OLIVIA EPSTEIN
SAY IT LOUD - Nebraska Exhibitor
Nebraska Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am constantly inspired by my mentors and friends in the field. I am grateful to my professors who have encouraged my interest in architectural theory and research, facilitating conversations regarding all that architecture is and can be.
OLIVIA EPSTEIN
Bio:
The great designer, Olivia Epstein is a 4th year architecture major and art history minor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is currently participating in undergraduate research alongside Ellen Donnelly, the topic of which occurs at the intersection of architecture and fine art. Olivia has been involved with numerous extracurricular organizations, including AIAS and UNL ASUN’s Environmental Leadership Program. Outside the studio, her interests include reading, traveling, National Parks, and photography.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
After spending my freshman year of college in an engineering major, I was intrigued by architecture due to its integration of physical science, art, and human sciences. Architecture encompasses my passions and allows me to cultivate my strengths.
What do you do?
I am a full-time student and part-time undergraduate research assistant to UNL professor Ellen Donnelly. Additionally, I am currently being commissioned to produce graphics for a research paper on collagen regenerative cosmeceuticals.
What excites you in the work you do?
Architecture is an empowering field to work in due to its connections to social, political, and environmental justice. A better world is possible, and it is our responsibility to educate ourselves about current issues and design to alleviate them.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am constantly inspired by my mentors and friends in the field. I am grateful to my professors who have encouraged my interest in architectural theory and research, facilitating conversations regarding all that architecture is and can be.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
My proudest professional accomplishment has been securing a research position with Professor Donnelly. I had made it a goal to find a professor to partner with for UCARE, and am so excited about the topic of our investigation: exhibition design!
Featured Project Name:
Aurora Community Center
Featured Project Location:
Aurora, NE
Featured Project Completion Date:
Unbuilt
Role in Featured Project:
Designer
Featured Project Description:
Numerous small towns across the Midwest have experienced a “brain drain” over the past few decades, presumably to bigger cities with more amenities and opportunities for growth. Aurora, NE is no exception, which is why community leaders have been searching for a solution to their town’s human capital flight. The Aurora Community Center aims to create a catalyst for population growth, as well as provide a dynamic space which facilitates and encourages interaction between community members.
