Grad Features

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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Lydia Mercante

Anonymous — Wed, 08 May 2024 16:22:02 +0000

Lydia Mercante Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 05/08/2024 - 10:22

Lydia Mercante, a distinguished graduate from Long Island, will earn her B.EnvD in sustainable planning & urban design with a minor in business real estate. She believes that the past four years at ENVD have made her into who she is today and taught her who she wants to become.

Where are you from?
Long Island, NY

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
I have been involved in Kappa Alpha Theta for the past 4 years and served on the executive board as the Vice President of Panhellenic in 2022. Within ENVD I was the Professional Development Services Assistant and worked under Nate Jones. This helped me feel more involved in the ENVD community and allowed me to gain a lot of professional experience.

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
I have always known I wanted to do something with the built environment, but also not be an architect necessarily. I felt like ENVD offered a balance of design and a sustainability focus that was very attractive to me. I have also always been interested in merging urban design and commercial real estate so I knew I wanted to minor in business.

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 I learned during college is that there are many aspects of life that can’t be controlled or are hard to manage and the only thing you can control is how you react. So, I have learned to react to hard situations with grace and kindness and try to always be the best version of myself.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
My best piece of advice is to not take anything for granted. Life goes by fast and it’s important to take the time to enjoy it. Take time to do what you love and makes you happy, you are worth more than you may think.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
One of my favorite memories was getting to go to Paris in May with a class in ENVD. We had the opportunity to go around the city and see all different kinds of architecture, museums, and exhibits. We did a lot of walking and sketching but it was filled with laughs and fun times I will never forget.

What does graduating from college represent for you?
Graduating from college is a hard experience to put into words. It is nerve wracking, exciting, and bittersweet all at the same time. I am looking forward to what life has to hold but these last four years have made me into who I am and taught me who I want to become. I will always look at my time at CU and with ENVD fondly and hope that the rest of my life will be just as enjoyable as these past four years have been.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
Honestly I am not sure yet, I am currently working for a non-profit affordable housing developer and am planning to work with them through the summer. After that the goal is to move back to NY and start working in the urban design industry. I am trying to take everyday at a time and do my best to network and find a job that I love.

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Julia Rodriguez

Anonymous — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 21:00:27 +0000

Julia Rodriguez Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 04/28/2023 - 15:00

Julia Rodriguez, an architecture major from the San Francisco Bay Area, considers finding her community at CU Boulder as one of her greatest experiences at ENVD.

Thank you for making the past four years so memorable. We started off with in person studios together, we experienced online classes together, some of us studied abroad together, and now we get to graduate together.

Where are you from?
San Francisco Bay Area

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
Throughout my time at Environmental Design, I served as the Executive Chair of the Environmental Design Diverse Scholars, Co-President of the American Institute of Architecture Students CU Boulder Chapter, and an ENVD First Year Experience Mentor. I spent two years working for the ENVD Marketing and Communications department where I got to design, film, and photograph content for the ENVD Program. Outside of ENVD, I got to serve as a CU Boulder Journey Leader, where I had the chance to give campus tours, speak at first year student orientation events, and host buff meetups. My involvement these past four years made my college experience so special!

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
I felt inspired to come to ENVD after learning all about the interdisciplinary approach. I loved that I would have the chance to take studios in architecture but also landscape architecture, urban planning, and product design. I felt like this would help me understand and appreciate all aspects of design, and even learn how to work with all kinds of designers in the future.

