer. I’m aware that most architecture is in cities, and so my architect-that-is-uncomfortable-in-cities perspective is where I may be unique! How do we design architecture in cities that could depolarize the harsh conditions of cities with the gentle and biophilic atmospheres of natural environments? In other words, it’s hard to find an architecture project with more plants in it than mine…

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
While I’d like to emphasize that I have had many great professors, the most influential professor has been Tom Hahn. He was my very first studio professor here at UO. I learned (and am still learning) so much from him, and I am so thankful for that! Tom has extensive knowledge and experience with passive-design in architecture, and with using natural material alternatives to our conventional construction methods. Being a hands-on kind of guy in his own career, Tom’s ability to explain and draw up any detail for a design assembly is something that I hope to be able to do one day. I’ve also taken his Natural Building Systems course, which was truly the most interesting and useful class I have taken at UO. Tom is the best.

MY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I try to devote as much of my commitments as I can solely to my schoolwork, as it is the very reason for my life decisions. However, I am a member at Grove Community Garden. I love gardening, and strongly believe that self-grown food is a value and activity that more people should have access to. I also enjoy having the liberty to plant native flowers in my garden plot to stimulate the local pollinators.

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
It’s hard to pinpoint one specific experience that I could say was my greatest learning moment, however, I must say that the hands-on workshops in Tom Hahn’s Natural Building Systems course was certainly both exceptionally fun and educational! During the workshops, we learned how to assemble a Straw-Bale-Construction wall, make rammed earth into formwork, and apply natural earth plaster, to name a few.

AFTER GRADUATION
After graduating from the College of Design, the world suddenly becomes so vast. My dream is to pursue work with an architecture+landscape architecture firm with strong values for supporting the natural environment. I wish to become a licensed architect, and one day pass on my own knowledge and experience as an adjunct professor at a university.

YOUR GIFT
I am someone that expects nothing from anyone. To be awarded these scholarships is such an honor. Knowing that individuals who don’t even know me want to support my education is something I take very seriously and am so appreciative of. As an out-of-state student from a low-income household, this gift is undeniably helpful for me, and I am so grateful. By helping to mitigate the student loans that will encumber my life, the opportunity to be in a position to give back to the world is that much closer for me.

Thank you! In my own life I hope to be able to pay it forward to others when it is my time.