Emma Davis

This is a photo of me at one of my first career fairs when I was an undergraduate at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA. During that time I was able to talk to many top firms, including Gensler, ZGF, Perkins and Will, about my work.

Degree: MArch

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2021

Previous Degree: BFA, Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA

I’m From: Conway, AR

Why I Came to the UO and How I Chose My Major
I chose the University of Oregon because it offered classes focused on sustainability. The location of the campus was also a leading factor. What I most like about being in the College of Design is that I am able to pursue my passion for architecture but also have the resources and connections that the university has to offer to their students.

I always have been drawn to design and my undergraduate degree helped me realize that passion because my undergraduate degree had a focus area in architecture.

Unique Qualities I Bring to My Studies
Because of having experience working in different areas of the country, including the east coast, Arkansas, and now on the west coast, I bring a different perspective to buildings from around the United States.

My Influential Professors
So far the professor that has influenced me the most is Ihab Elzeyadi. He has helped me realize a focus on sustainable design.

My Greatest Learning Experience at UO
The greatest learning experience I have had has been the ability to work on group projects in studio because this has always been an opprotunity for everyone to realize their strengths in the different aspects of the design process. I also really value my internship expereince at a firm called HGA, where they asked me to present all of my academic work to them during my time as their intern at their San Francisco office.

After Graduation
My greatest hope is to start work in a firm I admire, like ZGF or HGA, and then to pursue licensure as an architect for the state of Oregon.

Your Gift
This scholarship will help me achieve my goals because of the relief from stress from the financial burden of graduate school. With the stress lifted off of my shoulders I am able to focus more of my attention on my academic career and knowledge gathering at the University of Oregon.

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to receive your scholarship. Because of your help I will be able to shine even brighter in my chosen career and invite you to follow me along my architectural journey to see what you will help me accomplish and to know that some of my success may be thanks to your kindness.