Class of 2020: Tristan Govreau
Architecture major and Colorado native Tristan Govreau will graduate with a certificate in lighting design and plans to attend graduate school at the University of Oregon School of Architecture & Environment.
To my fellow graduates of 2020, you guys are badasses! Coming into CU Boulder in 2016, I was inspired and motivated to push myself because of the efforts you all put in. I am so impressed with the incredible work produced over the past four years, and the level of quality never wavered. Even when faced with the challenges posed by COVID-19, you all continued to create and design at the highest level. Thank you all for staying motivated and being the supportive, weird community that makes ENVD feel like family!
What inspired you to come to ENVD?
After budding interests in medicine, political science, and culinary arts in high school, I knew I wanted to do something meticulous and challenging. However, I also felt obligated to pursue a career that would allow me to create. ENVD allows students to grow into multi-faceted designers, regularly pushing the boundaries of their own creations. I feel as though the driven, enthusiastic culture that ENVD exhibited (during my campus visit) is what most inspired me when choosing Environmental Design at CU over other programs.
What is one of the greatest experiences or lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you'll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
Although I was not particularly thrilled at the time(s), I do cherish the models/projects requiring me to stay in studio beyond hours of operation (or pull an all-nighter at my desk). Even if pressed for time, the genuine, concerted efforts put towards last-minute tweaks and reiterations often resulted in my best work. The absolute best part of these late-night studio stints are the students who stick it out with you. To all the brilliant designers who felt the time-crunch at one point or another: you are amazing and you made it!
Favorite memory?
Most of my favorite memories from Environmental Design were cultivated in Professor Ping Xu's classes. Both in her Architectural Studios and in her Architectural Graphics class, Ping never fails to inspire (on an individual basis AND on a class-wide scale). Brilliant gems of wisdom, including: "be distinguished", "no grandma's feet", "GUMPTION!" and "NO PANCAKE!" are but a few examples that have been added to my lexicon of "Ping-lish."
What are your plans beyond graduation?
After being accepted to my top-choice graduate programs, I am thrilled to attend the University of Oregon in the fall. I will be attending the School of Architecture & Environment in Portland to pursue a Master of Architecture degree. Over the summer, I am staying busy with landscaping and design work, while working towards becoming a LEED Green Associate (GA).