Jessica Pasma

Hometown
Lake Bluff, IL, United States

Degree Program(s)
B.S. Arch, M.Arch

Graduation Date
May 2028

Academic Areas of Interest
Architecture

Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Drawing, playing sports, and being outside

Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
Taubman College is a wonderful program that provides the resources and opportunities that a big university can offer with the connections and relationships that can only be experienced in a small program! As a prospective student to Taubman a few years back, it was very easy for me to tell that at Taubman my professors would be equally as invested in me as a student as I would be in their material and expertise. That doesn’t just happen by accident! Taubman has built an amazing community of very talented and passionate professors as well as very caring and intelligent advisors who really take time to get to know you as a student.

Where did you transfer from and what was the transfer experience like?
I transferred into Taubman after spending my Freshman and Sophomore years at Hope College, located in Holland, MI. I loved it at Hope and was a little worried about moving into such a large environment, but with the support I received from admissions, advisors, and professors, my transition was a very exciting time! The summer transfer studio (UG0) was also extremely helpful! While it was intense, I am so glad that they have transfer students go through it! It helps you get used to desk crits, review sessions, pin-up presentations, and all of the digital software that we use here at Taubman. It gave me the opportunity to dive headfirst into what I am passionate about while preparing for my first fall semester at Taubman!

What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
It is so unique! Everyone is so invested in each other, not just as classmates, but as friends. Moving through a design program gives you the opportunity to truly get to know people and their passions. Conversations can turn from “bouncing ideas” off of each other to becoming totally engulfed in the passion that another person has for their project! It really is so cool!

If applicable, tell us about studio culture – what is inspiring or innovative or unique?
Each studio is so unique. Every professor brings their own niche interests and presents them in a way that, by the end of the semester, has all of us students passionate about it right alongside them!

Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
During my time at Taubman, I have developed a deep respect for the professors and staff. I have had a handful of professors that have truly guided me through the process of developing myself as a designer and their help has gone hand in hand with the assistance I have received from the advising teams at Taubman who have been in my corner since the very beginning. It truly is such a unique experience to have!

What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
Being at such a large university gives you the incredible experience of being around tens of thousands of people, all from different places! I think that being in a design program brings this fact to the forefront of our education. It is so incredible to sit at a studio table and listen to classmates talk about how they approach the design process. Each person truly approaches it differently and you learn from one another as you go through the program together!

What do you like most about being part of the Ann Arbor community?
Ann Arbor is such an amazing place! It is a thriving mid-size city with all of the convenience that a big-city would have to offer. With trains and busses it is easy to get from place to place and the culture in Ann Arbor is amazing as well. So many different cuisines and fun annual activities (like the art fest!) to explore. And of course, nothing beats a Saturday at the Big House!

What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
Get to know Taubman College! Reach out to the advising teams, they are such a helpful resource to someone who is considering Architecture school at Michigan, and be sure to visit if you can! It is so cool to walk through Taubman while it is buzzing with ideas and projects. Come witness it in action and get to know Ann Arbor, it is such a fun place!

What are your plans after graduation?
After completing the B.S. program, I decided to move right into grad school here at Taubman with hopes of eventually pursuing licensure!

Additional advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective students?
Soak it all in! Architecture school is such a unique experience in every way. Get to know your professors, take time to invest in the relationships with your classmates, and truly use this time and the resources that Taubman gives you to develop yourself as a designer. Research endlessly, push yourself rigorously, and design passionately!