Architecture
Lionel L.W. Johnson, AIA, AICP, RIBA, LEED BD+C, CNU-A, MArch ’09 Associate Professor of Professional Practice, Interim Chair School of Architecture & Interior Design
It is my privilege to welcome you to Andrews University School of Architecture & Interior Design (SAID). Currently, SAID offers three undergraduate degrees and one graduate degree, with the newest academic offering—the Associate in Architecture degree—having additional incoming freshmen for Fall 2022. The rigorous curriculum at SAID promotes excellence in the craft of architecture, civil communities, service and Christian values. In addition, SAID serves real communities with architecture and planning solutions as part of our hands-on studios. This opportunity allows current students to accrue substantial professional experience before graduating. We were blessed to see the fourth year (BArch) students and fifth year (MArch) students graduate this May 2022, with the majority of students having secured jobs or internships in the months of March and April before graduation. This bears testament to SAID’s development of a well-recognized and strong education program that helps affirm students’ faith and deepens their interest in assisting the wider community. See p. 18 to view our graduating students’ testimonials. A few other notable developments in the past year include the following: 1. The first student chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) increased chapter member enrollment and contributed to SAID by hosting impactful events such as architecture firm tours in the Kalamazoo, Michigan area. 2. SAID has revamped printed and digital marketing material and commenced distribution of said material. 3. SAID will be including pathways for students to gain additional industry qualifications while matriculating in the program. SAID remains thankful to President Andrea Luxton, PhD; Provost Christon Arthur, PhD; Dean of The College of Health & Human Services Emmanuel Rudatsikira, MD, PhD; as well as alumni, parents and friends of Andrews University School of Architecture & Interior Design for your continued support and prayers. DONATIONS TO SUPPORT THE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN: http://andrews.edu/go/give/arch MEDICAL MISSIONS FUND: http://www.andrews.edu/go/give/tiny SCHOLARSHIP FUND: www.andrews.edu/GO/GIVE/ArchitectureESF
The Lord is Leading
Architecture Alumna Called to Help Puerto Rico Rebuild Interview with Ruthzaly Weich, MArch ’06, BArch ’05
Urban & Architectural Designer, BLDG Studio, Ponce, Puerto Rico
Ruthzaly Weich is a Puerto Rico-based urban and architectural designer and an alumna (MArch ’06, BArch ’05) of the School of Architecture & Interior Design. In an interview with Professor Andrew von Maur she discusses the way God has led her through her career, parenthood and more. Below are some highlights, but you can watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=gZPyJpxemzw.
Introduction
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and I’m blessed to be back here for an amazing purpose. (More on that ahead.) We have three girls. I lead BLDG Studio, and I do consulting work for several urbanist firms that I feel blessed to be working alongside. I attended Andrews University from 2001 to 2006. God led me there in a very special way. It wasn’t until later that I realized, how incredibly fortunate I was—I praise God for that.
8 / The Pulse 2022
From Motorcycle Accident to Marriage
The summer of 2002 [my friend in the architecture summer program] called me and warned me about a competitive Canadian that had joined our studio, so I made up my mind to counter his influence. Interestingly, that fall when I returned to Andrews, I walked towards his desk, already set up because he had been there for the summer, and looking at a picture of him, the Lord showed me that I was going to marry him. I was not happy… A year later, he and I were involved in a motorcycle accident. Funny, at that time I was in the process of setting him up with my roommate. We were coming back from Chicago and we hit a deer going very fast, catapulted over, and a car didn’t see me and hit me on I-94. I spent six months without walking, I had to change apartments, I had to be in a wheelchair for two months and then in crutches for the rest of the time. But the Lord was so good and there’s so much blessing in that testimony because He took that whole experience and made something amazing out
