Ken’s Story:

When Ken’s mother approached us about guiding her son through the process of developing a portfolio for applications to B.Arch. programs we were struck by how excited Ken was and yet how little he knew about design and the arts in general. Ken was unable to think creatively, and had never even tried to draw or sketch. His school also did not emphasize the arts, so he fell behind compared to other children at his age. We decided that the best plan was to take Ken through the whole process of development, from the first phase of the strategy, all the way to the development of the book.

Ken embraced our process. We worked with him to develop a clear mission and a strategy for the whole process, and them began the long process of acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills required to build good design work for a potentially successful portfolio. Within 3 months, Ken knew not only how to draw and build models, but most importantly he was able to develop complex concepts through drawing and model-building. We then took him through a series of exercises in which he explored and developed complex concepts, using one of his favorite materials: fabric. The portfolio ended up becoming a discussion of the human body. Through the use of fabric, drawing, clay-modeling and other techniques, Ken managed to not only create a very successful portfolio, but to also develop a sophisticated way of thinking and a purpose that he the carried with him to architecture school.

Ken made it to every single one of the 5 schools where he applied. These included both B.A and B.Arch. programs, and were: Cornell, Savannah College of Art and Design, Parsons, the Rhode Island School of Design (on a 50% scholarship), and Columbia University. He chose to go to the Rhode Island School of Design because of its emphasis on the arts, its location and the significant financial aid package that he received.