2022 Recipient of the Kelly J. Edwards Architecture Scholarship
2022 Kelly J. Edwards Architecture Scholarship recipient, Sophia Chin.
Scott Edwards Architecture is marking the third year of our Kelly J. Edwards Architecture Scholarship program and we are happy to announce the 2022 recipient. Named for SEA co-founder Kelly J. Edwards, this scholarship honors his legacy as an exceptional architect and mentor to young staff. The annual scholarship was launched in partnership with ACE Mentor Program of Oregon, an after-school program that helps high school students explore careers in architecture, construction management, and engineering. It awards $5,000 to a student who is pursuing a college degree in Architecture, and the recipient then joins SEA for a summer internship.
SEA has selected Sophia Chin as our 2022 scholarship recipient. Sophia is starting her sophomore year at California Polytechnic State University and is pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture with interest in an Architectural Engineering minor. Prior to college, she attended Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland and participated in the ACE Mentor Program of Oregon—she credits both with inspiring her to be where she is today.
Sophia felt the first pull toward a career in building when she was in 7th grade. While working on a project that included 2-point perspective drawings, she for the first time felt proud of and happy with the art she had created. This encouraged her to investigate construction as a career, and as she continued to study the A/E/C industry, later led her to architecture. Alongside the artistic side of the field and the ability to be hands-on in her work, the opportunity to change people’s lives for the better is what draws her in the most.
“While I’m still developing my identity as a designer, I’m inspired by plants and greenery, natural materials, and sustainability.”
She describes herself as driven by mission—helping people and the environment with her designs is important. Sophia hopes to work on restoration projects in the future and likes the idea of recycling and reusing existing materials and structure to remake what is already there into something new. If this work can be community-based, all the better!
One thing that Sophia has grown to appreciate as she’s learned more about architecture is how much thought and care goes into every decision. Part of designing work for others is knowing what they may not know and filling in the pieces of their vision. Sophia wants to learn to intuit better, and she understands already how the smallest details can make the biggest impact.
“I’m looking forward to learning more about the industry, experiencing SEA’s studio culture, and tapping into the collective energy”
When asked about the impact of this scholarship on her studies, she discusses not only the financial benefit, but also the upcoming internship. During the day that she spent with SEA after being awarded the scholarship, she noted that the heart she felt behind the projects our firm is working on is inspiring. And if the free curb guitar she found this past summer is any indication, Sophia is in for an exciting year of growth—as an aspiring architect (and weekend heavy metal artist!) we’re inspired by her creativity and drive and look forward to welcoming her back for her internship next year.
Last year’s Kelly J. Edwards Architecture Scholarship recipients, Makayla Bruce and Nguyen Duong, have completed their internships and are starting their next year of studies. We asked Makayla and Nguyen to share their experience interning at SEA, and they had this to say:
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It has been both a fun and growing experience at SEA. Through my time here, I have been able to present plans to a client, put together presentation materials, go on many site visits, and practice using drafting programs. Not only have I learned a lot, but I have also met so many wonderful and creative people, been able to run with some of my colleagues, and participate in SEA’s softball team. I am beyond happy to be working with SEA.
Makayla Bruce
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I got to see various types of projects and different logistical steps in an architecture firm that I don’t really get to learn in school. This really pushed my interest in architecture even further after seeing different scales. I have to say that I thought I only liked big buildings and public projects, but I enjoy designing small family houses just as much. I got to learn a lot of new things, see many different aspects, and work with incredible people who assisted me so much during my experience at SEA.
To read more about their interests and path to architecture, check out the 2021 Recipients of the Kelly J. Edwards Architecture Scholarship blog post.
