Mentorship Program
The UBC NOMAS Mentorship program aims to connect students in rural BC regions to Bachelors of Design students at UBC. Secondary school students may book mentorship appointments with our mentors to ask us about various topics: the university experience in general, the application process or about our bachelor's program in specific.
From June 15th-28th, we are performing a pilot run of this E-mentorship program.
This Program is currently available to students from SD8, SD10, SD20, SD22.
Email nomasubc@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.
Keira Santoso
My name is Keira, and I’m going into my fourth year in BDes. I originally came from an illustration and concept art background before transitioning into architecture. I’m interested in combining architecture with illustration, landscape architecture, and creating meaningful lived experiences through design. UBC in particular has created space for me to explore a lot of different branches of architecture, and I’d be happy to share my experiences so far.
Ask me about: Commuting, extracurriculars, working a job while studying, creative test, transitioning between fields, design competitions, studio culture, etc - not picky about topics.
Book with me!
Nathanisha Snitwongse
Within design, I enjoy learning about the multi- and interdisciplinary aspect of architecture and design. The whole of architecture is greater than the sum of its parts, including psychology, urban politics, history, business, and geographical science as a few examples. Alongside design, I like to learn about related disciplines and topics to gain more holistic perspectives in design. Outside of studio, I practice product design and entrepreneurship as co-Project Director for a wood-upcycling project in Enactus UBC called Rekindle. When I’m not doing studio or project work, I like to stroll through Vancouver with my phone camera, go on light jogs when the weather allows, and have a good time with friends. Being outdoors and seeing new things keeps me inspired for my design work indoors :)
Ask me about: B.Des application, Extracurriculars, finding experience and opportunities before/during the B.Des program within and outside faculty resources, student life in/outside of residence and commuting, making the most out of SALA, fun things to do around UBC and Vancouver 🤩
Han Byul Seo
My name is Han. I am an incoming 2nd year student in the Master of Architecture Program at UBC SALA. My interests lie in research-driven design, particularly in exploring how spaces can be shaped through participatory and reciprocal approaches. I am especially drawn to socially responsive design practices that connect cultural history, care, and the built environment. While studying design in architecture at SALA, I learned that design should be a reciprocal practice, responding to various social and environmental necessities. Before SALA, I was not aware about this reciprocity, and I believed that design must be functional for the use and dream of only a few. But I slowly learned design can be much more than that, and it can be a catalyst to true global change, and speaks volumes to inner desires for a more habitable environment that celebrates diversity in equitable ways. Additionally, within SALA, I have won awards and participated in architectural competitions, through which I believe I have been granted through my desire to be involved within my community at UBC. Outside of school, my hobbies and interests are not that different than design and architecture, which is why I enjoy school quite a bit. I appreciate artistry and occasionally visit the Vancouver Art Gallery and other design studios to decompress and learn more about other designer's work. I also like spending time outdoors and being within the beautiful scenery in B.C. Overall, I have quite a bit of knowledge within graphic design, some strategies to achieve your academic goals, and where to find resources to make your work come to life!
Ask me about: Portfolios/Creative Tests, Where to find resources, graphic skills, community engagement, and placemaking.
Harleen Khatkar
Hi, I’m Harleen Khatkar I chose architecture initially because I love physics and art, the university journey definitely leaned more towards the arts (although there’s a lot of freedom to make your academic work reflective of your passions!) And one of the more challenging aspects was trying to improve at programs like rhino and illustrator through producing academic work. But overall university is a way to continually polish your skills and learn your passions. I found through a renovation project that I like designing spaces for kids, such as daycares!
Ask me about: I would feel comfortable discussing the creative test and balancing a long commute or other responsibilities with the workload, as well as going over extracurriculars that are related to the felid (ARCH450), and outside of it (PHYS106).
