Student Feature

Connections through design

Allyson Maturey — Wed, 07 May 2025 16:11:14 +0000

Connections through design Allyson Maturey Wed, 05/07/2025 - 10:11

For Serena Langdon-Dimidjian, a graduate with a dual degree in architecture and ethnic studies, design is about building community, asking deeper questions, and making space for connection. As this year’s outstanding graduate in environmental design, she has spent the past four years discovering how architecture can bridge design and social impact.

Hands-on design in Colombia

One of Langdon-Dimidjian's most memorable projects was from a global seminar in Medellín, Colombia, during the summer of her sophomore year. Alongside students from the Universidad de San Buenaventura, she and other ENVD students co-designed and constructed an outdoor kitchen and workshop space. “Living with host families and learning in such a hands-on, cross-cultural environment taught me so much about design practice and process,” she said. “It was a great reminder of how design can build real and lasting connections.”

Community near and far

In addition to spending time in Colombia, Langdon-Dimidjian spent a semester studying in Granada, Spain. She considers this one of the most meaningful experiences from her time at CU, where it taught her the value of exploring unfamiliar places, new experiences, learning both in and outside the classroom, and stepping outside comfort zones.

“More than anything, I’m endlessly grateful for the friendships I’ve built here and the supportive, inspiring community of peers, professors, and staff who made CU feel like home,” she said.

Making memories

One of Langdon-Dimidjian's favorite memories is from this spring when her capstone studio took a “ski day” to Eldora Mountain, a ski area in Nederland, Colorado. “We were working on redesigning one of the lodges there, so getting out on the mountain and actually experiencing the site in person was such a cool way to connect with the project,” she said. “And it was amazing to have a studio day on the slopes!”

Langdon-Dimidjian's cheat sheet for underclassmen

If you press the button twice on the vending machine at CINC, it will give you two Starbucks coffees instead of one. Always go to the end-of-semester clean-out for model materials. Make friends with someone who works at the DMC, and don't forget that McGuckin's has everything!

Milestones

For Langdon-Dimidjian, graduating is a key milestone for her education and one she is deeply proud of. “It represents not just years of hard work, but also the support, resilience, and determination that my classmates and I have shared throughout our time in the program,” she shared. “We’ve been through so much together, and as we cross the stage, we carry with us our families, our histories, and the stories that shaped us.”

Langdon-Dimidjian will graduate summa cum laude for her honors thesis in architecture, where she conducted a participant-based research study. Following graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school, continuing the research and design thinking that have defined her undergraduate journey.

“That process taught me how to ask better questions, engage deeply with communities, and explore complex ideas through design,” she said. “I was lucky to work alongside an incredible cohort of students who pushed me to grow, and I’m excited to continue this kind of research in the future. ENVD helped me develop a sense of curiosity and taught me to think critically about the built environment and the world around me.”

For Serena Langdon-Dimidjian, design is about building community, asking deeper questions, and making space for connection. As this year’s outstanding graduate in environmental design, she has spent the past four years discovering how architecture can bridge design and social impact.

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Connect, protect, restore

Allyson Maturey — Wed, 07 May 2025 15:51:34 +0000

Connect, protect, restore Allyson Maturey Wed, 05/07/2025 - 09:51

Blending her design education with influences from ecology and evolutionary biology, Rachel Martino is on her way to design landscapes that connect, protect and restore. As this year’s distinguished graduate in landscape architecture, Martino reflects on what she considers to be one of the biggest lessons from her time at ENVD.

“I think that the greatest lesson ENVD taught me is how to visualize a better world and then develop innovative and well-researched solutions to make that world a reality,” she shared.

In the moment

Reminiscing about the past four years brings back fond memories for Martino. One of her favorite memories is participating in a tree planting event hosted by the student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). “I was able to help select trees, including a Ginkgo–one of my favorites–to be planted on the Wolf [Law Building] lawn,” she shared. Seeing the project through, from start to finish, is what stands out the most for her.

Considering the future and when it comes to advice for other students, Martino encourages her peers to embrace growth by exploring design outside their comfort zone. “You will get what you put in,” she said. “One thing I wish I knew in the beginning is that the only way to grow as a student and a designer is to push yourself beyond what you are capable of.”

Designing for resilience

Martino is especially proud of her design proposal for her senior capstone project. Titled Reclaiming the Floodplain: Creating a New Ecological Edge at the Gateway to Boulder, the design site is located in CU Boulder South and addresses the issue of flooding in the area.

