Geography graduate maps career in architecture
While studying geography at the University of British Columbia, Daphne Stams found herself drawn to both cartography and research about urban space organization.
“Although I was able to interact with these fields through quantitative and qualitative research, geography lacked creative visual analysis and often focused on sweeping geographic scales,” she recalls. “I gravitated toward architecture because it combined my interests by visually addressing physical and social spaces on more intimate scales.”
Curious about architecture and unsure of what direction to take after graduation, Daphne took the STUDIO FIRST summer program in 2022.
“STUDIO FIRST was a fantastic introduction to the field of architecture,” she says. “I learned about the path to becoming a licensed architect, studio culture, and architecture itself. The three projects I completed during STUDIO FIRST became the highlights of my portfolio.”
All Images: Courtesy of Daphne Stams
Daphne Stams, BA Geography
“I am incredibly happy. This program suits my interests and desires for creative work excellently. Every day, I get to go to class, learn something new, interact with my classmates, and challenge myself to solve problems creatively.”
Daphne graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography. She majored in Environment & Sustainability and minored in Urban Studies.
In fall 2023, she started the three-year Master of Architecture program at Carleton University. She had also applied to Master of Architecture programs at the University of British Columbia, the University of Calgary, and the University of Toronto — and was accepted to all of them.
“STUDIO FIRST was crucial to building my portfolio,” says Daphne. “Coming from a non-architectural background, I had limited creative material that demonstrated my ability to critically think about space. I also had minimal knowledge on how to use different software, like Adobe Suite and Rhino.”
“To make my portfolio, I selected works I thought best demonstrated my visual abilities to represent critical thinking. The highlights of my portfolio are the projects I did in STUDIO FIRST, followed by conceptual art projects completed in a visual arts course. I included one map which demonstrated the spatial analysis work I did in geography and rounded off the rest with personal art works and photography. ”
Richard the Rhino — STUDIO FIRST project
“I designed a shower for a rhino figurine based on a random assortment of materials, presenting the work through various architectural representations. To bring the representations to life, I formed a narrative explaining why a rhino would need a shower and let the narrative inform the ‘what and why’ of my design choices.”
Proximate Space: Distant Siblings — STUDIO FIRST project
“This project is a critical spatial analysis of my brother’s room (L) and mine (R), which are adjacent. I explored different mediums and perspectives to emphasize the contrasting characters of our individual spaces.”
Celestial City: Andria — STUDIO FIRST project
“Celestial City was designed after a passage from Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities. I used two spreads of my portfolio to highlight concept sketches, texture rubbings, colour experimentation, and parti diagrams of various houses and mechanic devices; all of which further the narrative I constructed to describe the form and function of the city.”
Multi-Variable Thematic Map — Cartography Undergrad Course
“This map demonstrates my capacity to work with geographic information systems. More specifically, the map highlights my ability to spatially analyze data sets and legibly display subsequent findings.”
COVID, Daphne, and Space — Personal illustration published by Bloomberg City Lab
“Bloomberg’s City Lab put out an open call for cartographic depictions of the space one inhabits during COVID-19. In response, I created an architectural illustration that socially distances the spaces I took up. It was published here.”
Project: Commodified Thoughts — Conceptual Art Undergrad Course
“Wanting to critique over-consumption, I desired to create a product that sells something still un-commodified by capitalism: Thoughts. This portfolio spread shows my attention to detail and planning process. It depicts my initial research, artist precedents, material experimentation, and final photoshopped images.”
Q&A with Daphne
Why did you choose Carleton?
“After my positive experience with STUDIO FIRST, Carleton became my top choice. The staff are incredibly friendly and experienced, the class sizes are small, the school has some great ongoing research (such as the material experimentation work in the CSALT lab), and the Architecture Building itself has wonderful facilities and a lively studio culture. I was also intrigued by the award-winning studio options that offered travel options in the later years of Carleton’s MArch program.”
How would you describe your experience of the first year of the MArch 1 program?
“I have really enjoyed my experience. Although the steep learning curve during the first few months has been challenging, I’ve been able to progress my drafting and thinking skills significantly. Having classmates from different backgrounds also makes our studio discussions eye-opening and exciting since everybody approaches problems differently. All the course instructors have been engaged and responsive, helping us whenever we get stuck. “
What has been the biggest challenge?
“The biggest challenge has been learning so many new concepts of a completely brand-new field. Luckily, the courses are structured so new content is introduced gradually and with various examples. I’m trying my best to keep a growth-oriented mindset and contribute to the supportive studio culture my class is cultivating.”
What has been the best part?
“The best part has been surprising myself with what I am able to design within short periods of time. It is not always the easiest to picture a project done while working on it, so I’ve been finding myself quite surprised seeing everything come together on presentation days.”
Are you happy doing the program?
“I am incredibly happy. I think this program suits my interests and desires for creative work excellently. Every day I get to go to class, learn something new, interact with my classmates, and challenge myself to solve problems creatively.”
What kind of career do you envision for yourself?
“I hope to pursue a career that intersects both my backgrounds in social sciences and architecture. I would like to help design sustainable built environments that break down environmental and social inequities, especially as urbanization rates continue to increase amid climate change.”
What advice would you give to someone considering a pivot?
“If you are considering a major pivot, I recommend finding some sort of resource that provides insight. Whether it’s a program like STUDIO FIRST, talking to someone in the field, or doing your own research, it never hurts to spend time learning about a big change before making a commitment.”
