What it’s like to be an M. Arch 3 Student

What's it like to be an M.Arch 3 student?

We spoke with recent M.Arch 3 graduate Airii Massey '25 about her experience as a graduate student at the Virginia Tech School of Architecture.

What was a favorite moment during your time as a graduate student?

One of my favorite memories was getting to participate in real design-build projects during class. Working on FutureHAUS was especially impactful. It was something tangible that pushed me to think about design, function, joinery, and project management all at once. It also gave me an understanding of the building process lifecycle from procurement to closeout, which has been incredibly valuable in my professional work.

What made you want to go back to school to be an architect?

I've been drawn to architecture since I was about 12 years old. Traveling frequently growing up made me curious about my surroundings, why cities looked so different, what influenced their designs, and how building codes shaped their unique character. That early fascination eventually led me to study Architectural Engineering at Penn State, where I built a strong foundation in how buildings come together from the ground up from structural systems to technical components. That experience deepened my passion for design and inspired me to return to school to pursue architecture fully, combining my love for the built environment with a desire to create it.

What suggestions do you have for students in the M. Arch 3 program?

Don't hold back-talk to everyone. If you see an interesting project on a desk, wall, or pinned up in the studio, ask about it. Networking isn't just for career fairs; it's about learning from the people around you.

Speaking of career fairs, definitely go. Talk to as many firms as you can to see the range of practices out there - whether they're super digital, hands-on with models, or a mix of both.