Published: March 2026, Sebastian.

Niko is a second year at the University of Notre Dame on their BArch program. He will graduate in 2029. He was a student at AP, and I worked with him personally. I wanted to get a sense of how he’s finding things at ND. Niko is one of the reasons why I like developing AP. He was open to developing himself creatively, and he was always willing to look carefully at his upbringing as a reason for his interest in architecture.

Where did you grow up? What was it like?

Niko: I grew up in Clovis, California, a community shaped by agriculture and its proximity to the Sierra Nevada foothills. The architectural character of the town is closely tied to the surrounding landscape, with buildings and infrastructure existing more in relation to the natural environment than to a dense urban condition.

What were you interested in at the time, what were your hobbies? Do you still have them?

Niko: At the time of my application, many of my interests were also rooted in the outdoors. I spent much of my time cycling, hiking, and climbing – activities that encouraged an awareness of terrain, movement, and the relationship between people and their environment. I still maintain these hobbies today, and they continue to shape how I experience space and landscape.

When did you first start learning about architecture, and when did it become interesting?

Niko: My first real exposure to architecture came through traveling in Europe with my family. I had always been interested in history, and the most tangible way to experience that history was through the buildings themselves. Walking through historic streets and cities made me aware of how architecture could preserve and communicate cultural and historical identity over time.

What did you think architecture was about, at the time of your applications?

Niko: At that point, my understanding of architecture was largely focused on function. I was drawn to the idea proposed by Le Corbusier that a house could function as a “machine for living.” I found this idea compelling early on and carried it with me as I entered architecture school.

What did you think about having to make a portfolio for applications? Did it seem daunting or exciting? Were the requirements clear?

Niko: Putting together a portfolio initially felt intimidating. I had no formal background in architecture, and the expectations for the application were not always clear. For a while, I assumed architecture might remain something I simply studied on my own – watching lectures or videos while pursuing another degree.

What did your school teachers think was important for an application to architecture school, and do you agree with them?

Niko: My teachers were supportive but unfamiliar with architecture portfolios. Their advice mostly pointed me toward traditional art, but since I was taking my first art class during the application period, that option felt uncertain. Instead, I turned to photography, which had already been a hobby of mine.

How do you think your portfolio projects were applicable to the kind of work done at architecture school?

Niko: Most of my portfolio focused on the spaces around my hometown and how people used them. Through photography, I began observing how individuals moved through and interacted with both built and natural environments. Looking back, this work gave me an early foundation for thinking about how people experience space, something that has continued to shape my approach to architecture in school.

What have you learnt about architecture school? Is it different to what you imagined?

Niko: Well, even though I expected a lot of work, I was still shocked that it was physically possible to have that much work. There has been a strong emphasis on history, which has been especially valuable in understanding the built environments we inherit and work within. The amount of precedent study, in particular, has pushed me to think more critically about the foundations of architecture.

Have your ideas changed about where you’d like to work in the future?

Niko: Looking ahead, I hope to work on the West Coast of the United States, where I can remain connected to a landscape similar to the one I grew up in. Being close to that kind of natural environment is important to me, as it continues to support the outdoor activities that shape both my lifestyle and the way I experience space.

Would you change anything about your application essays or portfolios, if you could do them again?

Niko: If I were to go through the application process again, I would spend more time developing an understanding of architectural form and spatial thinking. Having a clearer sense of how and why spaces are designed would have helped me better understand what a strong portfolio should communicate. That said, it is not something to stress over; AP provided clear guidance and support throughout the process, which helped me not only craft a portfolio that I was proud of but also understand the ins and outs of the reasons behind every choice made in the process.