Eldorado Tools: The Build and Make Scholarship

Architecture is more than the creation of buildings; it’s a means of shaping human experience, addressing social inequality, and responding to pressing environmental challenges. Through the dual Master of Architecture I Advanced Placement and Master of Real Estate Development and Urbanism program at the University of Miami, I aim to explore how innovative construction practices, sustainable materials, and community-centered design can redefine how we build. This path will empower me to shape the future of construction by prioritizing resilience, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility in the built environment. One area I hope to focus on is the use of hemp-based materials, particularly hempcrete, as a sustainable solution in construction. Hempcrete is carbon-sequestering, provides high insulation, and strengthens over time. Its resistance to mold and humidity makes it ideal for coastal climates facing increasingly extreme weather events and rising sea levels. By researching and testing this material in tropical environments, I want to contribute to a shift in how we think about construction, from short-term fixes to long-term, regenerative approaches. My ultimate goal is to establish an architectural design firm focused on climate-resilient, inclusive spaces. I envision projects that respond to environmental risks while uplifting underserved communities; spaces that are affordable, adaptive, and sustainable. This vision stems from my undergraduate work, where I developed design concepts ranging from intergenerational public housing to transforming parking lots into biodiverse green spaces. These academic experiences taught me how to balance form with function while keeping community needs at the center. Beyond school, I volunteered with an architecture-based nonprofit dedicated to sustainable community development. My dedication led to an internship, where I gained hands-on experience and saw how design must work in tandem with policy, development, and community engagement. That experience confirmed my belief that innovation in construction isn’t just technical, it’s human-centered, grounded in empathy, and driven by thoughtful collaboration. The University of Miami’s program is uniquely positioned to help me achieve this mission. Its emphasis on environmental resilience, research, and Miami’s distinct urban challenges creates an ideal environment for testing and developing climate-adaptive construction strategies. I’m excited to engage with design studios, explore material innovation, and study the intersections between development and sustainability through the MRED+U curriculum. Receiving this scholarship would be a transformative step in helping me achieve my goals. Financially, it would allow me to dedicate more time to research, internships, and hands-on projects rather than worrying about the cost of my education. Academically, it would enable me to pursue in-depth exploration of sustainable materials and construction methods without compromise. Professionally, it would open doors to networks, conferences, and collaborations that are essential for growing as both a designer and a future business owner. Most importantly, it would affirm that my vision, to use design as a tool for environmental and social good, is supported and valued. Ultimately, I want to lead a career that makes architecture part of the solution to our greatest challenges. Through material innovation, sustainable construction practices, and inclusive design, I hope to influence not just what we build, or how, but who we build it for. This dual degree, paired with the support of this scholarship, will provide the foundation I need to help move the construction industry toward a more just and resilient future.