A group of architecture students in CETA recently traveled to New York City to visit WXY architecture + urban design, where they were hosted by alumnus Nobuhiko Arai ‘00. The visit offered students an inside look at a collaborative, interdisciplinary design practice while highlighting the wide range of career paths available within architecture and related fields.
During their time at WXY, students met with team members whose backgrounds span architecture, urban design, planning, and technology. A consistent theme throughout the conversation was the value of flexibility, many professionals had expanded beyond their original academic focus into hybrid roles shaped by experience. Students also compared the tools and workflows they are learning at UHart with those used in practice, reinforcing the importance of adaptability in an evolving industry.
A key takeaway was WXY’s deeply collaborative studio culture. Rather than working in silos, teams engage across disciplines, integrating design, planning, and community engagement into a more holistic approach. Arai shared insights into the firm’s design-focused philosophy and encouraged students to think critically about their own career paths, considering not only the type of work they want to pursue, but also the lifestyle and environment in which they hope to build their careers.
Reflecting on the visit, Arai emphasized the broader impact of the experience: “I hope the visit showed them that being part of the university is about more than just getting a degree. It means joining a community that lasts long after graduation.” He added, “I wanted to show students that architecture is about more than just designing buildings. It’s about understanding the community and finding ways to make a positive difference in people’s lives, now and in the future.”
The experience continued with a walking tour of Lower Manhattan, where students explored major sites that demonstrate the intersection of architecture and urban design. Stops included the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, The Oculus, and Battery Park, with views of the Statue of Liberty. Students also visited the Robert R. Douglass Bridge and the SeaGlass Carousel, both designed by WXY, providing a direct connection to the firm’s impact on the public realm.
For students, the experience left a lasting impression. As Sarah Marcos ‘26 reflected, “This trip reminded me why I’m passionate about design. The experience showed me how the spaces we create can shape how people feel - bringing joy, excitement, and even a sense of wonder. It was a beautiful and almost magical experience, and it reinforced the kind of impact I hope to have through my own work one day.”
This immersive experience gave students a deeper understanding of how architecture operates beyond the classroom by bridging design, technology, collaboration, and community impact. The trip was made possible through the generosity of donors to the university’s Special Projects Fund, whose support continues to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students.