Ian Vierck

This is a photo of me standing next to an unpainted Tree Guard at the Riverfront (Fuller Initiative Land Lab). This summer I had the opportunity to design-build a series of landscape installations exploring site history and ecology with timberframe structures (seen here) and paint applications.

Degree: MLArch

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2023

Prior Degree
BS in Community and Urban Forestry, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point

2022-2023 Scholarship
Cameron & McCarthy Scholarship for Landscape Architecture

I Am Originally From Stevens Point, WI

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
I was drawn to the University of Oregon because of the School of Architecture and the Environment, the program was the most ecological and environmentally focused program I was invited to attend.

While I finished my degree in Community and Urban Forestry, I realized that managing forests lacked a certain level of creativity I needed to enjoy my life. Landscape architecture was a natural transition from Urban Forestry.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
Three work experiences that have uniquely impacted my life are four years as a waiter, two years working at a nature reserve, and two years as a research assistant. Together, these jobs taught me the importance of science, data, and precision, while also learning about humans’ relationship with the landscape, how to communicate, and how to problem solve.

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
Visiting professor, David Buckley Borden, has given me the opportunity to get hands on, real world design experience. Working alongside him has given me a deep understanding on how to navigate the design/art world, and how to hopefully succeed in it.

MY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I have partaken in several gallery and installation exhibitions where I have the opportunity to engage the community in different capacities. This summer I worked in a team on the Riverfront where we made two series of landscape installations—one exploring site history and ecology, and the other, the different regions of Oregon. This project coincided with the World Athletic Championships as a way to reach a global audience and introduce them to Eugene and Oregon.

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
My greatest learning experience has been working with visiting professor, David Buckley Borden, and professor Michael Geffel. Both have given me invaluable real world learning experiences though the Fuller Initiative for Productive Landscapes.

AFTER GRADUATION
I hope to have an art/design practice as an environmental communicator, while also owning a nursery where I design-build residential properties with my own plants.

YOUR GIFT
This award makes the pressures of grad school just a bit lighter.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help. Not only does your contribution help lighten the burden of out-of-state tuition, but it also inspires me to be in a place where one day, I can give a similar award.