Meet Hillier College Class of 2022 Distinguished Student Award Recipients
This year marked another milestone for the Hillier College of Architecture and Design with the graduation class of one hundred and twenty four students. Best of them were recognized for their excellence at the college awards ceremony held on May 13. On this occasion they shared their experiences and the most valuable lessons learned while studying at NJIT and Hillier College, and they told us about what is next for them as they enter the professional field.
Iman Syed, Bachelor of Architecture - Mostoller Prize
How did NJIT/Hillier College shape you as an architect?
I entered NJIT as a freshman with a very basic idea of what it means to be an architect. I liked to draw but had little to no understanding on how to apply my sketches to buildings or projects. The last 5 years at NJIT have given me exposure to a wide range of innovative and admirable studio critics, all of whom helped me evolve my simple doodles into compelling project narratives and tangible designs. Under the mentorship of professors such as John Cays, I learned how to integrate life-cycle design thinking and building energy modeling tools into my projects, strengthening their consideration of our world's current climate crisis. From the studios and studio critics, such as the studio taught by Erin Pellegrino and Charlie Firestone, I learned how to truly design functioning spaces with proper engineering and material considerations. Ultimately, NJIT taught me how to bring proper function to the forms I was so eager to create, and that is a lesson I'll be carrying well into my future as a designer.
What are your plans for the future?
Short-term plans include continuing research under the mentorship of Professor Georgeen Theodore at NJIT for the remainder of June! I've spent the last semester working with her and several other students on an international and interdisciplinary research project revolving around the visualization of an ancient Roman-era aqueduct in Athens, Greece, entitled Hadrian's Aqueduct. After that, I will be jumping straight into the design industry, joining Flad Architects' New York team in Manhattan! I'm more than thrilled to enter the workforce with all the tools and knowledge NJIT has given me, and can't wait to see where I get to leave my mark in the design world.
Andrew Elcock, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design - School of Art + Design Award for Academic Achievement –Industrial Design
How did NJIT/Hillier College shape you as an industrial designer?
Coming into the program, I knew nothing about design. NJIT turned me from a creative hobbyist into an industry-ready product designer.
What are your plans for the future?
I am a member of NJIT’s baseball team, and this is my last year of eligibility. So, I decided to return to NJIT and pursue a Masters in Information Systems with a concentration in User Experience Design, and stay on the baseball team for another season!
Peter Zhang, Bachelor of Architecture - ARCC King Student Medal
How did NJIT/Hillier College shape you as an architect?
I think the most valuable aspect of studying at HCAD, from the architecture students’ perspective, is the collaborative environment, something that became very apparent during the quarantine time. One can prepare high-quality academic resources and equipment for students to use, but in the end it will be people exchanging ideas and working collaboratively on each other's designs that generate good work. This is particularly true when applied to interdisciplinary studies as people outside architecture bring new perspectives. I look forward to this kind of environment in a professional setting.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to pursue a career that focuses on the computational design side of architecture. Computation tools' ability to represent abstract data fascinates me, so I have been looking around the city for opportunities in this field. The research that led to this award is also still in progress, so I will be continuing this project with the support of my mentor Dr. Taro Narahara and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Allison Wong, Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design - School of Art + Design Award for Academic Achievement – Digital Design
How did NJIT/Hillier College shape you as a digital designer?
HCAD expanded my skills and my way of thinking as a digital designer. I learned how to create 3D models, animate, and effectively present my projects and ideas.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to be a freelance illustrator for video game companies.
Okhyun Kim Des Lauriers, Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design - School of Art + Design Senior Designer of Distinction Award – Interior Design ----- School of Art + Design Award for Academic Achievement – Interior Design ----- School of Art + Design Medal
How did NJIT/Hillier College shape you as an interior designer?
I can divide my experience at Hillier College into three phases: pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, and after the pandemic. Each was unique and a valuable lesson for me. Pre pandemic I had access to all the labs: woodshop, laser-cutter, material library… which was a great learning experience. I had the opportunity to experience all the different materials and how they behave under different conditions. There were a lot of different resources at my disposal. When the pandemic started everything went online, so I had to adjust and use different tools and platforms and work virtually. Most importantly the school has taught me a lot of technical and software skills, such as how to use Revit, Enscape, as well as time management, presentation skills, which I took every chance to hone while we were in the virtual mode. I have gained tremendous confidence here at NJIT and Hiller College, and I feel ready to go into the professional field right away and be very competitive.
What are your plans for the future?
My short-term plan is to travel and to visit my family in South Korea. I will give myself some extra time to figure out what my next step will be and see where this journey will take me.
Lemmuel Escalona, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design - School of Art + Design Senior Designer of Distinction Award – Industrial Design
How did NJIT/Hillier College shape you as an industrial designer?
During my time at NJIT I became aware of the societal issues that I believe can be tackled through product design. Additionally, the lessons I learned from my peers and instructors have also allowed me to develop my personal style as an industrial designer.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to expand my expertise and knowledge by earning a graduate degree within the field of design.
Casey Crown, Bachelor of Architecture - School of Architecture Alpha Rho Chi Medal
How did NJIT/Hillier College shape you as an architect?
Above all, Hillier College taught me to be a problem solver. Most often, problems would arise outside of class hours, so I had no choice but to figure out the answer myself. My time at HCAD helped me learn to take initiative in all things and to be intuitive. I feel those skills and qualities are more important than any information you can study in a textbook. In the field of architecture, the greatest challenge is to do just that: solve problems and find solutions.
What are your plans for the future?
In the near future I will be teaching at an Architecture / STEM program at Roselle Park High School. The curriculum will include introductions to basic design of homes, retail, and community centers, and introductions to critical software tools for architects and designers, such as AutoCAD, Rhino, Sketchup, and Adobe Illustrator. Skills in structural design and model making are also developed through projects. While working in the teaching position, I am going to be studying and taking my ARE exams, freelancing and getting my professional hours towards architectural licensure.
John Jannone, Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design - School of Art + Design Senior Designer of Distinction Award – Digital Design
How did NJIT/Hillier College shape you as a digital designer?
NJIT has shaped me by expanding my capabilities and giving me breadth of knowledge of different software tools essential to my profession. Coming into NJIT I didn't think I would have any interest in augmented reality (AR) and non-gaming or entertainment related media, but now I have the knowledge and the ability to apply new skills in a variety of applications.
What are your plans for the future?
Currently my plan is to find a job as a technical artist. Hopefully in the gaming or mobile application development field, where I am eager to apply my general knowledge of both 3D modeling, as well as game engines and programming skills.