Hannah Wright is a third-year architecture student at the College of Design. In 2023, Wright transferred to NC State from Northern Virginia Community College and shared her story with us as part of Transfer Student Appreciation Week.
From your perspective, what makes being a transfer student unique? How do you feel your experience differs from students who pursue a more traditional track?
Transferring in 2023 made my path a little different from most of my peers. Having already completed part of my education elsewhere, I came in with a better sense of direction and a deeper sense of purpose in my studies. Starting over in a new environment wasn’t easy, but it taught me to adapt and grow and it opened the door to new opportunities and connections.
Where did your inspiration to be a designer start?
My inspiration began through traveling with my family. Experiencing different cities and cultures made me realize how deeply architecture shapes lives through movement, connection and emotion. I’ve always been fascinated by how buildings can tell stories and leave a lasting impact, which ultimately led me to pursue architecture.
Another moment that inspired me further was a podcast I listened to before starting college. The speaker shared how the house they grew up in, a space that wasn’t designed with care, had negatively impacted their life. Hearing that made me want to be a designer who creates the opposite effect, spaces that bring comfort, peace and a positive mark on people’s lives.
What does design mean to you?
Design is about bridging spaces, people, and experiences to create something meaningful and impactful. Beyond aesthetics, it’s a form of expression that aims to simplify and enhance everyday life. I believe design has the power to shape emotions and foster meaningful experiences that connect us to our surroundings and to one another.
What kinds of projects/topics are you passionate about within your field?
I’m passionate about projects that explore movement and emotion, especially airports. My travels have shown me how environments can evoke a mix of feelings, including excitement, joy, sadness and reflection. Airports are spaces of constant movement and transition that embody these emotions, and I want to design environments that bring comfort and warmth to those moments.
Where do you see your creativity taking you in the future?
I see my creativity leading me toward designing spaces that are both functional and emotionally thoughtful. I want to keep exploring how design can shape everyday experiences, whether through traveling in airports or gathering in community centers. For now, my creativity is focused on learning how to design with empathy and purpose.
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