Samantha Reynolds

This photo was taken during a construction day in my Furniture Design + Build studio. The wooden frame structure was designed and built by the group, and I designed the lighting. I’m the blonde woman on the left, behind the ladder.

Degree: BIArch, Minor in Architecture

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2021

I’m From: Portland, OR

Why I Came to the UO and How I Chose My Major
I chose the University of Oregon because it had the best Interior Architecture program in the region. What I like most about the College of Design is the community—everyone is going through the same stuff, and everyone is willing to help each other.

I’ve always really enjoyed making things and spending my time painting, drawing, sewing and woodworking. I’ve also always been fascinated by the ways in which our immediate environment effects our daily experiences. I wanted to take my creative drive and channel it into something that would positively impact other peoples experiences.

Unique Qualities I Bring to My Studies
I moved out of my parents’ house at a really young age, and spent several years working and supporting myself before deciding upon a career path. Because I took the time and the thought, I know I chose the right path. I can fully appreciate and dedicate myself to every step of this career, both academic and professional.

My Influential Professors
Javier Bonnin Orozco, instructor of architecture, taught me the value of diligence and dedication. He taught me that projects rarely turn out perfectly, but there are always new things to be learned from developing them anyway.

My Extracurricular Activities
I recently became involved with the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and Freedom by Design with American Institute of Architecs Students (AIAS). I’m currently working with Freedom by Design to build an outdoor space at Food for Lane County’s dining hall. The space protects people from the rain and sun while they wait outside to get their food during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project is important to me because it gives unhoused people a dignified place of their own, but is also a strong component of the greater cityscape.

My Greatest Learning Experience at UO
The greatest learning experience I have had is havinig the opprotuniity to see a project through to the end.

After Graduation
My greatest hopes are to work with a firm whose ideals align with my own. I want to continue working on projects that serve underserved communities in an environmentally responsible way.

Your Gift
This scholarship greatly alleviates the pressure to work long hours at my part-time job during the school year. Knowing that some of my expenses are covered, I can focus on my studies without the burden of living paycheck to paycheck.

Thank you so much for your encouragement and generosity.