Q&A with Carlos Cepeda Gómez

Was there a moment at WashU that your perspective on architecture really changed?
During my fall semester of sophomore year, which marked our return from COVID-altered classes, I got a glimpse of the real nature of our field. I discovered the inherently humane, collaborative, and empathetic ethos that comes from studio culture. Unlike any other discipline, architecture encourages a deeply collaborative approach, and I am grateful for the physical and ideological conception of the studio. In these spaces, I’ve engaged in some of the most philosophical, thorough, and complex discussions about architecture and its intersections with sociology, science, and various other fields alongside my peers. The studio environment fosters a culture where such interdisciplinary conversations thrive.

How has your creative work changed from four years ago?
My work has undergone a significant evolution during my time in the Sam Fox School, progressing from unresolved and aesthetically driven designs to projects that are now much more thoughtful and complex in their conceptual, visual, and ideological qualities. This transformation in my creative process has been greatly influenced by exposure to a diverse array of professors. Each professor has imparted their unique processes, pedagogy, conception about architecture, and representational methods, enriching my approach to design and pushing me to explore new realms. As a result, my studio work has become a more nuanced understanding of architecture centered around the concept and process over the deliverable.

What is a small thing you learned in class that’s had a big impact on your work?
During my time at WashU, particularly in my junior and senior years, I underwent a profound shift in my perception of architecture and I unlearned to think of the field as only the palpable projects architects are known for making. For example, thanks to Matthew Bernstine’s course, Informal Cities: The Future of Global Urbanism, I learned to see architecture not just as a predetermined practice, but as a dynamic tool intersecting with sociology, policy, and community engagement. This expanded view revealed architecture’s broader role beyond pure design, emphasizing its capacity for social impact and innovative problem-solving. Sometimes even the most architectural responses don’t involve building anything at all.

How are your plans different than what you thought four years ago?
Looking retrospectively, I understand that my time at the Sam Fox School and WashU was more than mere completion of classes and meeting graduation requirements. Rather, each class has been a learning experience, revealing not only my preferences and dislikes but also the questions I aspire to answer. These interactions in and outside of class have equipped me with invaluable tools and insights, shaping my decision to further my academic journey in graduate school, while focusing on my interests.