Unconventional Students at Rice: Gabriella Feuillet embraces global architecture and experience

Gabriella Feuillet is an architecture student enrolled in the BArch program, a five-year course of study. Originating from San Antonio, Texas, Gabriella's journey in architecture is marked by a unique educational structure. The program she is part of allows students to earn a degree after four years, followed by an internship, referred to as a preceptorship, before returning for a final, fifth year of study. This structure offers an invaluable opportunity to gain real-world experience in the industry, providing a fresh perspective and practical insights that can be applied to academic projects upon returning.
Gabriella was initially drawn to the program due to its intimate class size, starting with 20 to 24 students. This small cohort fosters a close-knit environment, enabling students to form connections and learn extensively from one another's talents. The emphasis on design thinking, problem-solving, and the study of history and theory at Rice Architecture deeply resonates with her, fueling her motivation and inspiration.
Another aspect that significantly influenced Gabriella's educational journey is the program's international perspective. After her sophomore year, she embarked on a research project in Morocco alongside her studio mate and friend, Harish Krishnamoorthy. Their focus was on the architectural impact of Chefchaouen's renowned blue buildings. This experience, coupled with the exposure to international students and faculty, has greatly enriched her understanding and appreciation of global architectural practices.
Feeling empowered and well-prepared, Gabriella looks forward to entering the design and architectural fields. Her education, bolstered by a year of professional experience and exposure to remarkable architecture through travel and expert lectures, has been deeply inspiring. Surrounded by brilliant classmates, she is constantly driven to innovate and challenge herself, striving to become a better designer, problem solver, and visual communicator.