Michelle Boyoung Huh, MID II '21

Why did you choose The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture?

With an educational background in architecture and years of experience in retail design, I wanted to pursue my master’s in a program that supports advanced design study and self-directed research. UTSOA’s Master of Interior Design post-professional program was the best fit for me because of its advanced studio structure, the electives the school offered, and my ability to develop a thesis based on my specific interests. 

Describe your current role and the work that you do. 

I am an assistant professor in the Department of Interior Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas. This semester, I am teaching a 2nd year undergraduate design studio and an advanced design studio while also conducting research around how technology is changing the built environment.

What’s something you’ve worked on recently? 

Recently, my essay 'Korean Public Bathhouse: Potential of Interiority' was published in the journal Interiority. The essay introduces the Korean public bathhouse in terms of the program, spatial structure, and meaning of memory to demonstrate the potential of interiority. I’m also conducting research focused on the application of VR in design education and how the physical quality of spatial perception is impacted by the metaverse. 

How did UTSOA prepare you for your career?

The post-professional master's program played a critical role in pivoting my career from design practice to academia. Through the degree program at UTSOA, I was able to find my specific interests and area of expertise, and it gave me the space to conceptually explore changes within the built environment and contemporary design issues. 

What is an important lesson you learned here that has stayed with you? 

The master's program really drove home for me the critical role that designers play in shaping an individual's life and shaping society. The issue of diversity and equity was also vital lesson for me, as I was raised in Korea, which is a relatively homogeneous country, ethically and linguistically. Because of the program, I’m now able to explore, both through my research and my teaching, how we, as designers, can use our capabilities to create a better environment and to bring attention to complex issues.

What were some of the more memorable classes or experiences from your time at the school?

I can't pick one because everything about the program was meaningful for me. Each of the design studios and elective classes introduced different design strategies and skills, and valuable new perspectives on global issues. I also really enjoyed my thesis project which looked at the potential of digital technologies and the phenomena of interiority, which I am continuing to develop in my current research.