We’re pleased to welcome Keiko Watanabe, a student in Cal Poly SLO’s architecture program, to ABA as our summer intern. Here’s a little Q&A to get to know her.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am an incoming 5th year student in the undergraduate architecture program at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a minor in Sustainable Environments. My parents both grew up in the South Bay, and I was raised in San Jose as well. Apart from architecture, I am passionate about competitive dance, baking, and reading. Education has always been a central value to my family – we’ve been deeply involved in K-12 education in our community. My father is Japanese American and my mother is Maltese American, so I have grown up in a mix of cultures and I want to continue to expand my worldview.
What drew you to architecture?
My passion for design and architecture really blossomed during high school when I stumbled upon some old notebooks filled with floor plans I drew as a child. It was then that I began to explore my interest in architecture. Attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Architecture Summer Career Workshop in 2019 further revealed the multifaceted nature of this field. I have always sought after a career that blends creativity with a meaningful impact on the world, integrating various disciplines. I value versatility and believe that mastering the diverse skills demanded of architects will not only make me a more well-rounded individual, but also provide fresh perspectives on problem-solving.
