We’re proud to announce the recipient of our most recent Chairish scholarship, Lexi Snyder. Lexi is studying to become an architect, with a double major in Architectural Studies and Sustainability (and a 4.19 GPA — who even knew that was possible?). She’s also working toward creating some good in her community, with the hope of founding a non-profit for other Native American students in design and architecture. As she pointed out in her application essay, less than half a percent of architects in the US are indigenous women, and she’s working her way toward improving that statistic.
Read on to learn more about Lexi and the Chairish Scholarship Program. To apply for the scholarship in the future, click here.
Can you tell us a bit about how architecture factored into your life growing up and what made you want to enter a field connected to design?
Ever since I was very young, I have always liked creating with art materials and building three-dimensional structures with paper and blocks. My parents recognized my talents and interest in design and enrolled me in a high school that offered an Interior Architectural Design Career and Technical Education program. There, I learned about the basics of design and architecture and got to travel to both Los Angeles and New York to meet industry professionals and visit architectural landmarks. I took three full years of courses in this program which really helped prepare me for studying architecture at Arizona State University.
What excites you about a career in architecture?
As an architect, I am so excited to be able to see my designs come to life. I hope to be able to create structures that people can connect with and find meaningful. I am also excited about the field of biomimicry and learning to use sustainable materials within the projects I create.
How did you hear about the Chairish Scholarship Program?
I learned about the Chairish Scholarship Program through the Arizona State University Scholarship search portal. I used the word design to find scholarships related to my major.
What does this scholarship mean to you?
I am so excited to be recognized by the design professionals at Chairish. I hope to be able to connect with and learn from the designers at Chairish. I am very thankful for the financial support that allows me to focus on my studies. I am looking forward to opportunities to travel to learn more about design and architecture as well.
You mention in your essay that you would like to start a non-profit program. Can you tell us a little bit more about that?
One of the greatest opportunities I had in high school was traveling to both New York and Los Angeles as part of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders Club at my high school. These trips allowed me to meet designers and visit architectural landmarks that I would not have been able to on my own. This in-person experience brought so much to me that I would never be able to gain through books or video. I know there are many students who live in rural communities who are not able to travel because of limited finances and distance from any nearby major cities. I have a special interest in setting up a non-profit program to provide opportunities for Native American students because they are very underrepresented in the field of design and architecture.
When you’re not in class or studying, what hobbies or activities could we find you taking part in?
I love to sketch building concepts. I use both my sketchbook with pencils and markers and I also love using the Procreate app on my iPad. I also love putting together Pinterest boards for design inspiration. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. During the summer, I work as a lifeguard at a community pool.
I have a special interest in setting up a non-profit program to provide opportunities for Native American students because they are very underrepresented in the field of design and architecture.
Lexi Snyder
If you could select items on the site to furnish your current living quarters, what would they be?
I love the colors in this photo! I think it would be perfect for my college apartment as I want the decor to feel young and fun.
I think this rolling trolley would be perfect to display small decor pieces or to even act as a side table.
I really love the warm tone and style of this sofa. I think it would be the perfect piece in a college apartment as it looks stylish and comfy and is not too structured.
I love the organic shape and gold color of this coffee table. I think it would add interest to the space as well as acting as a functional piece.
I think this chandelier would reinforce the theme of gold accents that I want in my space. I love how the chandelier has straight lines that contrast with the organic shape of the gold coffee table.
I love the simplicity of this dining table and think it would bring together all of the items in my space.
I love these dining chairs because their style gives a retro yet hip vibe to the space, and their emerald color matches the photograph art piece I chose.
I think this area rug has the perfect subtle pattern that would add extra texture and depth to my space.
