Paige Reed
B.A. in Architecture
Hometown: Charlotte
Graduation Year: 2028
How did you first get interested in the arts and architecture?
I’ve been involved in the arts my whole life. I first began with dance. Following my older sister, I started my dance career at three and began competing at six. I continued to dance all the way through high school and am now on the University’s dance team, the Gold Dusters. I continue to train and grow alongside my talented teammates and have the opportunity to lead them as captain for the 2026-2027 season.
My architecture journey began in high school when I joined the ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) club. My high school courses were engineering-focused, covering robot coding, CNC machinery, computer-aided design, and design proposals. I didn’t consider architecture until I joined ACE, where I competed in design competitions and learned about different industries, including architecture. I felt that pursuing an architectural career was the perfect medium for me to combine my technical studies and my creativity and love for the arts.
What kind of career do you hope to have?
In the near future, I hope to work at an architecture firm in the Charlotte area, contributing to creative, sustainable commercial projects and building my career in the industry while continuing to nurture my love for dance, either dancing professionally on an NFL cheerleading team, performing on stage, or teaching/mentoring others passionate about the art/sport like me.
What is your favorite thing about the School of Architecture?
My favorite thing about the School of Architecture is how close and community-oriented we are. Since we are a cohort of about 70 who have been together since freshman year, traveled across the world, worked on the same assignments, and learned from the same group of professors for the past three years, we have seen each other struggle, overcome obstacles, meet stressful deadlines, and experience each other’s success. We have seen the worst and best of each other and have much harder things down the line, but being with such a great team and experiencing the same exact things creates a sense of belonging and deep-rooted relationships within the architecture program.
Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts/design community?
As captain of the Gold Dusters and a 3rd-year architecture student, I serve as a dance team representative for SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee). As a representative, I participate in community service opportunities, volunteering for Samaritan’s Feet and Cool Kids Club House. I promote student-athlete-focused events to build connectivity across teams, mentor and engage young students as they pursue careers in continuing education, represent the university in leadership certifications with Bank of America and Truist, and help protect the dance team’s access to athletic facilities, opportunities, and respect within the athletic community.
Do you have any scholarships? If so, please tell us about it and how it is helping you as a student.
I am a recipient of SECU’s People Helping People Scholarship. As a busy student-athlete pursuing a sport with limited funding and a demanding major, this scholarship eases some of the financial stress of college. The People Helping People Scholarship is awarded to someone who makes an impact in their community, bettering the people around them. As I continue my studies, I strive to continue to understand and improve my environment, making a positive impact on the world.
When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?
When not in class, studying, working, or at practice, I like to go for walks on nature paths, create Pinterest boards, cook, watch YouTube, and do crafts.