Laura Ellis

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
Education Background: Bachelor of Design in Architecture at the University of Florida

How did you get interested in your field?
I became interested in architecture at a young age by going to various construction sites and shadowing architects at architecture firms. I also loved playing with Legos and playing various creative computer games like RollerCoaster Tycoon, which really sparked my passion for design and how spaces come to life.

What was your background prior to coming to Penn?
Before coming to Penn, I completed my Bachelor of Design in Architecture at the University of Florida. I also gained practical experience through various summer architectural internships in Florida. I also worked as architectural designer in higher education in Atlanta.

What has been your favorite class so far?
This is really difficult to choose, but I’ve really enjoyed the Visual Studies courses. I love to draw and be creative, and this class allows me to focus on three key drawings each semester. It’s all about learning architectural representation as a tool for communication and development. We’ve worked on various drawings from orthographic projection, to isometric drawings, to plans, to choisys, and to others. The lectures dive into how new technologies shape culture, along with the history and deeper meaning behind representation. This course has been amazing because it helps develop technical skills while also giving us the tools to think critically about how architecture interacts with the world around us.

What are you learning right now that will help you in the future?
Penn’s curriculum provides a very well-rounded understanding of architecture. Courses like BIM and Revit are helpful for real-world applications, while the amazing design courses encourage thinking outside the box. Visual Studies teaches how to tell a story through drawings, and courses outside the typical curriculum, like Design Thinking and Painting, help learning creativity through different mediums and broaden my approach to problem-solving.

What do you like best about Philadelphia?
What I love most about Philadelphia is its neighborhoods – each of them has its own unique character and charm. On weekends, I like to scooter through different areas, discovering a new place, new mural, new water ice location, and hidden germs that make the city feel so unique.

What kinds of activities and/or organizations are you involved in?
Currently, I am the M.Arch representative on StuCo and have served as a studio representative for two semesters. I am also involved in NOMAs. If we are talking about outside of Penn, I love to play pickleball with various organizations on the weekend.

What are your career ambitions?
I want to get my architecture license, work as lead project designer, and would love to teach at the university level. I want to inspire future generations of designers and architects, just as I have been inspired by my professors.