Returning to school ‘the greatest gift’
Going back to school with life experience “has been the best gift that I could give myself,” says Keegan Metheringham, who is pursuing a long-standing interest in architecture at Carleton University.
“It gives me a sense of purpose and a sense of wonder — ‘where can I go with this? where can it take me?’ It motivates me every day. It’s like a force I’ve never really felt.”
Keegan dropped out of high school more than 20 years ago. After working in the bike industry and construction, he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies in 2023 at Vancouver Island University.
He went on to apply to four Master of Architecture programs and was accepted to all of them, including Carleton University, University of Calgary, University of Manitoba, and Dalhousie University.
The images in this post are from Keegan’s application portfolio. They show work he did before going to Carleton. “They’re all analog because I didn’t know to work digitally at the time of making the portfolio,” he notes.
STUDIO FIRST helped transition
Although Keegan was accepted to four schools on the strength of his portfolio, he was nervous about succeeding in a master’s program. “I was panicking,” he recalls. “I was almost computer illiterate. I knew I needed digital skills before I showed up. It would have been a great challenge if I did not have that.”
To get a head start on his architecture studies, he took STUDIO FIRST in the summer of 2023. His positive experience was instrumental in his decision to choose Carleton.
“STUDIO FIRST introduced me to so many beautiful and thoughtful drawings being created by Carleton students,” he says. “I wanted to learn how to produce works of that calibre. I also found the teaching and administrative staff to be so friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating.
“STUDIO FIRST gave me a better idea of what it’s like to study architecture and what I can expect in terms of working as an architect,” he adds. “It would be my dream job.”
Neces-city Map. Watercolour and ink. 110 cm x 76cm
“What would a city or large community look like if its focus was to provide for the needs of all of its members and less on the provision of luxuries? Perhaps a city that takes care of all of its residents would be more conscious of taking care of the natural environment, include plenty of green space, and use renewable resources like solar power.”
Keegan, who is now 40, started the three-year Master of Architecture program at the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism in September 2023.
“I’m so excited by how much I’ve learned in three months,” he says. “STUDIO FIRST has been so beneficial. The digital tools that I learned to use in the course have helped me succeed.”
His interest in architecture goes back to boyhood, growing up in Red Deer, Alberta. “When I learned how to draw, I would just draw buildings.”
After high school, Keegan moved to British Columbia, where worked as an elite-level bicycle mechanic for about 10 years and then shifted to construction, learning carpentry skills on the job. “I love to work with my hands.” In Nanaimo, he helped start a cooperative bike shop, Hub City Cycles Community Cooperative.
Several years ago, he decided to go to university — the first in his family to do so — to explore interests in literature, philosophy, arts, humanities, and visual arts and earn an undergraduate degree. “I felt like I was ready for it.”
He talked to architect friends who had backgrounds in photojournalism, philosophy, and biology. “I learned that you can do architecture without an undergrad in architecture.”
While working in construction, Keegan had declined apprenticeships offered to him. “It’s not what I wanted to do,” he says. “I’m doing now what I actually want to do.”
“I included these drawings to show my passion for drawing buildings and plans. They also show my interest in creating and exploring architectural designs.”
Solar House. pencil sketch. 12 x 10cm. “I included this drawing to show that I want to be part of design that considers the natural environment and sustainable resource use.”
“I designed and built this deck. I included horizontally spaced panels to add more privacy to the space. The deck is covered so that it can still be used during the winter.”
“I chose this work as a way of showing that I'm curious about including concepts into my work. I wanted to make a building inspired by the work of M. C. Escher. Specifically, his Ascending and Descending stair drawing. What would a building with ascending and descending terraces look like?”
“This work shows my interest in literary themes, allegory, and social commentary. I attempted to make a modern retelling of the Tower of Babel story where technology has completely taken over and it's no longer necessary for humans to communicate with each other.”
Breakfast. Ink and wash. 56 x 77cm “I included this still life painting in my portfolio to show my interest in making art that extends beyond architecture.”
All Images: Courtesy of Keegan Metheringham