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 experiences from my time at CU Boulder has definitely been finding my community. Moving out of state and starting a new chapter of my life was exciting and intimidating all at once, but I quickly found people on campus that welcomed me, inspired me, and motivated me. Having people that brought out the best version of myself was by far one of my favorite experiences, and I plan to continue seeking those people out in the next chapter of my life.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
My piece of advice for other students is to try out everything! Join the club, take the elective, do the semester abroad; you will learn so much about yourself. I found some of my closest friends and made some of my favorite memories through all kinds of experiences: ENVD student groups, different electives, and spending a semester in Barcelona, Spain.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
One of my favorite memories from Environmental Design is definitely in 2019, when we spent all of our time in the first year basement studios. One night, we were finishing our models together when I looked outside and noticed the sun was starting to rise. Somehow we worked all night, and while we were all feeling a bit delirious, one by one we started finishing our models and we were all just ecstatic. My friend and I would have to wait for the buff bus when it started to run again in the morning! We probably looked funny wandering out of the basement of ENVD with drawings tubes, tool boxes, and modeling materials. Even with those long nights, I wouldn’t trade the memories for anything.

If you could say anything to your classmates what would you say?
If I could say anything to all of my classmates, I’d say thank you for making the past four years so memorable. We started off with in person studios together, we experienced online classes together, some of us studied abroad together, and now we get to graduate together. This ENVD community has been so special and I feel super grateful for my peers.

What does graduating from college represent for you?
Graduating from college represents so many things to me. Firstly, it's the celebration of years of hard work. It’s also a representation of my family, who has worked extremely hard to support me in this process. My father immigrated to the United States for a better future, and he and my mother have given my sister and I exactly that. Lastly, graduating from college represents a chapter of my life ending. It’s a bittersweet experience, but I’m beyond excited for what’s next, and I know I’ll never forget my time at CU Boulder.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
Beyond graduation, I look forward to practicing architecture! I’d love to work on a variety of projects, participate in design build work, and continue to work with social justice groups in design. In the distant future, I see myself going to graduate school, becoming licensed, starting a firm, and possibly teaching at an architecture school one day.

Julia Rodriguez, an architecture major from the San Francisco Bay Area, considers finding her community at CU Boulder as one of her greatest experiences at ENVD.

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Davis Velte

Anonymous — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 20:15:10 +0000

Davis Velte Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 04/28/2023 - 14:15

For Davis Velte, an architecture major minoring in business, graduating represents the culmination of a lot of hard work, learning and lots and lots of studio hours.

I'll miss seeing T-squares poking out of your backpacks on campus and immediately knowing you're a fellow ENVD student.

Where are you from?
Evergreen, Colorado

What, if any, minors, dual-degrees and/or certificates are you graduating with?
Business Minor

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
Intern for over one and a half years at Mosaic Architects and Interiors, Studied in Rome with Maryanne Holbert

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
Touring ENVD was my biggest motivation. I saw how studios worked and the projects students were making and I knew I wanted to do this.

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?
The biggest lesson I learned is that what you get out of an experience depends on what you put in to it. Put in the effort, try your hand at everything, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
My freshmen year we did a sketching exercise on Pearl Street early in the morning and it made me really appreciate ENVD in that it's not a conventional classroom setting.

If you could say anything to your classmates what would you say?
I'll miss seeing T-squares poking out of your backpacks on campus and immediately knowing you're a fellow ENVD student.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Take advantage of all the tools available to you, try new things, and push yourself. Also I definitely recommend keeping a Pinterest to save all the things that inspire you and drive your designs forward.

What does graduating from college represent for you?
Graduating represents the culmination of a lot of hard work, learning, and lots and lots of studio hours.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
Attending grad school or working in the architecture/design field.

For Davis Velte, an architecture major minoring in business, graduating represents the culmination of a lot of hard work, learning and lots and lots of studio hours.

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Ainsley McElwee

Anonymous — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 22:11:50 +0000

Ainsley McElwee Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 04/18/2023 - 16:11

Ainsley McElwee, a sustainable planning and urban design major from Excelsior Springs, Missouri, will graduate with minors in business and geography.

Where are you from?
Excelsior Springs, Missouri

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
I did not know what I was doing, where Boulder was, or what exactly ENVD was when I applied! Woahhh. It was truly a shot in the dark when I did it, but I really found a major that lets me explore all my passions and how they intersect in the built environment. I'm so greatful!

