Samantha Jae Fox
Candidate for Master of Architecture
Environmental Design, BA
'Good placemaking is essential— particularly in cities. As urban areas grow and climate change intensifies, it is more important than ever to consider sustainable practices. This means addressing three concerns: designing infrastructure more symbiotically with nature, providing accessible mixed-use neighborhoods, and addressing the growing need for affordable housing. Furthermore, as urban morphology changes, it is important to consider large scale retrofitting or adaptive reuse projects. Incorporating some of these concepts of sustainability into existing structures in addition to new construction will be pivotal in the process of greening cities.'
Samantha Jae Fox is a cogent urbanite determined to restore form and function to our buildings of legacy. Driven by results, Samantha is restlessly crafting detail into each model and diagram, eager to demonstrate her consideration for the subjects and themes presented beforehand.
Academia is instinctive for Samantha as she currently pursues a Master of Architecture from The Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture. Exposure to advanced sciences and creative programs guided Samantha to begin her college career studying civil engineering. While Samantha developed skills in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, she realized the necessary elements of human design and consideration were not present in the field's coursework. Desiring to explore this aspect of design, Samantha re-evaluated her academic situation and withdrew from the program to pursue specialized courses in fundamental science and design concepts. Through work experience, Samantha developed skills in sustainable development, project management, and intra-office communication. Concurrently, numerous opportunities to travel abroad and learn others’ lifestyles expanded Samantha’s view to the discrepancies in infrastructure and furthered her passion and dedication to architecture and urban design.
In 2019, Samantha enrolled at the University at Buffalo to study Environmental Design. Throughout the program, Samantha’s coursework consisted of multiple projects requiring extensive research and preparation for a variety of skills necessary to succeed. Specializing in affordable housing, adaptive re-use, and sustainable urban design required her to develop expertise in land use and zoning, public policy, and historical planning intentions. All accomplishments were recognized by her drive to engage on these topics with professors, mentors, and peers alike. Facing unique challenges throughout Samantha’s education including the COVID-19 pandemic was no matter for her, the accumulation of studies in these topics and diligent effort awarded her Summa Cum Laude a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Design. Established with a higher purpose, she will begin her second year at the City College of New York in Fall 2023.
Samantha envisions making sustainability the standard. Post-academia, Samantha is determined to become a licensed architect with a concentration on urban retrofitting and sustainable development. Acquiring skills in Rhino, Adobe, AutoCAD, BIM, and 3D rendering have allowed Samantha an even more expanded perspective on design problems including construction methods and current retrofitting techniques, which she hopes to find solutions throughout her career.
Samantha brings forth her creative vision, technical expertise, and an emphatic commitment to housing justice and environmental responsibility for innovation— hoping to leave an everlasting impact on the built environment to create vibrant, inclusive, and resilient cities for generations to come.
Academia is instinctive for Samantha as she currently pursues a Master of Architecture from The Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture. Exposure to advanced sciences and creative programs guided Samantha to begin her college career studying civil engineering. While Samantha developed skills in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, she realized the necessary elements of human design and consideration were not present in the field's coursework. Desiring to explore this aspect of design, Samantha re-evaluated her academic situation and withdrew from the program to pursue specialized courses in fundamental science and design concepts. Through work experience, Samantha developed skills in sustainable development, project management, and intra-office communication. Concurrently, numerous opportunities to travel abroad and learn others’ lifestyles expanded Samantha’s view to the discrepancies in infrastructure and furthered her passion and dedication to architecture and urban design.
In 2019, Samantha enrolled at the University at Buffalo to study Environmental Design. Throughout the program, Samantha’s coursework consisted of multiple projects requiring extensive research and preparation for a variety of skills necessary to succeed. Specializing in affordable housing, adaptive re-use, and sustainable urban design required her to develop expertise in land use and zoning, public policy, and historical planning intentions. All accomplishments were recognized by her drive to engage on these topics with professors, mentors, and peers alike. Facing unique challenges throughout Samantha’s education including the COVID-19 pandemic was no matter for her, the accumulation of studies in these topics and diligent effort awarded her Summa Cum Laude a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Design. Established with a higher purpose, she will begin her second year at the City College of New York in Fall 2023.
Samantha envisions making sustainability the standard. Post-academia, Samantha is determined to become a licensed architect with a concentration on urban retrofitting and sustainable development. Acquiring skills in Rhino, Adobe, AutoCAD, BIM, and 3D rendering have allowed Samantha an even more expanded perspective on design problems including construction methods and current retrofitting techniques, which she hopes to find solutions throughout her career.
Samantha brings forth her creative vision, technical expertise, and an emphatic commitment to housing justice and environmental responsibility for innovation— hoping to leave an everlasting impact on the built environment to create vibrant, inclusive, and resilient cities for generations to come.