9 Questions with Pele Kruse

“Growing up in Samoa, I saw firsthand how the built environment impacts daily life, and I became passionate about creating spaces that are both functional and deeply connected to cultural and environmental contexts.”

Pele Kruse came to CAPLA from American Samoa, making history as the first Samoan student in the architecture program. She is driven by the goal of giving back to her community and seeks to elevate the architecture field there. 

1. What brought you to the University of Arizona?

There is no university on the island I am from and I wanted to pursue architecture. The University of Arizona was a God-given opportunity to do that.

2. If you have a particular focus or interest area in your degree, what is it and what excites you most about it? 

I am particularly interested in community-centered and sustainable design, especially how architecture can serve underrepresented communities. Growing up in Samoa, I saw firsthand how the built environment impacts daily life, and I became passionate about creating spaces that are both functional and deeply connected to cultural and environmental contexts.

3. What do you like best about your degree program and CAPLA?  

What I like best about my degree program and CAPLA is how hands-on the learning experience is. Coming from American Samoa, where we had very limited resources in high school, I never had the chance to work with the kinds of tools and technology that CAPLA provides. Being here has completely changed the way I learn and design. The architecture program is VERY rigorous and time-consuming, but that challenge has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. It’s not easy, but through late nights in studio and tough critiques, I’ve developed skills and confidence that I wouldn’t have gained anywhere else. It has prepared me to be ready for anything when I go into the workforce.

4. What projects from your time at CAPLA are you most proud of and why? 

One of the projects I’m most proud of is my “resourceXchange” design from my 401 studio. This project challenged me in ways I had never experienced before, pushing me to think critically about sustainability, community engagement and architectural storytelling. Designing a space that serves as both a research center and a community hub required me to balance functionality with a meaningful user experience. This project is especially important to me because it expanded my knowledge beyond just form and structure—I had to consider real-world constraints, environmental impacts and how people would truly interact with the space. It was the first time I felt like I was designing something with a real purpose, something that could one day inspire my work in Samoa. 

The physical model I am most proud of is a shading structure I made in my second year with my classmate Elian. Due to time constraints, we had only 36 hours to complete it, but it came out great. Regarding studio, I always love using the quote, "diamonds are made under pressure."

5. What does the CAPLA experience mean to you? 

For me, the CAPLA experience is about growth, resilience and perseverance. Coming from a small island, I felt incapable of competing with other students who had taken pre-architecture courses in high school. I almost dropped out in my first semester because I had a bad experience with my first studio professor, and for a moment, I questioned whether I belonged here. But I knew this was an opportunity that very few in Samoa ever get, and I reminded myself that being at CAPLA was a blessing—no matter how hard it got. This program has pushed me beyond my comfort zone, tested my limits and shaped me into the designer I am today. Beyond academics, CAPLA has given me a strong community of peers and mentors who have supported me through long nights in studio and tough deadlines. It has also reinforced my commitment to returning home and using what I’ve learned to help shape the future of architecture in Samoa.

6. What internships or other working experiences have you had, and what are your career aspirations?

I am currently interning with Bourn Companies design team. Bourn is a real estate development company native to Tucson. I have been with Bourn since June 2024, and have been able to work on some incredible projects. After graduation, I intend to pursue my architect license.

7. What extracurricular activities do you participate in? Can you tell me about your involvement with WIAS? 

I am the president of the Women in Architecture Society (WIAS), where I have had the opportunity to organize events that empower and support women in the field. WIAS is especially important to me because there are no women in the field of architecture where I am from. Outside of WIAS, I am a lifegroup leader for The Navigators, a campus ministry that has been an important part of my college experience. I am also a student athlete playing lock for the UA Women's Rugby Team.

8. What are your hobbies and passions? 

One of my biggest passions is paving the way for future generations of Samoan women in architecture. I am the first and only Samoan student in the U of A’s architecture program. I chose this major because American Samoa needs architects, and I want to use my skills to help fill that gap. After earning my license, my goal is to return home and serve my community, using my education to design sustainable and culturally responsive spaces that benefit the island. American Samoa has given me so much, and I want to give back by helping shape its built environment in a way that honors its people, history and future.

9. What advice do you have for prospective CAPLA students? 

Architecture is one of the most demanding majors, but if you’re truly passionate about it, the journey is worth it. My biggest piece of advice is to find a strong support system—whether that’s through God, friends or student organizations like WIAS. Surrounding yourself with people who encourage and challenge you makes all the difference. Also, take advantage of every opportunity CAPLA offers, from scholarships to design competitions. And finally, don’t be afraid to push boundaries and explore what excites you most in architecture!

"resourceXchange" - Studio 401

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