Making a Leap From Literature
While walking to class one day, Chiara Muia, of Vaughan, ON, realized that she chose to study literature at the University of Toronto, not only for its English department but also for its beautiful campus. “The campus is both striking and picturesque, evoking many diverse emotions every time I walk through it — just as a piece of literature does,” she recalls. “These are the exact feelings I hope to evoke in others through the lens of an architect.”
What were you doing before?
Before embarking on the MArch 1 program at Carleton in 2021, I completed my Honours Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at the University of Toronto. Literature has always been something that I loved and enjoyed; however, I couldn’t see myself continuing in the field.
“I’ve built so many strong relationships with friends and like-minded individuals. I’m happy I made the leap and took the chance at starting an education in architecture.”
Chiara Muia
How did you decide to make the switch to architecture?
Architecture has always been a field that I have been very interested in, however, I was nervous to commit to an education in architecture without having any experience in the field. Once I found out about the three-year program offered at Carleton and participated in STUDIO FIRST, I realized that I loved studying architecture and wanted to pursue more studies in the field so that I could embark on a career in that direction.
How did STUDIO FIRST help?
STUDIO FIRST helped me in so many ways. Not only did it reassure me of my love for architecture, but it taught me how to create a portfolio. Coming from a background unrelated to architecture and design I was unsure of where to start in creating a portfolio and didn’t have an adequate amount of artwork to include. In STUDIO FIRST, I learned what schools expected from a portfolio and created many pieces which I included in my portfolio.
Work by Chiara Muia — from the studio course titled Montreal’s Urbanism & the Factory of the Future, taught by Associate Professor Zachary Colbert and Assistant Professor Natalia Escobar Castrillón.
Why did you choose Carleton?
After having such a positive experience doing STUDIO FIRST, Carleton was my first choice for master's programs. I found that during STUDIO FIRST, the professors were very attentive and engaging with students and that’s exactly what I wanted from the program.
How would you describe your experience of the first year of the MArch 1 program?
My first year of the MArch 1 program has been intellectually stimulating, intense and very enjoyable. In just a few months, I feel like I have gained so much knowledge and an abundance of skills, I can’t wait to see what the rest of the program holds!
Section drawing by Chiara Muia — from the course Architecture in the Time of COVID, taught by Associate Professor Zachary Colbert and Assistant Professor Suzanne Harris-Brandts.
What has been the biggest challenge/obstacle?
I think the most difficult part has been learning so many new software programs such as Rhino, AutoCAD, and the Adobe programs. It takes a lot of practice and time to continue learning and improving on them, however, I can’t believe how much my skills have improved since starting the program.
How did you overcome it?
I’ve had to challenge myself to take extra time out of my day to just sit down and practice the different programs and watch instructional videos.
What has been the best part?
I’ve built so many strong relationships with friends and like-minded individuals. It’s been great to share ideas and thoughts with them throughout the process. I’m also happy to simply learn more about architecture and design while also acquiring so much fundamental knowledge and skills.
Are you happy you did it?
I’m happy I made the leap and took the chance at starting an education in architecture. It’s been both challenging and intellectually stimulating!
