Meet Lucas Flint, this year's recipient of the Shook Kelley Design Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Lucas is a fourth year student in the School of Architecture where he last year initiated a new student organization, BRIDGE, dedicated to "bridging" the disciplines of art and architecture within the college.

He was kind enough to take a few moments to answer some personal and professional questions, taking us into his life and his future.

Why architecture and why UNCC School of Architecture?

I told myself that I wanted to be an architect from a young age—it sounded cool. I took drafting classes in high school and applied to architecture schools with my own perception of architecture. Once I started studying at Charlotte I learned how little I'd actually known about architecture, and my perspective changed completely (for the better). In retrospect, I definitely chose the right discipline.

Even though I didn't know it at the time, the diagram of Storrs itself was subconsciously compelling. The labs and facilities were particularly alluring, but more than anything the feeling of community and student culture in the studios was something that I wanted to be a part of.

What have been your more memorable experiences at the School of Architecture? 

My most memorable experiences have definitely been my time abroad. I traveled to Rome as a part of the summer program in 2014 as well as Spain for the summer of 2015 on behalf of the school of architecture's travel fellowship, awarded annually to a student for proposed research abroad. My experiences abroad have influenced my own personal hand in architecture both directly and indirectly.

Tell us about your new organization BRIDGE and its mission.

The mission of Bridge is to create opportunities for students to collaborate across disciplines. We act as a middle ground between students and administration. We co-host workshops with existing organizations within the college to promote interdisciplinary participation. We have also established a monthly newsletter in hopes of encouraging increased engagement with the arts in the community.

How do you see yourself in the future?

I want to pursue my masters degree in urban design and then work in city or local government to help improve local communities. Public spaces are particularly appealing to me, but other prevalent issues such as availability of affordable housing also intrigue me.

How do you convene? What is it about a place that draws you there?

I think convening anywhere over food is a historically significant way to share time with others. Personally, I like to convene at Amelie's French Bakery due to the atmosphere, physical environment, and delicious temptations. 

It's different with my family—I would much rather share time at home with them. Home is a place where I've built my entire life around my family, so it has a lot more significance to me when I spend time there with them, especially since I primarily live away from home now.

If you were to design a place for convening, how would you design it?

I would want to design a space that appealed to the senses. Something tactile and sensual that makes it easier to create memories of that space—the act of place-making—is incredibly important to me.