Sydney Ly

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and a minor in Urban Studies & Geography

2024

How did you first get interested in Architecture?

My interest in architecture first started when I started to travel often to the city of Los Angeles in California.  I began to compare the different architectural qualities between Los Angeles and Charlotte; they are distinct yet unique. I found that I was always fascinated by the buildings there and how they were designed to attract attention to people, like myself, who occupy these spaces. Los Angeles has a lot of mixed-use architecture, and I love how it can bring people together on another level. I also loved math and art in school, and combining them together had led me to architecture which incorporated both these subjects that I enjoyed. 

What kind of career do you hope to have?

I hope to create designs that will help improve people’s lives. As one of the few people in my family who was born in the United States, I was fortunate enough to have access to resources my family could not have before they immigrated. Outside our world lies much more, and I hope to not only get design experience at home. I also want to challenge myself to explore internationally to see what is out there and how I can contribute to the world as a designer to make people’s lives more comfortable in the environment they are in. 

What is your favorite thing about the School of Architecture?

For architecture students, Storrs is where all the adventures transpire. One of my favorite things about the School of Architecture is the sense of community and studio culture it has that continues to consistently evolve over the years. From spending late nights in the studio with people to constantly engaging with one another has fostered a tight-knitted community of people that cares for one another and pushes us to learn from one another. I believe this is what makes the architecture community at Charlotte one of the best.

Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte community? 

I was a board member for the American Institute of Architecture Students and a photographer for Midas Magazine. During my first three years of college, I worked for the Popp Martin Student Union and Cone University Center on campus. I was also a member of the Vietnamese Student Association during my freshman year. Having the opportunity to be involved in all of these organizations was a great learning experience for me and helped shape me into the person I am today. 

When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?

I really love spending quality time with my friends and family. Time flies by before you know it. Cherishing these special moments with those close to me are what makes life worthwhile. Even better, I love capturing these moments through my camera lens. I have always been fond of photography, and I believe it makes these moments I captured a thousand times more beautiful and meaningful to look back upon.