Alumnus Highlight: Joe Palazzolo '24

Alumnus Joe Palazzolo '24 shares what led him back to school and offers tips for both current and future graduate students.

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

Sixteen years ago, when I was an undergraduate at the University of Delaware, I took a class called Architecture in Global Context just to fulfill a history requirement. I didn’t realize at the time that it would change the course of my life. That class sparked a fascination with architecture that never left me, which eventually led me to pursue my master’s degree in architecture at Virginia Tech.

Upon completion of the class, my fascination with architecture grew. I struggled with the dilemma of transferring to a school that had architecture, or staying at Delaware. In the end, I chose to stay. I discovered the field of Geography and Art History, drawn to its focus on people and their environments and the art and architecture they created.

That perspective stayed with me through years of living abroad in Costa Rica, Spain, and South Korea, where I experienced firsthand how architecture reflects culture and history. In Spain, I lived under the canopy of Andalusian architecture and traveled to various cities across Europe. In Korea, I was introduced to an entirely different architectural tradition and visited countries throughout Asia, most memorably Cambodia, where I saw Angkor Wat, a dream planted in that freshman-year class.

Though I came to architecture later, my passion for it has been steady and enduring. Returning to school to earn my master’s was the right decision. My love for every facet of the field remains. I harbor a perpetual curiosity and an insatiable appetite for knowledge. That curiosity and drive are what I bring to my professional life now.

What was your favorite memory during your time at VT?

My favorite memory isn’t necessarily a standalone memory, but something that wouldn’t have been possible if it were not for the architecture library. At any point in time, I had a stack of books on my desk. Now in the professional world, I miss having access to El Croquis, Detail and all the other magazines offered as well as the multitude of books available.

Over my 3.5 years in the program, I got to know the librarians and various student workers well. I even worked there for the summer that I had integrated studio! Debbie and Sarah are amazing, and they became people outside of my studio mates that I could talk to about my projects, or simply about life.

What recommendations do you have for students in the M.Arch 3 Program?

First, get to know every professor possible so that you can build relationships with them. Everyone has a different way of looking at architecture and what they believe architecture to be, so you’ll learn a lot from those conversations and how they conduct their classes. Plus, when it comes time to put together your thesis committee, you’ll be glad you already have that rapport!

Second, stay curious. Always ask questions, seek out answers and try new approaches. Go to the library! Peruse the stacks, check out the magazines and get lost in all the books and resources there. Rent an iPad and digitally sketch if it’s something you’ve always wanted to try.