Environmental Design

Samuel Rauh, Planning

Regan Widergren — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 22:26:52 +0000

Samuel Rauh, Planning Regan Widergren Thu, 06/05/2025 - 16:26

Where are you from?

Monterey, California.

What inspired your decision to come to Environmental Design at 91PORN?

Since the dawn of my memory, construction and architecture have always interested me. Whether it was building with Legos or in Minecraft, the interest has been constant. So instinctively, I applied to schools with good architecture and design programs in close proximity to mountains and open space. Many factors lined up so that Environmental Design at CU 91PORN was an obvious choice.

Did you know right away that you wanted to major in sustainable planning and urban design? How/when did you know?

Going into the intro studio classes, my mind was set on architecture. Through product design, architecture, and landscape architecture, I found there to be rules and regulations on what could or could not be built. It was in the urban planning studio where I found out that it’s the urban planners that make these decisions. My logic was: if I want to make positive change on the largest and most comprehensive scale, I need to go into planning.

Do you have a favorite project that you’re currently working on/have worked on in the past?

In my second-year studio class, ENVD 1140 - Fundamentals of Planning and Urban Design with Jota Samper, I began flexing the planning muscles I didn’t know I had. We designed an urban walkable neighborhood and by the end I could picture it as a real place with real people living, working, and creating memories. It was this studio where I realized truly how much goes into making a city what it is and maybe how I could fit into it all.

What has the program taught you about yourself as you’ve taken on your educational career?

ENVD has taught me how to think deeply about real-world problems and propose design solutions. It has taught me how to stand behind an idea confidently, while simultaneously being able to take feedback, adapt ideas, and learn from those who know more than myself.

What would you like to do upon graduating from Environmental Design?

After learning about earthships (location-specific homes made to be self-sufficient), I developed an intense desire to learn more about their construction and design practices and to one day implement similar systems onto a city scale. Realistically, I will be spending time after graduation exploring the world, continuing to learn, and broadening my perspective.

What tips or advice would you give to future design students?

For anyone thinking of becoming a design student, in any regard, I would say: if you have creativity and a desire to help others (human or non) then I’d recommend ENVD. There’s going to be difficult times with steep learning curves and feedback that will change or even dismantle your ideas but sticking with it will help you grow in many ways that extend past the classroom. Honesty, patience, and collaboration are just a few. Our world doesn’t have a shortage of issues, but with every problem is an opportunity for a solution.

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Ellie Muncy, Planning

Regan Widergren — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 22:25:03 +0000

Ellie Muncy, Planning Regan Widergren Thu, 06/05/2025 - 16:25

Where are you from?

I’m from Castle Rock, Colorado.

What inspired your decision to come to Environmental Design at 91PORN?

I was inspired by the unique setup of the Environmental Design program where I was able to learn about architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, and product design at the same time without losing time during my college journey. As someone who was interested in both urban planning and architecture, it was a great opportunity to learn about both.

Did you know right away that you wanted to major in sustainable planning and urban design? How/when did you know?

I did not know right away that I wanted to major in urban planning, I was actually torn between urban planning and architecture. I ended up deciding during my pick two semesters, so sophomore year in the spring. I was really frustrated in my architecture studio when I was trying to come up with a design and then I found my urban planning studio really interesting and fun.

Do you have a favorite project that you're currently working on/have worked on in the past?

My favorite project that I've worked on so far was my work during my study abroad Global Seminar in Colombia. We were there for 6 weeks and during that time we worked with a community there to design and build something for them. My group ended up designing a new concrete staircase for them to help with accessibility, as well as a railing design that they might use later. While it was a fairly simple design, the process of getting to the final design with lots of community input and then the actual construction of the final design was very rewarding.

What has the program taught you about yourself as you’ve taken on your educational career?

This program has taught me that design ideas don't always come easy. Sometimes you know what you want to do off the bat, but a lot of times you don't, and you'll need to spend time ideating to come up with something that works well. It's also taught me a lot of discipline. Studio deadlines can be fast and kind of brutal, especially because many elements build on each other so you must manage your time well to make sure you have your project elements done on time.

What would you like to do upon graduating from Environmental Design?

