MC Osborne

Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana and Southeast Florida
Education Background: Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Visual Arts Minor, University of Chicago

How did you get interested in your field?
I found my Kindergarten all-about-me scrapbook not too long ago, where I had written that when I grow up I want to be creative, like an artist, architect, or interior designer. In a funny way, I’ve circled back to a field I’m not sure I fully understood at the ripe age of six. Growing up, my mother, aunt, and grandmother always brought me to art museums, antique stores, and sometimes even into the construction sites of neighbors’ homes that they definitely did not have permission to enter. They also supported my creative side by encouraging me to paint and draw. I found through high school interior design internships that architecture is an opportunity for me to wholly design a tangible space that could positively impact its inhabitants, and the design process is a lot like planning a great painting. My cyclical return to architecture comes from the intersection of my artistic interests alongside a desire to have that art positively impact community at varying scales. I tried out an economics major for two years of undergrad, but it was deeply unfulfilling. I made art history my primary major, took on some design related internships followed by a full time job in NYC, and haven’t looked back.

What was your background prior to coming to Penn?
Prior to Penn, I studied Art History and Visual Art at UChicago. During my third year of the Art History program, I chose a specialization in the built environment based on an elective course I’d taken on the recent Chicago Biennial. From my specialization, I was able to take courses relating to architecture that encouraged me to seek out internships at architecture firms in New York City and Florida. After graduating, I worked for two years as a junior designer at a primarily residential architecture firm in New York. I then took part in the summer studio for non-architecture undergraduate degree students, which proved invaluable both in terms of skillset and design conceptualization.

Why did you choose Penn?
I looked at Penn through the recommendation of my former project manager who also went through the Weitzman M.Arch program. During the application season, I was lucky enough to attend Professor Fierro’s book launch in NYC where I met several architecture alums that enjoyed their time at Penn enough to stay in close contact with former classmates and professors. I also attended a virtual open house where both students and faculty seemed excited about the school and community. Of course, Penn provides a stellar and well-rounded education, but my primary concern in choosing schools has always been based primarily on relational culture. During the admitted students open house, the relationships between current students and professors felt strong, supportive, and excited at the prospect of both learning and teaching. I am deeply happy with my decision and the friend- and mentorships Weitzman has given me. 

What has been your favorite class so far? 
My favorite class so far was 511 History and Theory with Fernando Lara, which might be a bit of a cliché with my art history background. The course is structured in such a way that we learned architectural history along with bits of philosophy, sociology, anthropological context that really allowed us to look at space and structure through a new interdisciplinary lens. Plus, Professor Lara is a great lecturer and his research is super interesting!

What are you learning right now that will help you in the future?
I think that all of our courses outside studio are very valuable and applicable to professional practice. Visual Studies helps us present clear, beautiful drawings. Structures and Construction of course will help make sure our designs are feasible and safe. Studio helps us think as designers ourselves and form strong concepts to design with care and creativity.

What do you like best about Philadelphia?
Having lived in Chicago and NYC, I really love the energy and inspiration that comes from urban environments. I can tend towards being a homebody, but that tendency fades away when there are countless things to do or see right outside my door. I love how passionate the people are in Philly, the mixture of some of the oldest structures in the country against constant spatial innovation, and its proximity to both NYC and DC for weekend day trips. Some of my favorite things to do are going to the Rittenhouse Square Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, trying new restaurants during restaurant weeks and Sips, and getting lost on walks in Center City.  

What kinds of activities and/or organizations are you involved in?
I’m involved in Student Council as a part of the Health and Wellness committee.

What are your career ambitions?
After graduating, I plan to work towards my license and hope to work in residential and civic spheres, and maybe try my hand at exhibition design if the opportunity arises.