Virginia Tech's Aria Hill on Influences Outside of Architecture and Promoting Discourse
Portrait by Archie Hill
By Julia Gamolina
Aria Hill is a designer, creative director, and co-founder of The Garden, a multidisciplinary, experimental practice. Recently completing her first degree – Bachelor of Science in Mathematics – in 2020, she is in her fourth year of Virginia Tech’s Bachelor of Architecture program. Aria investigates Caribbean culture, the absence of Black women in design, and the intersection between Mathematics and Architecture. Previously, her work has been internationally recognized by institutions including the New York Review of Architecture, AIA Virginia, Architectural League NY, and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
JG: Why did you decide to study architecture?
AH: Growing up, I have always been intrigued by the subject of mathematics. Coupled with my interest in DIY-culture and the process of making, my father introduced the field of architecture into my 16-year-old purview. I quickly fell in love with the idea of design, but my participation in Virginia Tech’s 2016 Inside Architecture + Design program, an immersive pre-college design program for high school students, finally solidified my desire to pursue a career in architecture.
Soon after my enrollment in Virginia Tech’s Bachelor of Architecture program, I decided to undertake a concurrent degree program in Mathematics in order to satiate my desire for pure, critical problem-solving. At this moment, my involvement in both mathematics and architecture are intertwined as the focus of my forthcoming architectural thesis lies in the exploration of both topics. The work is quite novel but extremely thrilling.
An extruded axonometric image for Beneath, a small housing design project. Unit types are characterized by bright hues.
What was the favorite project you worked on in school? Favorite paper you wrote? Favorite extracurricular?
I believe all of my studio projects can be characterized by their use of color, as well as interesting geometries and effects. Two of my favorite studio projects are “Beneath” and “facade frenzy !!!”. I discovered through these projects that I deeply enjoy the art of architectural filmmaking, introduced to me by my former professor and former Madame Architect interviewee Katie MacDonald. I tend to focus on representation extremely early in the timeline of my projects to ensure a continuation of design intent through the style of representation. It is my intention to create still and moving images that investigate the project through a new lens.
One of my favorite extracurricular experiences has been my participation in the 2019 Inside Architecture + Design program as an Instructor. Experiencing the program as a student just three years prior made my experience as an Instructor much more satisfying. Working with and helping students who were unsure about their desire to study architecture deeply fulfilled me as I could easily relate to their situation.
“...other creative disciplines operate with eager freedom to experiment which is difficult to find in the field of architecture, since architecture can be quite rigid. We are actively seeking knowledge of new materials, systems, and processes.”
What are some of the initiatives you’ve focused on in school, and why?
Activism and engagement interest me greatly. As such, I have been involved with a newly formed student coalition at Virginia Tech, aimed at empowering students to use their voices. I have also been involved with NOMAS (National Organization of Minority Architecture Students) since my first day of classes in my first year at Virginia Tech. Rising through the ranks of the organization’s leadership, I have learned a great deal about the issues that plague architectural education, which prove helpful in my current role as chapter President. This organization – both the university and national chapters – has allowed me to experience environments in which individuals enthusiastically work to promote the excellence and support of minority designers.
When searching for internships and jobs, what are you looking for?
Authentic and functioning interest in anti-racist and decolonization work of all mediums will forever be on my list of attractive qualities that an office can possess. I seek opportunities in which the team members will promote discourse. I find being in supportive environments in which I am able to learn from others produces the happiest version of myself.
A screenshot from the short film entitled ‘Beneath’.
A screenshot from the short film entitled ‘facade frenzy!!!’ for the namesake design project.
What’s important to you? What inspires you?
I am actively inspired by references outside of architecture. In fact, I would credit more non-architecture references as my inspirations than normative architectural precedents. I particularly enjoy looking to the world of fashion to spark my creativity when starting new projects. Ironically, my maternal grandfather was an incredibly talented fashion designer. Perhaps the love of design is hereditary.
Additionally, my business partner Jack Wasielewski and I often discuss the wonders of music, film, and current events while in design meetings for The Garden. We observe that other creative disciplines operate with eager freedom to experiment which is difficult to find in the field of architecture, since architecture can be quite rigid. We are actively seeking knowledge of new materials, systems, and processes.
“Authentic and functioning interest in anti-racist and decolonization work of all mediums will forever be on my list of attractive qualities that an office can possess. I seek opportunities in which the team members will promote discourse.”
What do you hope to do in your career?
There are so many different career paths that you can take with a background in architecture. The options excite me! One of my main priorities, however, is to become a licensed architect. In the past few months, the US has finally reached 500 licensed Black female architects – for the first time in history. That is, Black females make up less than 0.4% of all licensed architects in the country. Increasing these numbers while also dismantling inherently racist structures continues to be my primary goal.
Aria instructing high school students during Virginia Tech’s 2019 Inside Architecture + Design program. Photo by Taylor Cupp.
Who do you look up to? Both in terms of women in architecture, and in general.
Any accomplishment or achievement that I may garner in my life can only be attributed to my loving and supportive family. Hailing from several islands in the Caribbean, my roots originate from a beautiful history. My maternal grandparents emigrated from the British Virgin Islands to the United States Virgin Islands almost 70 years ago full of hopes and dreams for a better future for their offspring. Succeeding several times over, they instilled the importance of faith, integrity, and hard work into my mother who instilled those same crucial values into me. I credit my mother with fiercely upholding those values even after her physical relocation to the culturally-stark continental United States. I will be forever grateful for the sacrifices of those who came before me.
As it relates to women in architecture, I have been steadily following the journeys of the few but excellent Black women architects in the US. Some of these include Pascale Sablan, Danei Cesario, and Gabrielle Bullock. As someone who delights in learning about individuals and their stories, I make it my mission to research and connect with those who have experienced some of the hardest trials in this profession but continue to showcase their unique expertise.
What advice would you give to those in high school now, choosing their field of study?
Follow your heart. Do what you are good at and continue to improve your strengths every day. In the words of my greatest encouragement, my mother, you will have many challenges in this life, but as long as you never give up, you will succeed.