“I focus on expanding the South Boulder Creek floodplain to inundate a series of constructed wetlands, while a berm and a floodwall help protect nearby residents from extreme flood events,” she said.

Graduation and beyond

Martino describes graduating as a culmination of effort and perseverance. “It also represents all the wonderful love and encouragement that I have received from family and friends,” she shared. “I am so thankful for their support.”

After graduation, Martino will pursue a career in landscape architecture. She is confident in her degree and the experience she’ll carry with her into the real world.

“I can’t tell you where I'll be in six months, but ENVD has prepared me to be adaptable and take advantage of opportunities,” she said.

Blending her design education with influences from ecology and evolutionary biology, Rachel Martino is on her way to design landscapes that connect, protect and restore.

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Designing with purpose

Allyson Maturey — Wed, 07 May 2025 15:38:23 +0000

Designing with purpose Allyson Maturey Wed, 05/07/2025 - 09:38

The Collaborator received top honors in the Synthux Hackathon 2024, a global competition supported by his ATLS sound lab class.

From global UX hackathons to instructing a tech series to underclassmen, Nick Lankau, this year’s Distinguished Graduate in environmental products of design, leaves ENVD with a toolkit shaped by creativity and empathy, with a drive to make things that matter.

Pairing his ENVD major with a minor in creative technology and engineering, Lankau’s education blended artistry and engineering, combining creativity with purpose. He considers The Collaborator to be one of his standout projects.

“The prompt was virtual human connection,” Lankau said. “Our group settled on making a four-person, collaborative music device, with quantized inputs to allow people of any music ability to jam with their friends.”

Teaching with empathy

When Lankau was in second grade, he was diagnosed with dyslexia. School experiences were challenging to navigate. “I always swore that if I were ever in the teacher’s position, I would be more empathetic and aware of students’ challenges, especially those with learning disabilities,” he recalled.

That vow came full circle when Lankau got to instruct the ENVD tech series for four semesters. “It was incredible to meet all these students who were one to two years younger than me, and to teach them through the experiences of going through the exact same class, and what I would’ve done differently on projects,” he said. “I tried to make it as exciting and as engaging as possible.”

Lankau’s cheat sheet for underclassmen

These aren’t just motivational phrases–they’re key strategies from someone who’s experienced designing, prototyping, and pulling all-nighters to bring an idea to life.

Procrastination is your enemy. Perfection isn't real. Using the right tool for the job will save you hours of frustration AND give you a better result. Take learning into your own hands. The internet usually has the answer. You're more capable than you think. Starting is the hard part. Put in the work. Try hard. Play hard, and if you're not having fun, then you're doing it wrong.

College in candid moments

It wasn’t one specific moment that defined his college experience, but rather the collective rhythm of it all. Late nights in the studios. Celebrations after a final pinup. Field trips to art museums and tea houses. A warm day at the creek. Seeing a local band play at a house concert. Stopping to appreciate the design of something or trying to see how it works, having the best company to do all the above with.

Reflections and the road ahead

As Lankau prepares for the big day, it’s a transition he recognizes as bittersweet. “It’s been a wonderful experience here at CU,” he said. “It’s strange not to be a student anymore and to enter the ‘real world,’ but equally exciting. I just hope that I keep having the ability to make the things that I’m passionate about.”

After graduation, he’s heading to Denver to begin his design career, with plans to launch his own company one day. As he translates his education into the job market, he holds deep appreciation for the unique perspective the EPOD major instilled in him. “What makes this program special is that we’re taught to care deeply about the impact of what we create,” he shared.

Navigating a world where values and viability often collide, Lankau leaves CU Boulder equipped with the conviction and clarity to seek out the balance. “It’s a hard balance–to want to make meaningful work, to need to support yourself, and to not compromise your values in the process–but ENVD gave me the awareness, the empathy, and the drive to keep navigating that tension,” he said.

From global UX hackathons to instructing a tech series to underclassmen, Nick Lankau leaves ENVD with a toolkit shaped by creativity and empathy, with a drive to make things that matter.

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Finding community

Allyson Maturey — Tue, 06 May 2025 23:54:23 +0000

Finding community Allyson Maturey Tue, 05/06/2025 - 17:54

Allyson Maturey

For Jillian Draheim, this year’s Distinguished Graduate in sustainable planning & urban design, graduating from environmental design isn’t just a milestone, it’s a launching pad. Over the past four years, she’s built a rich academic foundation, forged deep friendships, and discovered a design philosophy rooted in community engagement, creativity and sustainability.

