Zuzanna Bojarska has been an DE volunteer for the past two years. She works for SLAM Collaborative and loves combining her passion for architecture with exposure to her craft within the classroom. While volunteering at schools like William D. Kelley School or Alexander Adaire Elementary School,  Zuzanna has made it her goal to ensure all students feel like they can grow up and become an architect. Zuzanna is a critical piece of our DE puzzle, and we are grateful to have her as a volunteer.


Q: Why is design important to expose/share with students?  
A: "When we are children, the environment we spend our time in impacts our development and learning. From home designs to city designs, each gives us a different feeling. Exposing these concepts to children help them understand how spaces make them feel. Figuring out why it makes them feel that way and investigating what they would change to improve it is the thinking I hope can further grow into adulthood while having individuals confident in leading the conversation towards better living or public spaces within their neighborhoods and beyond."

Q: The main goal for DE is to provide equitable education and access to Philadelphia communities. How do you feel that goal has personally affected you? 
A: "When I was younger and more curious than ever, architecture seemed like something “only boys could partake in”. Diversifying design professions is something we all should be working towards. Everyone should feel like they can be an architect. There should not be a visual standard to becoming an architect or designer."

Q: Describe the moment that made this opportunity feel the most fulfilling. 
A: It has been rewarding to see the students' confidence grow in the classroom whether it was through participation, asking questions, or their artistic expression. Seeing students in the zone when creating their projects makes all the preparation and planning of activities worth it."

Q: How did volunteering in this program assist your management and presentation styles in your career?  
A: "I learned that simplifying vocabulary and information into more digestible chunks is just as helpful when presenting to different clients! Creating mini activities to gain more insight is another beneficial tool I learned which has been positive in my career so far within program planning and design stages."

Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in volunteering in the DE program? 
A: "Go for it! Bringing back the child version of yourself full of curiosity about design should be something fun you can share to spark that curiosity in students too!"

Interested in volunteering with DE? Please reach out to Michael Spain (michael@philadelphiacfa.org), Liza Niles (liza@philadelphiacfa.org), or Carly Clifford (carly@philadelphiacfa.org) for more information.