Second-Year Architecture Students Find Opportunities for Growth

For students in Auburn’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC), that journey is shaped by hands-on learning, creative exploration and a strong sense of community. Two second-year Architecture students share how their experiences thus far have helped them grow—and why they’re excited for what lies ahead.

Finding a Path

For Sara Kate Weiss, freshman year as a Foundation Unit student was both a challenge and one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.

Baylor Wall arrived at Auburn with an interest in architecture and its principles and a strong desire to learn more. The program’s Summer Design Pathway laid the groundwork for finding his personal design process and prepared him to thrive in his second year.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Now in his second year, Wall has embraced new opportunities, some taking him beyond Alabama’s borders.

“The multiple site visits throughout the fall semester and the friendships I’ve built with my classmates have been the highlight of my second year,” Wall shared. “We took a day trip to Lake Martin and a week-long trip to Chicago while investigating sites for our studio projects. These trips not only brought us closer as a class but also broadened my architectural and cultural thought processes.”

Looking Ahead

Weiss is more than halfway through her second year and feeling energized about what’s ahead, eager to expand her skills and explore more real-world applications in future projects.

“We start to get more technical and realistic with sites and systems, so I can’t wait to see what that brings,” Weiss stated. “Also, we’re applying for third-year options right now, and no matter what happens, I know it will be a whole new and unexpected adventure I can’t wait to experience!”

Getting Involved

Weiss has also found well-rounded offerings beyond schoolwork.

“Getting involved outside of the studio is one of my favorite things about Auburn!” she said. “We talk with our cohort friends about different clubs and activities beyond just studio work, which I think is so important. I’m a CADC Ambassador, am involved with Auburn’s chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and serve in a leadership position in my sorority, along with other activities within Greek life. I’m also a dance minor, so I take classes, practice and perform regularly. And I’m involved in Hillel, a Jewish student organization!”

Wall has also found ways to stay engaged beyond his coursework.

“I’m involved with CADC Ambassadors and CADC Student Council,” he shared. “Being heavily involved as an Architecture student can be challenging at times, but a structured schedule and strong time management have helped me balance it all. Architecture takes a lot of dedication, but it is very manageable. I still have plenty of time to spend with friends and enjoy college life!

Exploring the World Through Architecture

With so much growth already, the third year promises even more possibilities. And, for Wall, who knows where in the world that might lead—literally.

“I have the opportunity to study abroad with the architecture program,” Wall said. “At the moment the study abroad options are Barcelona and the Nordic program, and both are very appealing,” Wall stated. “Exploring different kinds of architecture and experiencing new cultures is crucial to my development as a student and person.”

From navigating the challenges of studio to finding their place in student organizations, Weiss and Wall have already made the most of their Auburn experience. As they look ahead to new adventures—whether on campus or across the globe— one thing is clear: the foundation they’re building now is setting them up for success in the years to come.