The Architect’s Stair #3 competition Student Award winner - University of Louisiana at Lafayette

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Student Award winner of our The Architect’s Stair #3 competition – Brad Michael Michael and his team from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, United States!

Student Award Winners from United States

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

We are graduate students at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, pursuing our Master of Architecture and scheduled to graduate in May 2026. We each hold a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from UL Lafayette, where we established a strong foundation in design, technical proficiency, and architectural theory. Throughout our academic careers, we have both pursued a long term architectural internship that have strengthened our professional skills, expanded our understanding of the design process, and connected our academic work to real‑world practice. As we continue our graduate studies, we remain committed to advancing our design capabilities, broadening our perspectives, and contributing thoughtful, well‑crafted work to the field of architecture.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

Through our architectural internships, we have been involved in small‑scale renovation projects, including work on educational facilities and other community‑oriented spaces. These experiences have strengthened our practical understanding of construction, detailing, and project coordination. Within our academic work, we have participated in a wide range of community‑driven design projects, including mixed‑use developments, recreational centers, and residential designs. These projects have allowed us to explore the social, cultural, and environmental impacts of architecture while refining our collaborative and conceptual design skills.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture is more than the act of building. It is a profession rooted in continuous learning. We are learning about people, spaces, and the relationships that shape how we experience the world. It challenges us to design environments that inspire healthy interaction, support well‑being, and contribute positively to our communities. As emerging architects, we believe our role is to facilitate thoughtful, responsible, and human‑centered design. We aim to create spaces that allow creativity to thrive while addressing the spatial needs and challenges of the communities we serve. Through this work, we hope to strengthen the connection between people and the built environment in meaningful, lasting ways.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We participate in competitions because our university has emphasized not only the value of engaging in these opportunities, but also the discipline required to make rational, well‑informed decisions while keeping design and architecture at the forefront. These experiences challenge us to think critically, refine our process, and uphold the integrity of architectural thinking in every stage of development.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Our advice would be to encourage them to participate, even if they are uncertain about their chances of success. Architecture competitions push designers to think creatively, work through real design challenges, and develop skills that carry over into studio and professional practice. The experience and growth students or emerging professionals gain are often just as valuable as the result.