‘Starchitect’ is a term used to describe a high-profile architect. People in the architecture field probably know this term well and may have even dreamed of meeting a famous architect. That dream became a reality for U of I College of Art and Architecture graduate student Mason Miles.
In April 2024, after submitting his portfolio, Miles was admitted to the ‘T’ Space Architecture Residency, an extremely competitive program founded by internationally acclaimed architect Steven Holl.
Pursuing a passion
Miles grew up interested in architecture, art and design, and initially set out to pursue an architecture degree at U of I. After a change of plans, he studied anthropology at North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene. While earning his associate's degree, he worked at a local art gallery, where he had his first real introduction to the arts.
“Every month, the gallery would host an art show, and I would design the layout of the show and photograph the artwork,” Miles said. “I realized then that I wanted to do something in a creative field.”
Never letting go of his initial dream to pursue architecture, Miles moved to Boise in 2019 and earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture from U of I Boise. Now, in the final semester of the architecture master’s degree program at U of I Boise, he has enjoyed studying architecture in the Treasure Valley.
“It’s nice being in an urban environment that’s growing,” Miles said. “You can walk around downtown and see four or five projects being built.”
‘T’ Space
Through U of I’s College of Art and Architecture community in Boise, Miles learned about the residency program founded by internationally acclaimed architect Steven Holl.
Holl is considered one of America’s most important architects. In 1977, he established Steven Holl Architects in New York City. He’s been recognized with architecture’s most prestigious awards and prizes, and Time Magazine declared him America’s Best Architect in 2001.
“This prestigious program provides an intensive studio environment, challenging participants to think and design critically,” said Dwaine Carver, U of I Boise associate professor of architecture. “It includes design critiques, lectures and conversations with invited artists, writers and architects from around the world.”
The residency program is extremely competitive, with only five students and young professionals in architecture, design and visual arts selected worldwide.
"This is the second time a U of I Boise architecture student has been admitted to ‘T’ Space,” said Carver.
The 2024 summer residency began in July with a 25-day intensive architecture studio.
Studios at U of I really helped me fine-tune my design skills. Ultimately, I feel like every studio and professor I’ve had helped me get to where I am today.
Mason Miles
Architecture master’s student
“The first three weeks of the residency were all online — it was very fast and intense,” Miles said. “We’d meet every day and would have a mix of lectures from architects and artists from around the world.”
During the architecture studio, residents met regularly with the program host and director to discuss the main project — developing a conceptual design for an educational pavilion in Hudson, New York.
Their task was to develop design concepts through their own experiments, which included developing various architectural drawings and models. Miles carefully carved his architectural model out of soap — creating a stunning piece that accompanied his final presentation to the residency team.
Visiting the grounds
At the end of the summer, the residents gathered in Rhinebeck, New York, to visit the grounds of the ‘T’ Space campus and nearby architectural sites. This trip was a highlight of the program for Miles.
“My favorite part of the experience was getting to meet everyone in New York,” Miles said. “Being able to meet Steven Holl and shake his hand was a bit of a star-struck moment for me.”
The residents were invited to visit Holl’s archive, which houses over 20,000 of his watercolors and project models. For Miles, seeing everything created for one project was insightful.
Miles will graduate with his master’s degree in Spring 2025, and values the knowledge and skills he gained at U of I.
“Studios at U of I really helped me fine-tune my design skills,” said Miles.” “Ultimately, I feel like every studio and professor I’ve had helped me get to where I am today.”