Transforming industrial waste

Reminiscing about past projects, Draheim is most proud of one from her 2100 planning studio. The task? Redesigning an abandoned industrial site, on the edge of downtown Longmont, into a thriving community. “It was based around a transit station and focused on providing more opportunities for affordable and missing middle housing,” Draheim said.

This was her first semester-long studio. One where she and other students got to dive into details and use new programs to create more professional graphic presentation elements. “My favorite part of this project was balancing technical planning elements with elements of fun and whimsy,” she said.

Spring in Copenhagen

Draheim’s junior year took her across the Atlantic to Copenhagen. Living abroad blossomed new memories, and through her spring classes, the experience offered new opportunities and perspectives. “Going abroad was inspirational,” she reflects. “The new landscapes and even just being in a new studio environment were invaluable. Copenhagen is such a sustainable and people-focused city, and it has influenced my approach to planning and urban design.”

More than coursework

The heart of Draheim’s college experience wasn’t just completing coursework or spending time in the design studio–it was in the community. “The relationships you build in the four years at CU are just as important to the college experience as the education,” she said.

“Finding your people and having a support system is imperative, and I have learned far more from my friends and peers than I could’ve from just formal education.”

At an end-of-year jubilee event, during her freshman year, there’s a moment that stands out as her favorite. “It was one of those times where you look around at the people surrounding you and have a feeling–you know you made the right decision coming to Boulder and being in ENVD,” she said.

What’s next?

With graduation on the horizon, Draheim acknowledges this accomplishment. “As much as I feel that I have grown in the last four years, I know this next step will be another time of self-discovery, which is equally terrifying and exciting,” she said. So, what’s next?

She is setting her sights on Chicago, where she hopes to enter the private sector of urban planning and design. “ENVD has helped prepare me by giving me a strong interdisciplinary education that balances elements of design and technical planning,” she said. “This has opened the different types of work that I feel interested in and qualified for.”

For Jillian Draheim, graduating from environmental design isn’t just a milestone–it’s a launching pad. She spent the past four years building a rich academic foundation, forged deep friendships, and discovered a design philosophy rooted in community engagement, creativity and sustainability.

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Julianne Ramsey

Anonymous — Tue, 14 May 2024 18:21:08 +0000

Julianne Ramsey Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 05/14/2024 - 12:21

Julianne Ramsey majored in architecture with a minor in leadership, and participated in a two-year INVST Community Program at CU.

Where are you from?
Parker, CO

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
I loved that ENVD majors seemed to graduate with a well-rounded skillset, from problem solving to graphic design to presentation skills. I saw ENVD as much more than a design degree, and I feel as though I got that.

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
During my time at CU, I learned that a little resilience goes a long way. I feel as though college taught me that I can get through any challenge I face with a little bit of grit and perseverance.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Put your all into everything from the beginning of the semester til the end. It will make for a project you are so very proud of.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
One of my favorite memories at ENVD was becoming great friends with my partner, Olivia Hayes, during our ARCH 3100 studio. We chose each other as partners, not knowing each other, and became so close through the late nights in studio together. Not to mention, we made the project we are the proudest of together!

What does graduating from college represent for you?
This represents the closing of a long chapter in my life where I learned and grew so much.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
I hope to find a job in architecture in Denver, Southern California, or Chicago.

Julianne Ramsey majored in architecture with a minor in leadership, and participated in a two-year INVST Community Program at CU.

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Annie Geoghegan

Anonymous — Fri, 03 May 2024 16:46:42 +0000

Annie Geoghegan Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 05/03/2024 - 10:46

Outstanding graduate Annie Geoghegan will graduate with a B.EnvD in landscape architecture and a minor in Spanish. Some of her favorite memories are from the nights spent in ENVD working on projects, sharing laughs and yawns with classmates that are now dear friends.

Where are you from?
Denver, CO

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
Within ENVD, I was a first year mentor for two years, I worked under Shawhin and CEDaR as Research Assistant. I also went to Colombia for Jota's Summer Studio which was big highlight of ENVD. Beyond ENVD, a huge part of my college experience was the club ultimate frisbee team. I captained my Junior season and found my best friends through the team.

