Building Immersive Environments: Erika Schmidt '20 BS SBE, '23 M.Arch
Master of Architecture Student and Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Built Environments Alumna Erika Schmidt on the Role of Architecture in Immersive Experiences, the CAPLA Experience and More
“I am excited about the ability to design environments that transport people to another world, immersing them in a specific story or theme.”
Erika Schmidt, who is originally from Maryland but grew up in Sahuarita, Arizona, graduated from CAPLA's Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Built Environments at the beginning of the pandemic. A sudden shift in career possibilities led her to enroll in the Master of Architecture program, but her passions for performance and design remain.
Learn more about Erika and her CAPLA experience:
What brought you to the University of Arizona to study sustainable built environments as an undergraduate?
Before the town boomed, Sahuarita felt small and quaint. I had friends ahead of my grade, who I looked up to, who were moving into “the big city” for college. I began at the University of Arizona truly undecided, as I was interested in several trajectories. An academic advisor pointed me towards CAPLA with their (at the time) new Sustainable Built Environments program, which allowed me to dip my toes into the professional opportunities relating to urban design.
Tell us about your decision to enter the Master of Architecture program.
Before deciding to pursue the master’s program, I had auditioned and secured a job as a character performer for Walt Disney World, which would have begun shortly after graduating from CAPLA (the first time). Once COVID hit, I lost my job, as well as my opportunity to move out to Orlando, and was stuck without a plan for after graduation. This challenge was devastating at first, since it was a personal interest of mine to pursue performing, but it allowed me to hone into a specific discipline that the SBE degree introduced me to: architecture.
Model and photo by Erika Schmidt.
How have your interests in performance and interactive experiences, such as at theme parks, impacted your architecture studies?
I am drawn to the opportunity to create immersive and memorable experiences for guests in themed entertainment venues, such as theme parks, zoos and museums. This focus area allows me to combine my love of architecture with my passion for interactive experiences. I am excited about the ability to design environments that transport people to another world, immersing them in a specific story or theme. This industry is always evolving, and I have the chance to be at the forefront of new trends and technologies through the interdisciplinary collaboration required to create these spaces.
What do you like best about your degree program and College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture?
Professors at CAPLA are very supportive of student interests, including mine, and work with you to tailor your education towards it. I had the opportunity to incorporate several electives from the College of Theater, Film and Television into my curriculum to enhance my understanding of theatrical show-set management and construction.
Graphic by Erika Schmidt.
What has been your biggest challenge at CAPLA, and how have you overcome that challenge?
Given the online modality of architecture school during the pandemic, the limited access to resources and collaboration was stressful. Many of my software and physical model-making skills were self-taught during this time, which may have hindered my work early on. I am now proud of the progress I have made over the past three years.
Tell us about your internship experience and career aspirations.
Over this past summer, I moved to Denver, Colorado to work as an experiential design intern for MIG, Inc., and have continued pursing project work with them throughout the school year. As an intern, I was exposed to a variety of projects relating to their planning and visitor experience services. My career aspiration is to work for a themed entertainment design firm that focuses on creating memorable brand experiences for guests.
Graphic by Erika Schmidt.
What do you do in your extracurricular time?
When I’m not grinding away in studio, I enjoy traveling to new places, crafting gifts for others and staying active through fitness. These hobbies provide me with a sense of adventure, creative expression and physical wellbeing, helping me maintain while pursuing a degree as rigorous as architecture.
What advice do you have for prospective CAPLA students?
Evaluate your end goal and strategize the best way to get there. As a freshman back in 2016, I would have never pictured, seven years later, coming out of this university with a master’s in architecture. I knew I wanted to pursue something in themed entertainment but never knew what.
The beauty of a degree in architecture is that you can pursue almost anything you want with it. Beyond technical skills, an architecture degree grants you unexpected yet useful expertise. Some lessons that I have learned are overcoming large workloads, relaying information both verbally and graphically and finding the deeper meaning of something that may feel very surface level; these skills will naturally make you a successful professional in any future occupation you pursue.
Graphics by Erika Schmidt.
What does the CAPLA experience mean to you?
The CAPLA experience is defined by the community created through its students and faculty. CAPLA brings a sense of familiarity and comfort, yet the experience remains challenging and motivating. CAPLA pushes students to think creatively and take risks in their design work. I appreciate the high standards set by the faculty, and the dedication they have in helping students grow.
Learn more about Erika Schmidt's award-winning work in the UArizona Theme Park Entertainment Group, or explore how you can support students in their learning and professional development at CAPLA.
