For University of Hartford senior Sarah Marcos ’26, architecture is more than design; it’s a way to build community, foster inclusion, and create meaningful change. As she prepares to graduate from the architecture program, her time on campus has been defined by leadership, mentorship, global experience, and a deep commitment to using design as a force for good.
Sarah serves as president of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), where she leads event planning, professional networking, and student engagement initiatives that connect her peers to industry professionals and inspire the next generation of architects. In this role, she is currently leading and organizing the AIAS Beaux Arts Ball, a major $12,000 event planned for Spring 2026 that will celebrate student work from the 2025–2026 academic year. She has also helped coordinate multiple firm visits and architecture-related events to strengthen industry connections and support the architectural student body.
Beyond AIAS, Sarah is the vice president of Women in Architecture and Design, an organization dedicated to mentorship, collaboration, and elevating representation in the field. Her leadership experience also includes two academic years on the Student Government Association (SGA) Executive Board and service on the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) Executive Board, where she worked to amplify student voices and foster an inclusive campus environment.
Sarah’s dedication extends well beyond student organizations. As a Red Cap Orientation Leader, she has welcomed incoming students each summer, helping them feel supported and at home at UHart. She also works as a career ambassador in the Allan Center for Career and Professional Development, assisting fellow students with résumés, LinkedIn profiles, and interview preparation—empowering others to pursue their professional goals with confidence.
Her professional development has been equally robust. In Summer 2024, Sarah completed an internship with Atmosphere Design Group LLC in Valhalla, NY, under the mentorship of Founder and Principal Louis Loria. Last year, she took her studies abroad to Florence, Italy, where living and learning in one of the world’s most influential design capitals broadened her perspective on architectural practice. This semester, she is honored to be a Dorothy Goodwin Scholarship recipient, further recognizing her leadership and academic excellence.
Sarah is also a participant in The Women’s Advancement Initiative’s LEAD program, where she engages in community outreach and leadership workshops that encourage women to create positive change both on campus and in their communities.
Now, as she completes her senior thesis, Sarah is designing a community shelter in Guatemala, a project that embodies her belief in architecture’s power to make a social impact. Rooted in sustainable design and humanitarian values, the shelter aims to provide safety, dignity, and connection for those in need.
“Architecture, to me, isn’t just about structures,” Sarah says. “It’s about the people they serve and the communities they strengthen.”
Through her leadership, advocacy, global experiences, and thoughtful design work, Sarah Marcos is leaving a lasting mark on UHart—building a future grounded in purpose, inclusion, and compassion.
Sarah Marcos '26, College of Engineering, Technology, and ArchitectureArchitecture, to me, isn’t just about structures. It’s about the people they serve and the communities they strengthen.