Designing Place, Designing Policy: Jesus Nava ’23 B.Arch
Bachelor of Architecture Student Jesus Nava on the Importance of Policy Design in Architecture, the Value of the CAPLA Community and More
“To me, the CAPLA experience means being part of a community of students, faculty and professionals who are curious, passionate about architecture and willing to help each other out to ensure we all succeed.”
Jesus Nava was born in Sinaloa, Mexico, and grew up in San Diego, California. He was drawn to the University of Arizona and the Bachelor of Architecture because of the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and its many outdoor recreation opportunities—as well as UArizona’s “great basketball program.”
Learn more about Jesus and his CAPLA experience:
What brought you to the University of Arizona to study architecture?
What brought me to the University of Arizona was the location. I was always intrigued by the landscape that the desert provides, and the challenges that come with designing in extreme weather conditions. It also was a plus that the school has beautiful hiking sites and a great basketball program.
Tell us about your interest in policy design as it relates to architecture.
As architects, there are many rules and regulations that we must follow, so it is important that we architects have a seat at the table when laws, codes and regulations are being created. With our expertise, we can ensure that our cities are equitable, sustainable and resilient.
Teacher's Row, a 2022 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Design Challenge finalist. Image by Jesus Nava.
What do you like best about the Bachelor of Architecture program?
What I like best about the B.Arch program is the close relationship that we can develop with professors and faculty. Being in a small college like CAPLA, you interact with your professors in the classroom and also outside of it, and that allows for a true community of students and faculty.
What has been your biggest challenge at CAPLA, and how have you overcome that challenge?
I have to say the COVID-19 pandemic has been the biggest challenge for me at CAPLA. Having experienced what life at CAPLA was like before the pandemic, moving to online classes was a challenge—for example, losing the social life that comes with being at CAPLA and not having access to the same resources as before. It was a harsh transition to make. Throughout this, motivation, tuning out distractions and time management became important, as was also finding small pleasures that could fill the holes that the pandemic created.
Dos Lados School. Image by Jesus Nava.
What has been your biggest challenge outside of CAPLA, and how have you overcome that challenge?
My biggest challenge outside of CAPLA has been managing my work-life balance. I have had the opportunity to be an architectural designer intern during the school year these last three years. Having these opportunities has been great, but it is also easy to forget that I am still a student and I cannot let my school slip up because of work. Having a physical calendar and really planning out my days has become a very useful skill to ensure that I dedicate the proper amount to all my responsibilities.
What internships or other job experience do you have, and what are your career aspirations?
During my time at CAPLA, I have had multiple jobs, from selling appliances and solar panels to being an architectural design intern doing work related to restaurants and single-family homes. After college, I plan on pursuing my architecture licensure and hopefully working for a firm whose core values are sustainability and affordable housing.
The Retreat, 2020 AGM/Ascension Wheelchair Lifts Universal Design Prize winner. Image by Jesus Nava.
What are your interests outside of school and work?
During my time off, I like to go on hikes, play volleyball, play video games and cook. Also, I am an extrovert, so anytime I have an opportunity to go out and be with friends, I love to do that.
What advice do you have for prospective CAPLA students?
Take advantage of the resources at CAPLA, be creative, be curious, absorb all the knowledge you can and don't be afraid of making mistakes.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Architecture program or explore how you can support students in their learning and professional development at CAPLA.
