I was recently asked to reflect on why I chose the Weitzman School of Design for my graduate education for the Why Weitzman Wednesday section of the Graduate Admissions blog. 

When considering graduate school, I looked for degrees in both Architecture and Landscape Architecture. I considered dual degree options, certificates, or electives that could be taken in other schools(ie landscape schools). I had looked into University of Virginia, Louisiana State University, University of Tennessee, University of Washington, and University of Pennsylvania. The Weitzman School of Design gave me the opportunity to study both Architecture and Landscape Architecture as Master’s degrees in a 4-year time span. 

In addition to the degrees specifically (courses, curriculum schedule, electives, etc), I was interested in a school that would challenge my digital skill set. The curriculum at the Weitzman School of Design was well integrated between degrees and had a series of digital courses. My undergraduate education had really developed my hand drawing and physical modeling skills. From looking at the curriculum and work marketed by the Weitzman School it was clear to me that digital skill sets were really challenged to create the work. Balancing my physical and digital skill sets would be in my best interest and the Weitzman School would certainly do that.

In addition, after speaking with students, it was clear that the professors were able to understand and assist students who might be struggling with the digital programs needed to produce the work. I wouldn’t have selected Penn if I thought that digital skills were required but no assistance would be provided. I am very happy that is not the case! I can now say confidently that I know how to work in and between Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit, GIS, and Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Premiere, and After Effects. I’ve even learned to 3D print, CNC mill, laser cut, and generate digital models for walk thru. 

As a bonus the Weitzman School is in Philadelphia. I really wanted to live in a city as I thought it would influence my design skills through exposure. Philadelphia is a wonderful city to live in and explore! Its proximity to New York City, Boston, Baltimore, and Washington DC make it an excellent starting point to explore cities in the North Eastern US.  

At the Weitzman School I have met incredible people, learned not just a skillset or program but a method of analysis, and have come to a place where I am excited to take on any design challenge given to me!

If you want to know more about my experiences at the Weitzman School of Design check out my University of Pennsylvania section or reach out! I am always happy to answer questions and help others decide if the Weitzman School of Design is the school for them.

To see the specific excerpt on the Weitzman Blog: https://www.design.upenn.edu/graduate-admissions/post/why-weitzman-wednesdays-5