Suhail Khimji
Hi there! I'm Suhail :D South African born, Winnipeg adjusted, 4th year in the Bachelor of Design. I got into this program with a very brazen ego and not much of a clue where to start with anything. 3 full years of BDES has taught me so much about what it means to think as either an architect or a designer (both when it matters) and how to build your skills over time to form your own unique approach to the world. I am a massive advocate of passion in your academics and turning projects into what you ultimately find meaning in, and pushing beyond just the realm of architectural education to tie in the stuff that makes you unique. I've pulled one too many all nighters, inhaled all sorts of modelling supplies you definitely shouldn't breathe in, and convinced profs that the artsy painting was actually the best deliverable for the design.
Ask me about: Extracurriculars, Software, Skills outside of architecture, Self-led Architectural education (reading + courses + interests). Travel and its influence on your learning. What to do if you know you like architecture but arent fully sure about it longer term. Merging interests outside of design. my 2 cents on how to get the most out of BDES. Realizing and managing agency over your education. How to have fun in uni outside of schoolwork. Parents?
Book with me!
Tuukka Richardson
Hi, I’m Tuukka. I’m originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, but later graduated high school in Helsinki, Finland. Now I’m in my 4th year of the Bdes program, aiming to do co-op next semester. So far, my experience in university has only increased my passion for architecture and design, and expanded my appreciation of all forms of quality design -- especially ones that showcase the creative handmade craft that I believe is increasingly crucial in a digital world. My experience as a dental technician also helped me a lot with architectural modelling, mastering the physical craft of woodworking and concrete casting... including lots of 3D-printed moulds. I also work in the Bdes workshop as a laser cutting technician. Aside from school some of my hobbies and interests include running, Brazilian jiu jitsu, typewriter repair, and architecture (duh!).
Ask me about: I’d be most excited to talk about topics such as the creative test, design in general, extracurricular, working while studying, and honestly anything really now that I’m thinking of it!
Shirley Leung
I’m currently a third-year at BDES! In high school, I was a part of the IB program. I transferred into my first year in the program at UBC from Langara College, where I took part-time courses at BCIT while also being in BDES. I love learning about architecture and urban planning, and in my free time I like drawing, sports, (and sometimes playing video games inbetween). Over my time in this program I’ve worked as a Design Assistant in the UBC WorkLearn program, and am a part of the Third Quadrant Design engineering team.
Ask me about: B.Des creative test/application process, commuting, extracurriculars, courses/schoolwork, transition from highschool
Andy Yue
Hello! My name is Andy and I’m heading towards third year of BDes. I view design as an interdisciplinary practice where thinkings and knowledge from many disciplines can be brought together to solve problems in the world, which encourages me to explore various disciplines outside of architecture. Recognizing the emerging challenges brought by climate change and polycrisis, I am also interested in sustainability, and I had a wonderful experience with being a sustainability ambassador with the UBC Sustainability Hub. Community works and exploration of interdisciplinary design will be my goal for future academic study.
Ask me about: Campus life, opportunities, curriculum, application… anything except job-finding as I am still new to it.
Zoë Mae Fedoruk
Heya! My name is Zoë, and I’m going into my 4th year in the BDes in the Co-op program, currently working a summer Intern position at Stantec in the Landscape Architecture Department in Ottawa! Growing up in Hong Kong and moving to Ottawa in 2020, I saw a lot of cool architectural projects and designs growing up, and have always been interested art, architecture, and design -- the craft and creativity in general! I was also super interested in materials engineering and aerospace during high school...and still am! In terms of Vancouver, I lived in Place Vanier in my first year and having been living with two friends since. The city and university campus has a lot of great and amazing things to offer and I’m happy to share some of my favorite university opportunities and clubs, as well as cafes or places to visit in the city! Whether that’s cozy reading spots, vintage or yarn stores, cool concert opportunities, and athletic facilities… the world is your oyster :)
Let's chat!
Ask me about: Creative test, house hunting, co-op and internship search, creative test and portfolio advice, career and masters, design competitions and extracurricular, athletics (gym and kickboxing), DESUS and NOMAS opportunities, music!