Hometown: Rocklin, California

Why did you choose to study architecture?
At a young age, I enjoyed art, innovation, and helping people. Architecture is a field where you can do all three of those things. As I got older, I began to see endless opportunities in architecture to improve the way we live and interact in nature and the built environment.
What makes earning a degree at NewSchool special?

NewSchool is a well-known university in the Southern California region and is located in one of the largest design hubs on the West Coast. The school is active in its community and abroad creating endless opportunities for graduating students.

What has been your favorite thing about attending NewSchool?
Having studios projects that put you in direct connection to practicing professionals, stakeholders, and community members. Getting real-world experience early on is fun, challenging, and essential to learning.
What are your career goals after you graduate?

My career goals are to become a licensed architect and eventually own my own firm. My goal as an architect is to design buildings that work with the environment to combat climate change and sick building syndrome.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I never thought that I had what it takes to become an architect. As I was planning to enroll in a film school, I went with my gut feeling and took a last-minute leap of faith.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Find a job working at an architecture firm right away, even if you do not have any experience. Working in the field is a lot different than you would expect and will benefit you greatly in the long run.

Why should a prospective student choose NewSchool?
I came to NewSchool because of its location and its focus on architecture and construction management. It seems like there is an architecture firm on every corner and they all want to hire NewSchool students. I found an amazing job right away that is two blocks away from the campus and twelve blocks away from the water.

Robert’s Favorite Class Project
Water Purification Park | Fourth Year Undergraduate Architecture
Project By: Robert Hollis, Colin McGregor (4th Year Architecture) & Sarah Bogari (3rd Year Interior Architecture & Design)
Instructor: Daniela Deutsch
This was a re-design of Mission Bay’s De Anza Cove Park. It includes a wetlands research & education center, water purification plant, temporary housing, parks, and plazas for visitors. The internal goal was to design a building that enhances the natural environment by cleaning water run-off that enters Mission Bay and reducing c02 emissions. The water purification plant is a key feature of the overall park design and is integrated into the research facility. Click here to check out their final board.