ROYCE WATSON
SAY IT LOUD - North Carolina Exhibitor
North Carolina Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
My parents inspire me because they are hardworking people who are passionate about their work. What also inspires me is the goal to increase the number of minority architects in the industry in hopes of creating more equitable communities.
ROYCE WATSON
Bio:
The great designer, Royce Watson. I’m from Apex, NC, and I am a first-year Architectural Engineering student at The North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC. My love for architecture began with LEGO and grew as I took classes and extracurriculars. I was a student of the ACE Mentor Program, and it greatly impacted my love for the built environment. It allowed me to connect with professionals and mentors, and it was fun to create amazing projects with other students!
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
Ever since I can remember I always loved building with LEGO and creating model homes! I knew from then on that I wanted to pursue a career in architecture. I was also a student of the ACE Mentor Program, which enhanced my passion for the career.
What do you do?
I am currently a first-year Architectural Engineering student and Cheatham-White Scholar at The North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, N.C.
What excites you in the work you do?
What excites me is the opportunity to be creative and enhance my skills. I get excited when I see the result of a project I’ve worked on, and I always think to myself, “I did that!” It encourages me to build my skills and love for architecture.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
My parents inspire me because they are hardworking people who are passionate about their work. What also inspires me is the goal to increase the number of minority architects in the industry in hopes of creating more equitable communities.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I am honored to be a recipient of the Cheatham-White Scholarship from N.C. A&T State University. It is a full-ride scholarship that covers tuition, books, and summer experiences (i.e. internships) for all four years of undergraduate study
Featured Project Name:
Yamato of Apex Renovation Concept
Featured Project Location:
Apex, NC
Featured Project Completion Date:
Unbuilt
Role in Featured Project:
Designer and Researcher
Featured Project Description:
In my high school’s Academy of Engineering, I took a senior design course that required us to find a problem to solve physically or conceptually. At the time, I had worked at Yamato of Apex, a local Japanese restaurant, where many customers mentioned how outdated the building was. I researched customers’ opinions to get an idea of what a newly designed restaurant may look like, and created a final concept. The space features a renovated lobby, dining area, sushi bar, and kitchen.