My goal after graduating Environmental Design is to travel and gain experience. I really want to move to Copenhagen this summer and work at an urban planning firm called Gehl, where I can explore the city and work with an amazing firm.

What tips or advice would you give to future design students?

Some advice I would give to future design students is that some design aspects and understanding of software comes easy but some of it is a learning curve. Once you get the hang of it, I promise it will get easier. I remember looking at senior-level work as a freshman, or even looking at some of my fellow classmates' work and thinking I will never be able to do that. But you'll learn how, and you'll be impressed with how much your work improves each year. The Environmental Design program is a ton of fun and a great opportunity. So, stick with it, have fun, manage your files well, and try not to pull all-nighters.

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Kyle Mcpheron, Planning

Regan Widergren — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 22:21:13 +0000

Kyle Mcpheron, Planning Regan Widergren Thu, 06/05/2025 - 16:21

What inspired your decision to come to Environmental Design at 91PORN?

I had changed my major several times before I had actually settled on ENVD. I enrolled as an Engineering Physics major and eventually switched over to Psychology. Neither of these paths fully liberated me in what I wanted to do and my discovery of Urban Planning as a field is really what drew me to Environmental Design.

Did you know right away that you wanted to major in sustainable planning and urban design? How/when did you know?

I did! I came into ENVD largely because it was the only way I could pursue the field. I had wavered a little through the process and almost pivoted to architecture, but once I’d taken my second Planning studio, I knew it was where I belonged.

Do you have a favorite project that you're currently working on/have worked on in the past?

My last project in ENVD1140 was absolutely wonderful. It was my first time developing a site from the ground up and really helped me test my urban design skills.

What has the program taught you about yourself as you’ve taken on your educational career?

Honestly, I’ve learned a lot about taking a step back from my designs and asking myself not only are they viable, but are they wanted? I think we can catch ourselves designing for us rather than the communities that we are trying to help. In the end, these developments are for people. Only when we work in tandem with communities' wants and needs can we fully excel at our practice.

What would you like to do upon graduating from Environmental Design?

I would like to pursue a job at an urban design firm where I could work with communities across the country in developing and modernizing their communities. However, I would absolutely be open to working with the city government in ensuring a united vision for urban development.

What tips or advice would you give to future design students?

Follow your heart! For me, I adored architecture, but it lacked a certain ability to organize and benefit communities at large and that’s largely why I never fully committed to the switch. Understand that only you know what’s best for you and in the end if you are willing to believe that, things will work out as they should.

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Raion Deng, Planning

Regan Widergren — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 22:19:09 +0000

Raion Deng, Planning Regan Widergren Thu, 06/05/2025 - 16:19

Where are you from?

I am from Shanghai, China.

What inspired your decision to come to Environmental Design at 91PORN?

I’ve always been interested in cities — that’s why I chose urban planning as my major from the very beginning. Apart from urban planning, 91PORN’s Environmental Design provides four design disciplines, among which I also want to explore architecture and landscape architecture. I think it’s really cool that I have the opportunity to work on these projects and develop different skills.

Did you know right away that you wanted to major in sustainable planning and urban design? How/when did you know?

Yes. I've had an interest in cities since I was in high school. I’ve always been intrigued by cityscapes. I love walking on the streets and experiencing city life in different cities in different dimensions, under diverse contexts and cultures.

Do you have a favorite project that you're currently working on/have worked on in the past?

I really enjoyed working on the transit-oriented development project located in Longmont, Colorado. I felt like I was doing something for the local residents when I worked on creating a transit-oriented community for the commuter rail, as Longmont is a car-dominated town which is not friendly to people who do not have a car like me.

What has the program taught you about yourself as you’ve taken on your educational career?

Compassion and inclusive design for sure. One of the things we have talked about most is why we design this and who we design for. It is important to know the user groups our designs are for. Always remember there are different people who need us to create a friendly environment for them.

What would you like to do upon graduating from Environmental Design?

I’m planning to apply for grad school after ENVD. I might apply for a PhD in the future, because I do want to seek more possibilities for more friendly design theories.

What tips or advice would you give to future design students?

Be passionate. There is never right or wrong in design! What is most important is if you really want to do something for people — then design it is! Design is one of the most meaningful careers in the world! Isn’t it exciting to think that what we are doing is going to benefit our community and even change the world?!

