Architecture student sketches a design on paper.
Florida Southern College’s School of Architecture enters its second year this fall, welcoming a new cohort of students and building on academic experiences, institutional relationships and a strong foundation established during its inaugural year.
For Dr. Andrew Phillip Payne, Dean and Professor of Architecture, the energy surrounding the second year is already evident.
Current students can expect increased opportunities for engaged learning through studios, labs and experiences within the community. For Dean Payne, these hands-on opportunities are an essential part of preparing students to think beyond the classroom and understand architecture as a collaborative, evolving profession.
“The School of Architecture reiterates the importance of always seeking new engagement opportunities with industry partners and allied professions,” said Dean Payne. “Beit in architecture, design, engineering, construction or art, there are many ways to keep learning.”
Professional connections will continue to be an important part of that experience. The Lunz Group, which has supported the School of Architecture since its beginning, will continue its partnership during the second year through classroom demonstrations of cutting-edge software, participation in design juries and hosting class visits to their office. Their firm is one of many local professional partners contributing time, expertise and resources to help students understand the profession they are preparing to enter.
As the School of Architecture grows, Dean Payne hopes students will embrace that spirit of continued exploration and engagement.
“The second year of the Architecture program will present many new and exciting opportunities for the students in the studios, labs, and within the community,” said Dean Payne. “Having the students expand their hands-on experiences is always a highlight and this year we will see much more of that type of engaged learning.”
With its inaugural year behind it, the School of Architecture is looking ahead to new opportunities. As students take on new challenges, strengthen connections with the profession and continue learning through hands-on experiences, they will be building a strong foundation for the program in the years ahead.
“My goal for our students is that they will leave campus eager to seek opportunities to engage the industry through internships, community service, and continuous education experiences,” Dean Payne said.
Jack Belcher, Second-year Architecture Student:
As a member of the inaugural class, second-year architecture student Jack Belcher has had the opportunity to help shape the program from its earliest days, an experience he now carries with him as he begins the next stage of his education.
Belcher, who is majoring in Architecture and minoring in Construction Management, was recently recognized with an architecture scholarship from the American Institute of Architects Florida and The Florida Foundation for Architecture. The award provides an early milestone in his developing career while also shining a light on the opportunities taking shape within Florida Southern College’s budding School of Architecture.
“It is a real honor to be able to represent and spread the name of Florida Southern College's School of Architecture,” Belcher said. “Being recognized by such distinguished organizations like AIA Florida and The Florida Foundation for Architecture has had an overwhelmingly beneficial impact on the start of my career in architecture.”
For Belcher, the opportunity to study architecture at Florida Southern is particularly meaningful because of his ability to contribute to a program that he believes is just beginning to establish its legacy.
“The best part of Florida Southern's Architecture program is the ability to contribute to a brand-new program,” he said. “Having the opportunity to help build something special with direct involvement in a place of such heritage and cohesion within the program is a privilege that cannot be taken for granted.”
As he begins his second year, Belcher is grateful for the faculty, friends, family and others who have supported his journey so far and for the opportunities that lie ahead.
“This award has been one of many ongoing blessings early on in my career,” Belcher said. “I have God, my family, friends and those around me who support me continuously to thank for that.”
