Thinking Critically: David Zúñiga ’23 B.Arch

Nine Questions with Bachelor of Architecture Student David Zúñiga ’23 B.Arch

“The B.Arch program at CAPLA has molded me into a true critical thinker and observer of the world. Which sounds profound, I know, but I mean it.”
 

 

Bachelor of Architecture student David Zúñiga is from Nogales, Arizona, just north of the U.S. border with Mexico. In this profile, he discusses his passion for cinema and architecture, how architecture school makes him a critical thinker, his experience in the CAPLA Hispanic student organization PUENTE, how he's learning to be patient and more.

What brought you to the University of Arizona and College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture to study architecture?

I came into the University of Arizona with an undeclared major, as I was still unsure of what I wanted to study. I did my research on what the differ­ent degree programs consisted of in terms of required coursework and potential careers, finding the architec­ture program to be synergetic and collaborative. The student work that I was able to observe during my research blew my mind.

I don’t come from an architectural background, nor had I ever been exposed to any of the processes necessary for completing architectural proj­ects—things like drafting, architecture visualizations or model making. So I couldn’t believe there were students who were creating such complex work. I saw pin-ups with beautiful conceptual drawings and chipboard models besides these huge renders of buildings and I thought, “That’s what I want to do.”
 

What area of architecture most interests you?

As of late, I’ve developed a curiosity for the link between cinema and architecture. I’m an avid movie-goer, so I find myself inspired by the films that I see. I think about how certain scenes were executed, the team that directed, produced, edited, etc., and just the underlying theme of films. I appreciate the thought and time that goes into composing certain films. I think this process can be related to the development of an architectural project. Architecture and cinema are disciplines that require many different individuals to all be on the same page in order to execute a project.

I’d like to explore a career path that will allow me to utilize the skills I have developed within CAPLA to play some role within the film-making process. So I am excited to see where that thought might take me.

What do you like best about the B.Arch program and CAPLA?

The B.Arch program at CAPLA has molded me into a true critical thinker and observer of the world. Which sounds profound, I know, but I mean it. The design projects in studio and the other supplemental courses are all critical thinking exercises that deal with a project statement, a program, a client and a personal mission where you feel like challenging yourself to come up with the best design possible.

So, you develop all these wonderful ideas about how you can have a positive impact in a major way one day. I feel like this makes you hone in on what really matters to you, who you are and who you really want to be. The life I lead as a designer is informed by my lived experience as a person and this experience is directly shaped by the professors and staff who I interact with on a daily basis. I’d like to think that I’m headed in the right direction and that is truly thanks to the individuals at CAPLA. I’ve been lucky enough to connect with students and professors who inspire me to feel like the sky is the limit.

To summarize, the people are my favorite part.
 

Tell us about your experience in PUENTE, the CAPLA Hispanic student organization.

PUENTE has been an amazing experience for me. I appreciate the fact that Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Urban Design Eduardo Guerrero created this club based on what he noticed was a lack of representation for minority students within the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture. I identified with his vision and I wanted to get involved in a student group that valued forming relationships and empowering those who felt like their presence within the college was overlooked.

Personally, it has opened several doors for me within CAPLA. I’m able to interact with other student leaders who share an ambition to succeed inside and outside of the classroom and interact with professors and administrators who I wouldn’t have had the chance to sit down with otherwise. I value the collaboration I have shared with the other student groups, as it has helped me practice my leadership skills.

What has been your biggest challenge at CAPLA, and how have you overcome that challenge?

My biggest challenge was just feeling like I would never develop the skill it takes to create an outstanding architectural project. I wasn’t the best at sketching, hand drawing, computer programs, anything really. I was pretty bad. I had no idea what I was doing. I’m far from being the best at all those things now, but I am definitely getting better with every project I produce. It is still a challenge, but it’s an enjoyable one to continue to grow in those areas.

What has been your biggest challenge outside of CAPLA?

I hope my father reads this. I think my biggest personal challenge is that I am impatient. Dad likes to remind me to “slow down.” I think he means it both literally and metaphorically. Slow down as in stop driving so fast and slow down as in take a breath, relax, stop and think. I have gotten better at being patient. The work we do at school is a long and challenging process, so patience is vital for success.
 

What does the CAPLA experience mean for you?

For me, the CAPLA experience is all about truly figuring out who you are—as a student of architecture and as a person. Architecture inspires you to become a passionate person. The passion leads to depth in self-awareness and reflection, in your work and your life in general.

Tell us about your internship experience and career aspirations.

This past summer I was hired for my first internship experience with Gould Evans in Phoenix, which is an amazing team of very talented designers and thinkers. I am incredibly fortunate to have been selected for that opportunity. As an individual with no prior architectural or design background, this internship experience is a testament to the hard work I have put in to my education, as well as the hard work my parents, family and friends have put in to me. It was a major milestone in my life.

My career aspirations are to continue exploring what avenues I can take with my architecture degree and background. I want to become a li­censed architect but I would also like to be involved in other design processes where I can utilize different design muscles and continue to make and storytell.
 

What advice do you have for prospective B.Arch students?

Be a sponge and get a cool sketchbook.

Be a sponge so that you can absorb all of the information and resources that are offered to you at CAPLA and in life. I find that most of the time, I am inspired outside of the classroom. So be aware not only in class but in general. Talk to people, do things you wouldn’t normally do, ask questions, be inspired. That cool sketchbook will come in handy to write down all of the awesome information you’ll be given, so you never forget it. Archive that sketch­book, because your ideas are your most valuable possession.

At CAPLA, you will get out only what you put in. Nothing more, nothing less. Come inspired, actively participate, ask questions and challenge yourself.

To prospective students, CAPLA is a wonderful place to explore your potential! To active students, good luck this year! To my family, thank you, I love you.