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?
Relationships are the number one thing that contributes to my happiness and wellbeing. I put my time and energy towards maintaining them because I truly believe that great friends make for a great life.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
I will always remember our first year casuing chaos in the basemment.

If you could say anything to your classmates what would you say?
Sko buffs!

What are your plans beyond graduation?
This summer, I am going on a roadtrip and taking time to figure that part out.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Do a semester abraod if you can!

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
I am a board member of APAS and a CEDaR intern. I enjoy skiing, time well-spent with my friends, and traveling!

Ainsley McElwee, a sustainable planning and urban design major from Excelsior Springs, Missouri, will graduate with minors in business and geography.

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Kaylor Chott

Anonymous — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 21:55:16 +0000

Kaylor Chott Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 04/18/2023 - 15:55

Kaylor Chott will earn a B.EnvD specializing in architecture with a minor in business. After graduation, Chott plans to travel the world and start a career as a design and landscape architect.

Follow your interests and try everything at least once. Now is the time to take risks in order to find what makes you the happiest.

Where are you from?
Irvine, California

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
I was inspired to come to ENVD because of the multidisciplinary curriculum and the creative environment that is supported within the program.

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?
My time at CU Boulder has taught me to follow my passions because nothing is more rewarding than doing something you care about.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
One of my favorite memories is playing on CU Women’s Club lacrosse team because I have made friends for life and got to play the sport that I love.

If you could say anything to your classmates what would you say?
Thank you for all the great memories and for constantly inspiring me to be a better designer and environmental advocate.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
I plan to continue to travel the world and begin my career as a designer and landscape architect.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Follow your interests and try everything at least once. Now is the time to take risks in order to find what makes you the happiest.

What does graduating from college represent for you?
It represents the beginning of a new chapter focused on following my passions as an adult.

Tell us about your involvement and/or student leadership roles in and/or outside of ENVD.
Marketer for CU ASLA President and Captain of CU Women’s Club Lacrosse Team

Kaylor Chott will earn a B.EnvD specializing in architecture with a minor in business. After graduation, Chott plans to travel the world and start a career as a design and landscape architect.

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Juliana Minerbo

Anonymous — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 21:42:15 +0000

Juliana Minerbo Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 04/18/2023 - 15:42

Juliana Minerbo, an architecture major from Brazil, plans to work for an architecture firm in Brazil after graduation.

Thank you for making my experience at CU and in the US so great. You helped me to push myself and do my best in order to succeed.

Where are you from?
Brazil

What inspired you to come to ENVD when choosing your school?
The community inside ENVD was a big part of it. My grandfather graduated from Oxford so I also wanted to study architecture abroad (outside Brazil). The courses seemed like a good fit and strong for my career.

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?
Having such a great community at CU Boulder is definitely something I will carry with me. I was able to create connections with friends and instructors that helped me with everything I needed.

Describe one of your favorite memories.
Having studio in person after a year of online studio. I was able to engage with my friends and professors and help each other in an easier way.

If you could say anything to your classmates what would you say?
I would say thank you for making my experience at CU and in the US so great. You helped me to push myself and do my best in order to succeed. I am extremely proud of all of you and I cannot wait to see what each one of you accomplish in the next chapter! Best wishes on your next adventure! Congratulations class of 2023!!! (let me know if you ever come to Brazil so we can see each other again)

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
My best piece of advice is to not stress too much about anything. To do your best and you will succeed. The most important thing is to have fun while doing it. Professors and instructors are ALWAYS there to help!

What are your plans beyond graduation?
I already got a job back home in Brazil in an architectural firm. I plan on having a lot of experience and learn a lot from it.

What does graduating from college represent for you?
It represents the beginning of independence. being able to help my future workplace with what I learned and make a difference in the community.

Juliana Minerbo, an architecture major from Brazil, plans to work for an architecture firm in Brazil after graduation.

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