Architecture and interior design education is about fostering the learning habits needed for the discovery, integration, application, and sharing of knowledge over a lifetime. And, in the design studios, which serve as the center of the educational experience, a special culture exists in which centuries of traditions, thoughts, and personalities, bind together those who teach, study, and practice architecture and interior design.

(Picture Left) Architecture students Holly Whitfield (left) and Lauren Chapman work on the Broad Avenue Charrette. Residents of the Architecture House receive priority for participation in special events such as this.

Building upon this studio culture, the Architecture House provides a living and learning community for architecture and interior design students to work together to enhance their educational experiences through expanded academic, social, and professional development activities. Within this unique, integrated home and studio environment, residents build leadership and shape intellectual and ethical development.

(Picture Left) Architecture professor Michael Hagge (standing) and architecture student Lauren Chapman facilitate a planning and design session at the Broad Avenue Charrette. Residents of the Architecture House receive priority for participation in special events such as this.

In addition to residential and studio space, the Architecture House common area serves as a multi-function place for various activities including critiques of student work by visiting architects and designers, special tutoring sessions, and other supplemental learning and professional development opportunities. Each resident is provided with a personal work station including a fully-equipped drawing table as well as shared computer facilities within the common area.

(Picture Left) Architecture students Jeffrey Johnson, Alzbéta Bowden, Lauren Chapman, and Linda Suhajdová take a break in design studio. In addition to their studio space in Jones Hall, residents have their own drawing tables and computer space on the first floor of the Architecture House.

eriodically, residents of the Architecture House have the opportunity to work with architecture and interior design faculty members on research projects covering topics such as affordable housing, sustainable design, urban design, and community revitalization, among others. This brings together students from different academic year levels and areas of specialization to work together within the framework of special topics or independent study courses designed specifically to meet individualized learning and community needs.

(Picture Left) Architecture students Lauren Chapman, Katie Mitchell, Holly Whitfield, and Alžbéta Bowden serve as docents at the AIA Memphis Adaptive Re-Use Tour. Residents of the Architecture House receive priority for participation in special events such as this.

Selection for residency in the Architecture House is an honor. Preference is given to architecture and interior design students who are members of one or more of the following student organizations: Alpha Rho Chi, the Construction Specifications Institute Student Affiliate, the American Institute of Architecture Students, and the Interior Design Students Association.

For more information, please contact Professor Michael Hagge at mdhagge@memphis.edu or 901.678.2677.

(Picture Left) Project architects conduct a VIP tour at the construction site of the new headquarters of Heifer International in Little Rock for architecture and interior design students. Residents of the Architecture House receive priority for participation in special events such as this.