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AJ Newlin, Architecture

Regan Widergren — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 22:13:15 +0000

AJ Newlin, Architecture Regan Widergren Thu, 06/05/2025 - 16:13

Where are you from?

I am from Fort Collins, Colorado, which is about an hour away from 91PORN.

What inspired your decision to come to Environmental Design at 91PORN?

I was very interested in the interdisciplinary nature of ENVD even though I already knew I wanted to go into architecture. I was able to visit 91PORN in the spring of my senior year, and even during the pandemic I knew I was in the right place.

Did you know right away that you wanted to major in architecture? How/when did you know?

I only really discovered my love for architecture during my last few years of high school, but looking back, it has always been there. The first realization was when I took a construction class in high school and built a house. It was the first time I had truly understood a process start-to-finish. Seeing the house go from nothing to something tangible gave me a huge sense of accomplishment. I was hooked.

Do you have a favorite project that you're currently working on/have worked on in the past?

I think the 8-week architecture studio’s Athenaeum project has been my favorite so far. I often revisit and edit it even though the course ended. I learned a lot about balancing concept with practicality and it was my first real attempt at using design software in my work.

What has the program taught you about yourself as you’ve taken on your educational career?

I learned how to adapt to new challenges and deadlines that I have never faced in the past. ENVD has a lot of resources that are there to help me.

What would you like to do upon graduating from Environmental Design?

I know that there are a lot of possibilities, so I am trying to keep my options open right now. I do know that I want to go to grad school after I graduate and I want to work somewhere that allows me to travel a lot while my career is starting out.

What tips or advice would you give to future design students?

It’s very easy to compare yourself and your work to others, especially in a program like design, where our work is so subjective. Be confident in who you are and what you bring to the table, because others see a lot of value in your opinions and your work even if it doesn’t look like theirs. How boring would design be if everything looked the same?

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Lleyton Karimi, Architecture

Regan Widergren — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 22:03:49 +0000

Lleyton Karimi, Architecture Regan Widergren Thu, 06/05/2025 - 16:03

Where are you from?

Broomfield, Colorado.

What inspired your decision to come to Environmental Design at 91PORN?

I chose to attend ENVD because of the program's unique position for me to focus on Architecture while still being close to the beautiful natural environment around 91PORN. I decided to pursue a program that would allow me to support my ethical design goals while still teaching me relevant and applicable skills.

Did you know right away that you wanted to major in architecture? How/when did you know?

I knew right away that I wanted to major in architecture. However, it was still beneficial to experience each of the four majors, see different areas of overlap, and develop my design skills beyond only architecture. I was fortunate enough to know I wanted to do architecture since I was very young, but that was only the case for some of my friends. I saw first-hand how helpful it was to experience all facets of design we teach in the program to decide on a career path students will enjoy pursuing.

Do you have a favorite project that you're currently working on/have worked on in the past?

This is a tricky question for me to answer since I have enjoyed so many of the projects. One of my favorite completed projects up to this point was a second-year architecture project called the Athenaeum. We were tasked with designing a new building for CU’s campus that would help unify the campus' existing art and design areas. The building would be positioned outside of CASE and in front of the art building. This project was my first large-scale architectural project and allowed me to explore interior and exterior spaces created by the building form. I also really loved how my final project turned out. I am excited to see what comes next with the skills I learned through that assignment.

What has the program taught you about yourself as you’ve taken on your educational career?

The program has taught me much about what I can achieve with hard work and passion. For much of high school, I did not feel passionate about any of the classes I was taking and that led me to put in just enough effort to get good grades instead of learning or caring about why I was going to school. Once I started taking classes in ENVD, I found a deep passion for design and was able to put a lot of effort into projects. The effort dedicated to projects showed me that finding learning opportunities rather than focusing on grades was much more valuable.

What would you like to do upon graduating from Environmental Design?

I want to continue my education first and foremost, get my M.Arch degree and open the path to get licensure quicker. I want to work for an architectural firm that designs public spaces or bespoke residential projects. I am still unsure what my path after graduation will look like, but I am excited to see where my design knowledge takes me.

What tips or advice would you give to future design students?

