Sustainable Architecture MS Personal Purpose Statement
- Robert Edinger
- Jul 8, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago

My parents hail from the Middle East, and I was raised in California in a disciplined household that prioritized education, particularly in math and science. Despite this, my true passion soon emerged in the arts and architecture. Art History became my favorite subject in high school, and I also took drawing and drafting classes at our local community college. Additionally, I volunteered at a local architecture firm to gain insight into the field.
I chose to attend UXX for college, where I earned a degree in environmental studies. I selected this major due to my love for the environment and my strong desire to become a green architect. During my college years, I completed three internships. In my first role, I focused on researching and applying for grants for a program that supported green entrepreneurs. I thoroughly enjoyed assisting students locally and across the Bay Area in securing funding for innovative projects related to green education. I also organized fundraisers and established connections with foundations that could potentially support our programs.
In my second internship, I worked with a local green architect, XXXX, managing her website content and adding information to educate the public about "green" practices. I helped her market her services by identifying conferences and workshops she could attend. My third internship was with XXXX Architects and Builders—XXXX and XXXX, in Capitola, CA. There, I performed routine office tasks to ensure the firm operated smoothly. I assisted them in publishing their work on platforms like Architectural Record, Arch Daily, Architizer, Homestyle, Custom Home, and contributed to an architecture book currently being published by XXXX in Japan. I created 3D renderings of their sketches using Google Sketchup, hosted events in architect-designed homes, and addressed detailed inquiries from prospective clients and homeowners. I learned basic AutoCAD and worked on topography, elevations, and basic interior plans for projects. I assisted in obtaining building and planning permits, created materials boards using Photoshop, and reviewed building codes to ensure compliance. Additionally, I selected interior accessories for homes under construction, such as lighting, hardware, tubs, and tiles, and worked on job sites assisting with construction.
I aspire to one day own an architecture firm with my sister, who is studying to be an interior designer. My primary professional goal is to advocate for green architecture. I aim to dedicate my life to creatively integrating buildings with their natural surroundings, focusing on energy efficiency. I have always admired XXXX, a renowned architect related to my father, and I hope to work with her firm after completing my master's degree. I respect her resolve not to be limited by her identity as a Middle Eastern woman. Her work inspires me to think creatively and design not just functional buildings, but works of art.
My long-term ambition is to establish an architectural firm that caters to corporations interested in leading the way and setting an example for smaller businesses in creatively honoring and preserving our natural environment while maximizing economic productivity.
Sustainable Architecture MS Personal Purpose Statement






The applicant conveys a genuine love for the arts and architecture, rooted in early experiences with art history, drawing, and drafting. Their transition from a math-and-science-focused upbringing to a creative pursuit highlights resilience and self-discovery. A degree in Environmental Studies provides a strong foundation for sustainable architecture. This choice reflects a thoughtful alignment between personal passion and global priorities, particularly the integration of environmental awareness into architectural practice. Three diverse internships demonstrate hands-on engagement with the profession. From grant research and fundraising for green entrepreneurs to marketing for a local architect and technical work with a larger firm, the applicant shows versatility and readiness for graduate-level study. Their skills in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, and building code research highlight technical competence.…