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Student Stories

Meet some of our amazing 2019 graduates: Dylan Bagnasco, Subu Bhandari, Patrick Keogh, Elizabeth Ott, Niklos Toldi, and Kyra Wu.��These students are representative of our graduates’ dedication to their craft, commitment to academic excellence, collaborative spirit, innovative nature and overall resilience. They’ve worked diligently to reach graduation and now have reflected on their experience as well as offered advice for younger students. We thank these students and send congratulations to all��our 2019 graduates.����

Patrick Keogh

Patrick Keogh is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture. The Franklin, Tennessee native has been heavily involved in the college during his four years here. He served on the Dean’s Student Advisory Council (DSAC) and was a member of the American Society of Interior Design Students (ASID) and American Institute of Architects Student Chapter (AIAS). Keogh also participated in the Normandy Scholars program and interned with Gensler in Tokyo.��

What inspired you to choose a path in Interior Architecture? How has your view or perspective of the field evolved since beginning the program?��

Ever since I was a kid��and through high school, I loved drawing and “designing” things.��I decided��on��Interior Architecture after I heard about the 4+2��dual degree.��(Students earn a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture and a Master of Architecture in six years through this dual degree program.) Since starting the program,��I’ve realized that if you work hard enough and put in the extra hours, you can explore more than what’s on your diploma. Making a beautiful building or object is just the tip of the iceberg. A great design is the outcome of studying the environment, psychology, history, craft, and more. It’s a multidisciplinary practice that helps develop a lot of life skills.��

How has Japanese culture and your trips/experiences in Japan affected your outlook on interior architecture? How do you plan to utilize those experiences professionally?��

Studying Japanese design philosophy, practice and culture has really helped shape my opinion of architecture. Visiting and studying Japan taught me the value of tradition, history and especially craft, which are all important to architecture and design. I’ve learned a lot about different viewpoints on design based on cultural backgrounds and upbringing and plan on��using that in��professional practice. The ability to create a design that is tailored to each site, context and culture is a great skill to learn while studying abroad. This makes your designs more meaningful and tailored to each client.��

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Can you tell me your favorite memory over the past four years?��

Many of my favorite memories happened late in studio when everyone has gone a little crazy from a lack of sleep. But, one of my top favorites is when I was in Japan. After a quick three-day design charrette with the students at Chubu��University, we all went out to a restaurant and had a great dinner. We gave each other gifts, ate a huge meal and had a great time screaming, laughing and joking around with each other.��

What advice do you have for incoming students about college/ the program/ getting involved?��

Find your own interest in design. When I first came to UT, I just wanted my designs to please the professors; however, I realized later that I wanted to make my projects for me. When you start to claim more ownership of your designs, everything falls into place. You learn so much more, through failures and accomplishments alike. Also, I use my social media to get more inspiration or new ideas to research, instead of typical content. This extra level of immersion really brings design from just a major to a passion and practice.��

What are your post-graduation plans?��

I’m��in the��4+2: Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture and Master of Architecture dual degree, so I’ll be here for another 2 years earning my Master��of��Architecture. After that, I hope to work with Gensler again and start my own woodshop.��

Anything else you’d like to share about your time at UT/ in the college?��

I love the amount of resources we have here in the �ֲ���ý. The Fab Lab is a great space for students to find their interest in creating and fabrication. Our faculty are all very accomplished and always willing to help. In high school, I never imagined our college would be this great!��