Kansas State's Sofia Acosta on Culture, Movement, and Community

By Julia Gamolina

Sofia Acosta will be a 2021 graduate from the Interior Architecture and Product Design master's program at Kansas State University. She is an active member of Women in Design and the Intercultural Collaborative Committee and has helped organize NOMAS events and outreach. Sofia is inspired by the way design celebrates culture, community, and expression. She designs interiors that celebrate the interaction between place, product, and user.

JG: Why did you decide to study architecture?

SA: My journey to finding a major was pretty unexpected. I was a part of a ballet school the entire time I was in school; I would go straight from school to the studio for a minimum of four hours a day, every day since I was twelve. When I finally got to my junior year of high school, I realized I really hadn’t put any thought into what would happen after I graduated. All I knew was that I loved ballet, but it would be something that I would leave behind as part of my childhood.

My school had each junior meet with a college counselor to try to identify what we wanted to pursue professionally. It was pretty intimidating to suddenly realize I had no clue what my passions were. I knew that I loved the artistic nature of ballet, I loved art classes, and that I was pretty good at math. My counselor signed me up for a career aptitude test — probably like every other high schooler who had no idea what they wanted to major in — and I landed in architecture.

I didn’t think much of this test at the time. But as college applications came around, I really started to look into the field. It was so eye-opening to see that the designed environment was such an incredible mesh of all of my interests. Drawing, scheming, illustrating mixed with movement, people, patrons, and socialization. I dove into design magazines and blogs and quickly realized this was extremely fitting for me. Architecture, specifically interior architecture, really captured the spirit that dance meant to me. Moving in a space, aware of where the walls are, and how people pass you by were all strategically choreographed by a designer.

What are some of the initiatives you’ve focused on in school, and why?

As a freshman, an older peer brought me to my first NOMAS meeting. I really enjoyed finding an organization where I could actively advocate for diversity as a Colombian American student. The yearly design competition hosted by NOMA was a great way for me to get to know older students in the college through design charettes every couple of weeks.

The group was also responsible for gathering speakers and hosting events during the annual diversity week in the architecture and design college. It was a great way for me to make professional connections and learn how to be a leader in an inclusive space. I personally really enjoyed the dialogue that the events fostered, and used this to inspire “Coffee Chats,” an event where speakers could continue discussions more casually with students and faculty following lectures.

This desire to become an active participant in larger conversations led me to pursue a role in the K-State chapter of Women in Design as well. I was able to help re-start the organization, which had been set aside, serve as the treasurer, and work to advocate for the club so that these discussions of inclusivity could become more frequent in the design college.

What was the favorite project you worked on in school? Favorite paper you wrote? Favorite extracurricular?

My favorite project was a desk accessory line I designed in my second year. It was the first product focused project in my school career, and I had no idea where to start. I chose to design three pieces for an art curator thinking that it would allow me to create a super abstract and intricate sculpture.

I ended up with a mountain of study models by the end of the three-week project. Foam, wood, ceramic, resin—you name it, I had tried to use it for these pieces. It was one of the most enjoyable design experiments I have ever done, and I often think back to how far I pushed my ideas through different mediums.

“...architecture is a synergy of community, art, movement, and culture.”

— Sofia Acosta

When searching for internships and jobs, what are you looking for?

As an almost-graduate, this is a very relevant topic for me. This moment in my design career feels very heavy—it’s the first time that I’ve had to really identify what I value both as a person and as a designer together.

The pandemic has been extremely eye-opening in showing me that I thrive on conversation and open dialogue. Not just in person, but more so the notion of mentorship or peer-driven learning. I look for firms where there are ample opportunities to ask questions or learn from colleagues who have taken unique approaches to their design careers.

What’s important to you? What inspires you?

I think that inspiring architecture is a synergy of community, art, movement, and culture. I am so moved by spaces that prioritize community and remind me that design is an artistic expression of everyday human life. Finding ways to make space feel transformative, whether it be through graphic, industrial, or architectural design, is a gift that architects get to share with others, and that feels really special.

What do you hope to do in your career?

I hope to push myself to be a maker. I want to pursue design actively and make spaces, places, and things that focus on community. Projects that focus on education, gathering, and culture have always been appealing to me as they mesh creativity and innovation.

Although I love the traditional path an interior architecture degree can provide — such as firm experience, working with a project architect, etc. — I would love to explore the design world outside of architecture. I think that there will be a whole new realm of design opportunities that embrace art and sustainability in the near future that would be amazing to be a part of.

Who do you look up to? Both in terms of women in architecture, and in general.

I love Paula Scher. Her work is incredible. I first discovered her through the Netflix show Abstract a few years ago. At first, I was just in awe of the way she talked about her career; I look up to the way she just adores design. Even her side projects show her excitement for making. She was one of the first designers who showed me that part of design is questioning the norm and pushing past it.

Veronica Fuerte who started Hey Studio is also amazing. She has captured a very cool and fresh brand through graphic and product design that is so simple but so bold. Every project she creates has a fun and experimental element.

On a more personal note, the owners of the coffee shop I worked at for a few years, Ben and Rachel Motley, are two people I will always look up to. They are examples of people believe in community, lead with love, and share such joy in their work. I hope to chase my own goals in design with the same passion.

What advice would you give to those in high school now, choosing their field of study?

It’s okay not to know what to study. Take as many classes as you can to feel what fits for you. Take advantage of job shadowing, extracurriculars, and elective classes before you graduate because they will show you what you enjoy… and even what you don’t. Choosing a field is an investment in yourself, so take the time you need to choose a path that feels fulfilling and brings you joy.