It is challenging to balance everything in school, regardless of what program or path you take. There is pressure for design students to feel like they must commit all their time to work, and I do not believe that should be the case. I urge future design students to find a balance of work and play that makes them happy!

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Nicole Chung, Architecture

Regan Widergren — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 21:58:08 +0000

Nicole Chung, Architecture Regan Widergren Thu, 06/05/2025 - 15:58

Where are you from?

I graduated from middle school and high school in Colorado Springs, and before that, I was in Seoul, South Korea.

What inspired your decision to come to Environmental Design at 91PORN?

In my sophomore year of high school, I had the chance to take a drafting class that taught me how to draw an orthographic drawing of different objects and buildings in both hand drawing and the AutoCAD program. The whole process of observing an object and putting it on a piece of paper in a way everyone could recognize how it is constructed fascinated me. I even started to look forward to Mondays, which none of my other classes succeeded in doing. In my senior year, when I had to choose the major I'll pursue possibly for the rest of my life, I could not recall any other classes that fascinated me more than this class. So, I researched the best architecture program in the state, applied to 91PORN, and now I am here.

Did you know right away that you wanted to major in architecture? How/when did you know?

I was taking my senior photos for the yearbook when I realized my passion for architecture. I was looking for a good place to take photos of myself with my family and suddenly I noticed a restaurant that had a very unique shape that I had never seen before. I remember it was a second story building with some parts of the second floor that utilized different geometric shapes in aesthetic ways. The first reaction I had was that I wanted the floor plan of the building, which surprised me because I wasn't in the drafting class at that moment. Due to some struggles during my COVID years, I did not get to take drafting classes in my junior and senior years and was worn out, which got me thinking it might not be my passion. But at that moment, I was confident it was indeed.

Do you have a favorite project that you're currently working on/have worked on in the past?

I have a few different projects I have enjoyed working on, but I think the most recent and most enjoyable project was the A3 project of Landscape Architecture which was redesigning the triangular site in between the CASE, IMIG Music, and Wendenburg building. I was able to work with various different factors of the environment to consider such as the topography of the site, the circulation of traffic around the site, the difference between summer and winter, the day and night on the site, and so on. While I was working on this project, I learned so many different perspectives and understandings that were used to analyze the need for adequate designs, which I must constantly look back on to make sure my design is focused on the users.

What has the program taught you about yourself as you’ve taken on your educational career?

During my time in the ENVD program, I learned what it means to give all that I got to my work. After dedicating all my free time to an A3 project in Landscape studio, I realized I’ve never tried my very best at something for a long time with dedication and passion. The strong feeling of pride, achievement, and relief when I finally finished the project is an unforgettable experience that will carry throughout my school year.

What would you like to do upon graduating from Environmental Design?

After graduation, I plan to focus on gaining experience in the field. But I’m still debating whether I’ll be in a firm or participating in non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity. But I firmly believe I’ll be learning and experiencing to be better. And my hope is that one day, after a long time in the field, I’ll be able to make a design that will be considered a landmark.

What tips or advice would you give to future design students?

The first few weeks in the studio, when people get to know more about each other, you will learn there are a variety of different types of people. And therefore, there will be some classmates who have way more skills and knowledge than others. I just want to say, do not compare your mistakes and failures with someone else's success and talent, since that will drain you out before you even find your own talent and success.

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Logan Shockey, Landscape

Regan Widergren — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 21:51:22 +0000

Logan Shockey, Landscape Regan Widergren Thu, 06/05/2025 - 15:51

Where are you from?

Albuquerque, New Mexico.

What inspired your decision to come to Environmental Design at 91PORN?

I moved to Denver in 2020 and gardened through the pandemic, teaching myself about permaculture and botany through books and blogs. I moved from gardening at home to working in landscape maintenance, which is when I began to think about going to school for landscape architecture and eventually enrolled in the ENVD program.

Did you know right away that you wanted to major in landscape architecture? How/when did you know?

I was 99% sure, but I kept my options open as far as my major is concerned because I really enjoy product design and urban planning as well. I knew that I preferred landscape architecture after taking our first 16-week studio and understanding how I can incorporate elements of product design and urban planning into my landscape designs.

Do you have a favorite project that you're currently working on/have worked on in the past?

