KAITLYN MCGRIFF
Dear Selectiion Committee,
507 25th St SE Altoona, IA, 50009 k_mcgriff@ku.edu (515) 443-0654 December 1, 2024
As a fourth-year student in KU’s five-year architecture program, I am eager to further specialize in one of the focus tracks offered in the fifth year. My top three choices are the Health and Wellness option, the Sports and Leisure option, and the Urban Design option. Each aligns with my academic achievements and career goals, and I am excited to contribute to KU’s architectural community through these specializations.
Health and Wellness is my first choice, as it aligns with my passion for designing spaces that promote physical and mental well-being. I am particularly inspired by the potential of healthcare architecture to transform lives, having observed how thoughtfully designed facilities can ease stress for patients and staff alike. From my personal experiences in healthcare settings, I’ve recognized the untapped potential in creating environments that genuinely foster healing and recovery. My goal is to contribute to this field by designing innovative, human-centered spaces that enhance emotional and psychological well-being while addressing public health challenges like accessibility and stress reduction. I have learned so much already about how the built environment affects indivuals through my undergratuate research I am conducting for my Human Factors Reseach class and am interesting in knowing much more.
Sports and Leisure Design is my second choice, appealing to my interest in creating dynamic spaces that foster community and bring people together. I am drawn to the challenge of designing multifunctional environments that encourage recreation, fitness, and social interaction. For instance, I admire how stadiums and recreational centers can serve as inspiring community hubs while meeting complex technical and functional demands. This option excites me because it combines large-scale infrastructure with userfocused design, a balance that I am eager to explore further.
Finally, Urban Design is my third choice, as it offers the opportunity to address the built environment on a broader scale. I am fascinated by how neighborhoods and cities can be planned to enhance connectivity, encourage walkability, and prioritize vibrant public spaces. I am particularly interested in exploring how sustainable urban design can reduce environmental impact and create more inclusive communities. The chance to think beyond individual buildings and consider the larger context of urban systems is a compelling challenge that I am excited to take on.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Kaitlyn McGriff