Engineering grad balances technical background with creative aspirations
Oskar Kalm enjoys the knowledge he gained while studying engineering, but he wants to design buildings as well as make them stand up. As he puts it, "The ability to merge logic with imagination is a powerful skill, and architecture is the perfect space for that."
Kalm has long been fascinated by architecture. At the end of high school, he applied to 10 architecture schools for undergraduate studies but did not receive a single offer. Instead, he took architectural engineering at Carleton University, figuring he liked problem-solving and understanding structures.
In 2022, he completed the Bachelor of Applied Science in Architectural Conservation and Sustainability Engineering program. That summer, intending to pursue a Master of Architecture, he enrolled in Carleton’s STUDIO FIRST summer program.
Oskar Kalm travelled to Peru in 2025 as part of an Option Studio at the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism.
“STUDIO FIRST was a great way to start my portfolio and transition to design thinking,” says Kalm. “It helped me gain confidence in my creative abilities and get comfortable with the iterative design process.”
He subsequently received three offers to M.Arch programs and chose Carleton. He is in the second year of the three-year Master of Architecture program.
“I see myself working in a field that allows me to integrate both my engineering and architectural skills,” he says. “Whether that’s sustainable design, high-performance buildings, or even interdisciplinary projects, I want to create innovative, functional, and beautiful spaces.”
See images and read the Q&A below.
“My portfolio aims to show a balance between technical knowledge and creative potential. I wanted to highlight my ability to think structurally, while also demonstrating a strong understanding of form, space, and design principles.”
“The biggest challenge was shifting my mindset from purely technical problem-solving to a more open-ended, conceptual way of thinking.”
Q&A with Oskar Kalm
What were you doing before and why did you get into that field?
I studied Architectural Engineering at Carleton. I was always drawn to the built environment, and engineering gave me a solid technical foundation in structures and building systems. It felt like a natural choice at the time because I enjoyed problem-solving and understanding how things work at a structural level.
How did you decide to make the switch to architecture?
I’ve always been fascinated by architecture, and how it shapes our experiences, emotions, and interactions. While engineering gave me the tools to understand buildings technically, I wanted the creative freedom to design spaces rather than just making them stand structurally. The three-year M.Arch program at Carleton provided the perfect pathway to bridge my engineering background with my passion for design.
How did you negotiate a discipline change?
Since my background was already closely related, the transition was more about shifting my mindset from technical problem-solving to a more conceptual and creative approach. I had to learn to think like a designer, which was a big but exciting shift.
First-year studio project by Oskar Kalm
How did STUDIO FIRST help? What was it like for you?
STUDIO FIRST was a great way to start my portfolio and helped me transition into design thinking. Coming from an engineering background, I didn’t have much formal design work to showcase, so the program gave me the opportunity to build a strong foundation in architectural concepts and visual communication. It also helped me gain confidence in my creative abilities and get comfortable with the iterative design process.
How many schools did you apply to?
I applied to 10 undergraduate architecture schools and did not receive a single offer. I also applied to five engineering schools and decided to pursue Architectural Engineering at Carleton as it was a closely related field. After engineering, I applied to five master of architecture programs, received three offers, and finally settled on taking my Master of Architecture at Carleton University.
How would you describe your application portfolio?
My portfolio aims to show a balance between technical knowledge and creative potential. Coming from an engineering background, I wanted to highlight my ability to think structurally while also demonstrating a strong understanding of form, space, and design principles. Again, STUDIO FIRST helped me start my application portfolio and helped me understand the true purpose of a portfolio.
Why did you choose Carleton?
Carleton felt like the natural choice because I was already familiar with the school and its strong architectural program. The three-year M.Arch pathway made it possible for me to pursue architecture without starting over, and I knew that Carleton’s emphasis on both technical and conceptual learning would be a great fit for my background.
Project from second-year Gateway Studio by Oskar Kalm
How would you describe your experience of the three-year M.Arch program?
It has been an intense but rewarding journey. The program is challenging, especially transitioning from an engineering perspective, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling. I’ve grown a lot in terms of design thinking and creativity while still using my technical background as a strength.
What has been the biggest challenge/obstacle?
The biggest challenge was shifting my mindset from purely technical problem-solving to a more open-ended, conceptual way of thinking. In engineering, there’s usually a “right” answer, but in architecture, it’s about exploration and iteration, which took time to get comfortable with.
How did you overcome it?
I embraced the learning process and sought feedback as much as possible. Working with peers and professors, sketching more, and allowing myself to experiment helped me break out of my rigid problem-solving approach and develop a more intuitive design sensibility.
What has been the best part?
The freedom to create and explore ideas has been amazing. Being able to apply my engineering knowledge in a way that allows for more artistic and conceptual expression has been really fulfilling. Also, the studio culture and collaboration with peers have been a huge part of the experience.
Are you happy you did it?
Absolutely. It’s been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. I feel like I’ve found the right balance between my technical background and my creative aspirations.
What kind of career do you envision for yourself?
I see myself working in a field that allows me to integrate both my engineering and architectural skills. Whether that’s sustainable design, high-performance buildings, or even interdisciplinary projects, I want to create innovative, functional, and beautiful spaces.
What advice would you give to someone considering a pivot?
Don’t be afraid to take the leap. If you’re passionate about something, there’s always a way to transition. Use your existing skills as an advantage, be open to learning new things, and trust the process. The transition might be challenging, but it’s worth it if it leads you to work that excites you.
If you’re coming from a more technical background, embrace the creative side of architecture: it’s what makes the field so exciting. The ability to merge logic with imagination is a powerful skill, and architecture is the perfect space for that. Also, remember that the shift in mindset takes time. Be patient and it will come.
