Curt Pozan Trades Scholarship

Quality is intentional. When something is high quality, it is not by accident, but rather it is the product of hard work, prior trial and error, good intentions, and first and foremost, effort. Quality requires a degree of intelligence and professionalism or skill. To me, quality is about so much more than the project or the client; it's about the journey you take to get to the final product. It's about the details and the care and the effort that you put into the final product. It starts with the intent, but eventually, the final product becomes more than an idea, it becomes a tangible, and if done right, high quality, product. Now we get to my personal life. My trade of choice is architectural design. Ever since my sophomore year of high school, I've wanted to be an architect. I am currently pursuing a trade certificate in the Architectural and Engineering Design program at my local technical college, and I am almost finished. I am already certified in the Revit software that is so commonly used in my industry. Essentially, my experience is what lends me the tools to give quality to my work. Just about anyone can figure out how to model a room with four walls, a floor, and a roof, but not just anyone can design a beautiful, multi-level, 30,000 square foot beach house to go on a site in San Diego, which is what I am currently working on in my program. I've modeled a warehouse, college campus building, a law firm, several homes, and more. I am also familiar with ADA standards, safety codes for things like stairs, where windows are required and where they aren't, and much, much more. I am patient with my process. The design process is full of trial and error, and my first design is rarely my final design. It takes a lot of sketches, models, schedules, and more, to finally come to a quality design that I am proud of. And the final design is more than a 3D model, as so many assume. I make elevation plans, floor plans, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical plans, egress plans, schedules, and more. Should the project already have an existing structure that I am adding onto, I also know how to create demolition and renovation plans using phasing. All of these things combined are what make a quality project, and I try to never skimp on details. In conclusion, it is my patience, perseverance, and experience that allows me to bring quality to each of my designs. Of course, creativity doesn't hurt either, as you don't want every building you design to be the same. I am so grateful for the opportunities I've had to pursue my career of choice through a technical college, and I can't wait to receive my trade certificate!