Michael Maltzan, FAIA, design principal for Michael Maltzan Architecture, began his architectural journey at Wentworth. He returned to campus for a weekend of celebrations centered around May Commencement and the hooding of the Institute’s first graduate-level students to earn a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree.
Maltzan, together with colleague and longstanding friend Nader Tehrani of Boston-based architecture firm Office dA, held an informal discussion with M.Arch. students and faculty on Saturday afternoon preceding a student exhibit and reception in the newly renovated architecture studios. Associate Professor Elizabeth Gibb said the conversations were so engaging and personal that it seemed as though they were in someone’s living room rather than an auditorium. Maltzan broke the ice by reminiscing about how, as a new graduate working at Schwartz Silver, his desk was in front of Ann Pitt’s, who would look over his shoulder and sigh when his drawings were not up to her standard. Realizing that Pitt is now an assistant professor at Wentworth, Maltzan said he has a clear understanding of the high expectations that students have to uphold.
Thesis posters from the 84 graduating M.Arch. students were on display in the studios, along with 24 top designs selected for the event. Maltzan was impressed by the quality of the work and found the energy level and enthusiasm of the students to be remarkable. He spent time listening to students discuss their theses and engaging them in discussions.
During his inspirational commencement address on Sunday, Maltzan encouraged graduates to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and to forge the kind of work and company that they wanted to enter into. He offered advice to students about the importance of ambition and persistence, trusting intuition, remaining curious, and developing a deep commitment to experiences.