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
I was an inter-university transfer. My freshman year I was undecided and I had a friend in ENVD that I got to see his projects and homework and it made me went to apply for ENVD my sophomore.

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
Boulder and the people I met in my time at CU helped me discover who I am as designer but also I learned so much about myself and in the role. Sound cliche but I will never forget my study abroad in Colombia and my ultimate frisbee team.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Be empathetic to others and yourself. It's everyone's first life and we are learning.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
One of my favorite memories is the nights and times I spent in ENVD working on projects. Sometimes the most energy you can feel in ENVD is in the late hours of the night while the rest of campus was dead. It was always buzzing in the computer lab. Shared a lot of laughs and yawns with classmates that are now my dear friends!

What does graduating from college represent for you?
Graduating makes me feel a lot of gratitude to my family. My older sister went to CU and was a May 2020 graduate. While she got her diploma, I'll always wish she got to walk across the stage so next week I am proud to represent my family and as I walk across the stage and officially graduate.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
Beyond graduation, I hope to work as a Landscape Designer in Denver this next year or so. No jobs lined up but excited to enjoy one last summer in Boulder before launching my ~professional~ life.

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Zo Turner

Anonymous — Wed, 01 May 2024 23:19:21 +0000

Zo Turner Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 05/01/2024 - 17:19

Zo Turner's advice for other students is to stay curious: the more you ask questions and embrace a sense of childlike wonder, the more rewarding and expansive this program will become. She'll be graduating with a dual-degree in product design and creative technology & design.

Where are you from?
Breckenridge, CO

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
Treasure of iDSA, social media coordinator for AIAS my sophomore and junior year, fabrication labs assistant at the CLC and at BTU for ATLAS.

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
I was initially drawn to ENVD for its architecture program, but I chose to stay for the product design emphasis. The amazing professors and creative projects in this area provided me with opportunities to delve into the more intricate details of design

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
Design is fundamentally a mindset—it's about approaching the world with curiosity over fear. My experiences in ENVD and EPOD have underscored the value of maintaining curiosity and always asking "why?" Thanks to a foundation in creative thinking, I am equipped with the necessary skills to tackle not only design challenges but also real-world problems.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Stay curious! The more you ask questions and embrace a sense of childlike wonder, the more rewarding and expansive this program will become. Also, remember that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. With dedication and consistency, your efforts will yield substantial rewards.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
In EPOD 3100, you'll work with a group for the entire semester to develop a product that is showcased at a holiday market. One of my favorite experiences was collaborating with my group members to brainstorm, create, and finally bring our product to market. There's a strong sense of community in EPOD, and the collective success of our class at the market stands out as one of my most cherished memories

What does graduating from college represent for you?
Graduating college symbolizes all the late nights, hard work and dedication that went into countless creative projects. It marks four years of significant personal and educational growth. Graduating also reaffirms that hard work truly pays off. I am immensely grateful for the ENVD community and the friendships I've formed along the way

What are your plans beyond graduation?
After college, I plan to return to Breckenridge, my charming hometown. This summer, I'll be working to save up to go backpack through Europe. In August, I'll embark on a backpacking trip for a few months. Upon my return, I will begin my career as an associate interior designer at Collective Designs, working for the Pinnacle Companies in Summit County.

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Zoë Camp

Anonymous — Wed, 01 May 2024 20:07:44 +0000

Zoë Camp Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 05/01/2024 - 14:07

Distinguished graduate Zoë Camp will graduate with a B.EnvD in product design. During her time at CU, she raced downhill for CU’s Cycling Team, participated in ENVD’s six week design-build studio in Medellín, Colombia, worked as a graphic designer at the CU’s Environmental Center and stayed heavily involved in Boulder’s cycling community.

Where are you from?
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
Throughout college, I raced downhill for CU’s Cycling Team; a community where I met many of my best friends and got to see new parts of the state when traveling to different races each weekend. Over my sophomore summer I participated in ENVD’s six week design-build studio in Medellín, Colombia. It was an incredible experience getting to work with Colombian students and the local community. I also worked as a graphic designer at the CU’s Environmental Center, a part of a student-led outreach team. Outside of school, I try to stay involved in Boulder’s cycling community. I worked at Community Cycles, Boulder’s non-profit bike shop, and volunteer with adaptive mountain bikers.

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
Growing up in a family of athletes and creatives, I was looking for a hands-on learning environment to pursue a creative degree in a place where I could continue racing my bike and immerse myself in mountain sports.

