Claire Dobbs is a Design Professional at HKS working in the Education Sector.

Within my undergraduate degree, I worked with the College of Design on a multitude of design-build projects including the construction of a Covid-19 at-home office shed and the prototyping for portable desks that will be provided in the upcoming Gray College of Design. I also studied abroad in the Summer of 2019 and predominantly worked in Florence, Italy for a studio project. After graduating in December of 2021 with a BA in Architecture, I am currently continuing as a graduate student at the University of Kentucky.

At Kentucky, I participated in a research fellowship under Brent Sturlaugson and Hannah Dewhirst which included designing and fabricating a pavilion space for Hazard, Kentucky. Two students were selected to serve in this role and work with community stake holders to meet a variety of design-building needs.

While studying as a students I have worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant under Professor Andrew Manson for his undergraduate introduction to architecture history and theory classes since Spring 2022. In this role I have provided student support and teaching of supplementary materials like study sessions and reading discussions. I have found teaching this material as a enriching learning experience and help me learn to teach and serve young students. This experience has been and rewarding was to provide incoming students with support and fundamental skills to be successful throughout their college experience.

I am honored to have served as Chair Member of the College of Design Student Council, where I dedicated myself to fostering communication, facilitating collaboration, and advocating for the concerns of our vibrant student body. In this role, I undertook a range of responsibilities to ensure a dynamic and engaging environment within our college. One of my primary duties was the composition of monthly email updates, meticulously crafted to inform our college community about the latest developments, events, and opportunities. Through these communications, I aimed to keep every student well-informed and engaged, promoting a sense of unity and shared purpose. In addition to written communication, I took on the responsibility of leading and organizing Student Council meetings. Furthermore, I served as a dedicated liaison between the student body and the faculty, ensuring that the concerns, suggestions, and aspirations of our students were effectively communicated. I facilitated a constructive bridge between students and faculty members, fostering a collaborative environment where both parties could work together to address issues and implement positive changes. My tenure as the College of Design Student Council Chair Member has been a deeply enriching experience. It has strengthened my commitment to effective communication, leadership, and advocacy. These experiences have all contributed greatly to my understanding and application of design. I look forward to new experiences that can enrich my knowledge of architecture in the future.