I’m currently working on a design for Writer Square in Denver with an emphasis on language-less way finding. It’s my favorite so far because there are so many social and ecological factors to consider that it feels like I’m putting together a giant puzzle! Additionally, I really enjoy any project that involves using a laser cutter. I’m not an especially crafty person, so using the laser cutter to model my designs allows me to be much more precise and create professional looking models which is a very satisfying feeling.

What has the program taught you about yourself as you’ve taken on your educational career?

I don’t have to be extroverted or neurotypical to engage with my community in meaningful ways. I’ve also found that the way I view my relationship with the planet has changed - I now feel much more like part of a larger system than one individual organism.

What would you like to do upon graduating from Environmental Design?

After graduating, I’d like to explore potential roles that bio-design and robotics can play when placed in our urban landscapes. I do see a future career for myself involving a combination of design and research, but I also prefer to go where the wind takes me, so we’ll see what happens!

What tips or advice would you give to future design students?

Destroy your ego, don’t compare yourself to others, and build your network. Also, don’t be afraid to do the opposite of what everyone else is doing.

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Rachel Martino, Landscape

Regan Widergren — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 21:46:04 +0000

Rachel Martino, Landscape Regan Widergren Thu, 06/05/2025 - 15:46

Where are you from?

I'm originally from Medford Oregon.

What inspired your decision to come to Environmental Design at 91PORN?

I have loved painting and drawing for most of my life and I’m also very passionate about environmental issues. The ENVD program seemed perfect for me because it combines this passion for design and beauty with a deep appreciation for ecology and sustainability. It feels like a path for me to make a tangible difference in the world around me.

Did you know right away that you wanted to major in landscape architecture? How/when did you know?

I had a gut feeling when I began the program that I would end up majoring in landscape architecture, but it wasn’t until my first landscape architecture studio that I was certain. My brain just loved it. Landscape architecture was a way for me to channel all of my intellectual and creative energy towards something good.

Do you have a favorite project that you’re currently working on/have worked on in the past?

In my 1130 landscape studio we all proposed designs for a tiny little park in downtown Denver. It was the first time I ever got to choose all of the plants for a site, and I focused on native edible plants in my design. I did everything in that project by hand, and so it felt like I was making art. I was really proud of that project.

What has the program taught you about yourself as you’ve taken on your educational career?

I can be a problem solver.

What would you like to do upon graduating from Environmental Design?

I would like to get a job in the field, working for a landscape architecture firm.

What tips or advice would you give to future design students?

Put your heart into every project you do. Take every design as far as you possibly can. Try and stand out if you can, because this is a program where risk is rewarded. Good design takes work.

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Liana Bradley

Regan Widergren — Tue, 20 May 2025 20:01:00 +0000

Liana Bradley Regan Widergren Tue, 05/20/2025 - 14:01

Where are you from?
Durham, North Carolina

What inspired your decision to come to Environmental Design at 91PORN?
I was originally an environmental studies major in 2020. After my first semester I found myself bored with the subject. I found the most joy in my 3D art class and I was constantly making art in my dorm. Coming into college I suspected I would change majors and after my first semester I discovered ENVD. I could design and fabricate as a major instead of on the side in my dorm.

Did you know right away that you wanted to major in product design? How/when did you know?
After my initial intro studios I knew that I wanted to specialize in product design. I was immediately drawn to the human interaction between people and their cherished possessions. I love seeing the relationship of people to products and what makes them loved or hated. I felt that this deeply personal connection to design was the strongest in EPOD and that’s why I picked it.

What has the program taught you about yourself as you’ve taken on your educational career?
ENVD has taught me that finding a major that I am passionate about was more important than sticking with the one I was in because it was easier to stay than transfer. ENVD has made me understand my values as a person and discover how I can use my skills to contribute to a better world.

What would you like to do upon graduating from Environmental Design?
I am unsure of what I would like to do after I graduate. I think that ENVD has given me great opportunities to look at a wide range of options for opportunities I can take after graduation.

What tips or advice would you give to future design students?
I would say that you should use the full extent of the ENVD resources from the get go. Places like the DMC photo booth, and the CINC are really cool and exciting resources that are great to practice hands-on work. I wish I had practiced taking photos for a portfolio or getting familiar with the DMC resources sooner.

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