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
Throughout my four years, I’ve learned not to be afraid to take risks and fail sometimes. I often choose ambitious problems to tackle, and at times feel discouraged because I “fail” so many times before arriving at any kind of solution. But every time something doesn’t go to plan, I often learn a new and valuable lesson. I hope to take this mindset into the next chapter of my life, looking at setbacks not as failures, but as opportunities to grow.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Enjoy the process! Don’t forget to celebrate all the little wins along the way, whether it's a new prototype, your classmates' success, or a final project on pin-up day. Also take advantage of all the resources you have. Don’t be afraid to bring a project to another professor, use the shops for personal projects, and ask the CINC staff to show you that machine you’ve been wondering about!

Describe one of your favorite memories.
The most fun project I’ve worked on was a group project with Geroge Davis and Fletcher Spear for the Epod market-led studio. I have so many great memories ideating, sand-casting, and joking around with these two talented designers. Everyone in this studio showed so much camaraderie towards each other's projects, and it made bringing our products to the EPOP Shop a special experience.

What does graduating from college represent for you?
Graduating from college is bittersweet. While I’m excited for a new chapter, I’ll miss my Epod family, the long days and late nights spent at the CINC working on cool projects with classmates who have become my closest friends.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
After graduation I'll be looking for a job in the design industry, working on the personal projects I finally have time for, and riding my bike. You can find me at Boulder’s Thursday Cruiser Rides!

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Talissa Brownell

Anonymous — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 18:46:06 +0000

Talissa Brownell Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 04/24/2024 - 12:46

Distinguished graduate Talissa Brownell will earn a B.EnvD specializing in architecture with a Lighting Design Certificate. For Talissa, every favorite memory from ENVD includes the best friends she's been inseparable from since freshman year.

Where are you from?
Colorado

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
Involvement to me does not have to mean being in a million clubs, it can mean surrounding yourself with a community where you feel accepted. Although I did not spend my time in official leadership positions, during my free time I was always at a CU sporting event, play or exhibit where I could cheer on my peers. I am grateful to have found an amazing community here at CU Boulder where I was excited to be involved in my own way.

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
When choosing schools, I knew that I was going to pursue architecture. I wanted to go somewhere with a focus on sustainability, but also a program that provided a well-rounded design education. Environmental Design is a one-of-a-kind program, as students have the opportunity to learn design through so many different lenses. With Boulder being beautiful and offering the college experience that I wanted, the ENVD program was a perfect fit for me.

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
One of the greatest lessons that I have learned throughout my time at CU Boulder is not to take life too seriously. Life is not only about school and work – it is important to have fun and create a balance for yourself. Of course, as ENVD students, we are passionate about our careers, but it is crucial to always put your happiness first.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
My best piece of advice for current and future ENVD students is to study abroad if you are able to. As an architecture student, being able to see some of the buildings that we talk about in class and really experience design outside of the US has been extremely beneficial not only to myself as a designer, but also in my personal growth/perspective. (Also, look into the lighting design certificate!)

Describe one of your favorite memories.
It is so insanely hard to choose a favorite memory but the important part is that every single one includes my best friends Nicole, Franki, and Colton. Since freshmen year, I have been inseparable from these fellow architecture students; studying abroad together, dancing together, going to Raising Canes together, watching movies together, etc. I am so beyond grateful that the ENVD program brought these wonderful people into my life.

What does graduating from college represent for you?
Graduating from college means everything to me. As a first-generation student, I knew that college was not the only option. I knew that I would only go to college if I was passionate enough about something to want to do it for the rest of my life – not just to make money or obtain a title. I love design, I love architecture, and it means everything to me that I was able to find my passion here in the ENVD program.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
After graduation, I am starting full time at AKLD Lighting Design in Denver. I am extremely excited to start working on projects where I can develop my skills and showcase my ideas. I am also excited to travel as much as possible, as my main goal in life is to see the world.

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Submit a grad feature

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:15:41 +0000

Submit a grad feature Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/18/2024 - 09:15

Share your answers

What is your name and major?

What, if any, minors, dual-degrees and certificates are you graduating with?

Where are you from?

Tell us about your involvement and student leadership roles in and outside of ENVD?

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?

What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?

Fill out your grad feature today!

Environmental Design is excited to showcase its graduates! Share your accomplishments and experience.

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