William G. Dohman

University of Minnesota - B.S. Arch '03, M.Arch '05 

What was the most important thing/skill/concept you learned at the School of Architecture?

How to tackle a problem from various avenues.

Who made the most lasting impression (most influenced you) and why?

Andrzej Piotrowski.

What is your favorite memory from your studio days?

Late nights with friends talking design.

Sarah A. Wolbert

University of Minnesota - M.Arch '09, M.S. Arch '10

What was the most important thing/skill/concept you learned at the School of Architecture?

Don't quit your other jobs/hobbies! Those are what will build connections for projects when the profession is in a recession. 

Who made the most lasting impression (most influenced you) and why?

There were a few that left good and bad impressions. The most consistent supporter and mentor for my projects is Dean Tom Fisher.

What is your favorite memory from your studio days?

When Piotrowski brought us cookies upon request. 

Please identify one (or more) memorable design project that you worked on while a student at the School of Architecture.

Rethinking waste engagement installation in Rapson Courtyard. 

Nathan F. Knutson

University of Minnesota - M.Arch '95

What was the most important thing/skill/concept you learned at the School of Architecture?

Design thinking and avoiding preconceptions.

Who made the most lasting impression (most influenced you) and why?

First year studio with Andrzej Piotrowski.

What is your favorite memory from your studio days?

The close friendships developed with those who maintained the same hours as I did!

Please identify one (or more) memorable design project that you worked on while a student at the School of Architecture.

Tower and Bridge project with Vincent James and Julie Snow. The final jury had significant national jurors.

What major forces (such as individual architects, design philosophies, rendering styles, research methods, etc.) do you remember influencing you significantly as a student?

In the era of deconstruction, the exhibit at the Walker Art Center of Russian Constructivism.

Cite an example (be specific) that illustrates how you used the education you received at the School of Architecture to positively impact (or better) your community, city, nation or the world.

Architecture school, studio in particular, engages many different and diverse issues. I believe that those around me see that as a significant leadership talent that, for better or for worse, puts me in the firing line for leadership roles in the community.

Cody L. Stadler

University of Minnesota - M.Arch '12

What was the most important thing/skill/concept you learned at the School of Architecture?

Networking.

Who made the most lasting impression (most influenced you) and why?

Andrzej Piotrowski for his tireless dedication in the pursuit of ending incompetence and Jim Lutz for helping me make the transition from wide-eyed student to professional.

What is your favorite memory from your studio days?

Not having to pull an all-nighter...ever.

Please identify one (or more) memorable design project that you worked on while a student at the School of Architecture.

My time in Haiti is at the top of the list. The Soap Factory Project in Andrzej Piotrowski's class was a great project as well.

What major forces (such as individual architects, design philosophies, rendering styles, research methods, etc.) do you remember influencing you significantly as a student?

Again, Andrzej Piotrowski pushing me to my potential and helping me discover better working methods. I will also cite Adam Marcus as an influence on my desires to become a professional at a much younger age.

Hans-Christian J. Karlberg

University of Minnesota - M.Arch '10

What was the most important thing/skill/concept you learned at the School of Architecture?
Insight into the sensitivity of design moves, thanks to Sharon Roe and spinning plates on various levels of a design project, thanks to Andrzej Piotrowski.

Who made the most lasting impression (most influenced you) and why?

Sharon Roe, because of the stimulating intellectual discussions on design thinking and Andrzej Piotrowski for the rigorous research for methods in the design process.

What is your favorite memory from your studio days?

My favorite memory is the feeling of togetherness among the colleagues in studio. Studio, a home.

Please identify one (or more) memorable design project that you worked on while a student at the School of Architecture.

Paper folding exercise with Gunter Dittmar.

What major forces (such as individual architects, design philosophies, rendering styles, research methods, etc.) do you remember influencing you significantly as a student? 

Carlo Scarpa was inspirational in his understanding of "old meeting new."

Cite an example (be specific) that illustrates how you used the education you received at the School of Architecture to positively impact (or better) your community, city, nation or the world. 

I've been able to continue the focus on international architecture, as I believe the School of Architecture was very open to this. At the moment I am working on a mosque complex in Antwerp, Belgium, which is a very controversial project in a right-wing city. This project should be built by the end of 2013, by B-architecten.