Randy Begin ’19, M’20, a graduate of the Master of Architecture (MArch) program and undergraduate pre-professional Architectural Design + Technology program, has landed a full-time job at Amenta Emma Architects as an architectural designer. He discovered the opportunity after interning with the firm during the 2019–20 academic year.
Begin says UHart prepared him for real-world experience by exposing him to various professionals in the architectural field early on. “There were several opportunities to travel to different cities and network with different groups of professionals. Architecture professors also taught us the proper skill sets that are useful in the profession.”
He found success at various internships as an undergraduate and graduate student. The summers of 2016 and 2017, he interned with Benefit Street Design, the summer of 2017 with UHart Facilities, the summer of 2018 with Joe Buchek, AIA, and the summer of 2019 with edm – architecture & engineering.
Begin always had the drive to take in as much experience as possible. During the summer of 2019, Begin joined three other MArch graduate students to study abroad in Italy conducting coursework in urban design and architectural theory. Much of his hard work up to this point would soon pay off during his last year at UHart.
In the fall of 2019, Begin, along with another architecture student Andrew Petersen ’20, M’21, were recipients of student awards through the CT Green Building Council for one of their individual projects and were the only students awarded in the state-wide program.
Finally, during the Department of Architecture Virtual Student Awards Ceremony this past May, Begin was awarded the AIA Henry Adams Medal. For more than a century, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has provided this medal of excellence to the top graduating students in NAAB or CACB accredited degrees—Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, or Doctor of Architecture. The award is named in honor of Henry Adams (1838–1918), a historian, author, and scholar who donated his book Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres, and eventually the royalties from his book, to the AIA.
Along with his academics and impressive accolades, Begin was involved in architecture clubs and organizations. He served on the executive board of UHart’s American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) student chapter.
Randy Begin ’19, M’20, architectureMy experience at UHart was unforgettable! I got involved with AIAS and immersed myself in the studio culture, which allowed me to create connections with others. Being a commuter student, this was important to me. I created a really strong group of friends of all years, and created lasting relationships with faculty members in the architecture department.
Begin credits architecture graduate program director and Associate Professor Seth Holmes for helping him along the way. “Professor Seth Holmes pushed me the farthest to achieve the best version of myself. He was always able to see the potential in someone and prove that things get done if you set your mind to it.”
When asked what his favorite thing about UHart was, Begin says, “the ability to make a positive impact.” He says the school was just the right size so “your opinion was listened to.” Furthermore, the small Architecture Department allowed for students to be accessible to one another and their professors and not feel left out. “The mentorship from other students was a huge help in the first few years, and then providing the mentorship the last few years establishes a great community,” Begin says.
As a commuter student who found himself involved on campus, Begin encourages all incoming students to get involved. “It is a great way to continue the community that UHart has developed.” As a mentor himself, he also suggests new and first-year students find an older student to help as needed. Finally, Begin encourages students to find occasions to have their work be recognized in competitions, scholarships, honor societies, and conferences. “It sets you aside from those who don't take advantage of all opportunities.”