Fresh out of college, architecture graduate Justin Rabjohn was able to find a job in an economy where many industries were unsure of their future. His employer was impressed with the well-rounded knowledge he had gained in the architecture program Delhi. Below, learn more about Justin's experiences at Delhi and beyond.

Major: Architectural Design and Building (BT)

Hometown: Brockport, NY

Why did you choose SUNY Delhi? Delhi was always on my radar because both my grandfather and my father graduated from SUNY Delhi. I was looking for architecture programs, and SUNY Delhi was the most welcoming campus I visited. The professors were very approachable and talked to me about the structure of the program and the transition from high school. I like how the campus is set up so that all the buildings together instead of being scattered around town. I also liked the smaller size of the college. It has that family feeling.

How did you decide to major in architecture? I took an architecture class in my senior year of high school and really enjoyed it. I also liked science and technology. I felt like architecture was a good path for me – a combination of science and creativity. I especially like SUNY Delhi’s approach to architecture which has a big emphasis on construction. It gives you a great advantage in the job market where you are expected to understand both design and building. A lot of other schools don’t have that hands-on aspect and focus more on theory. As hard as it was sometimes to get up early for the construction labs, I’m glad I learned how to swing a hammer and build prototypes. It gives you a sense of realism. The program itself is very close-knit. We spent so much time together in the lab every day so we became a family.

I especially like SUNY Delhi’s approach to architecture which has a big emphasis on construction. It gives you a great advantage in the job market where you are expected to understand both design and building.

What are some of your fondest memories from SUNY Delhi? I came to college wanting to get involved in things. In my freshman year, I attended a lot of different meetings and ended up joining the Architecture Club and later the Student Senate. Through that, I became involved in the CADI board and other committees such as the dining committee and the Starbucks committee where we got to help design the layout of the new Starbucks café on campus. These were great experiences and helped develop my leadership skills. Through the Senate, I was able to attend SUNY leadership conferences and network with leaders from other SUNY campuses. These experiences have been very beneficial and I’m glad I was able to find the kinds of activities I was interested in at Delhi.

What were some of the challenges? Architecture is not an easy program. There are a lot of assignments, and the design process is very detailed. It can be overwhelming, and you have to be committed to it. Because the classes are so time-consuming, you have to learn to manage your time between doing assignments and keeping up with friends both in college and back home.

Tell us about your current job! I applied to every possible architecture firm in the Rochester area. I was offered an interview with Passero Associates, a well-known, sizable company. In the interview, they asked me very construction-oriented questions, and it really clicked in my brain that this is what Delhi prepared me for with the special focus on the construction side of architecture. As an architect, you have to know both. I was able to answer their questions, and they were impressed. I was hired as an intern. I’ve been told they like my work and work ethic and have offered me the opportunity to continue working my way towards becoming an architectural designer and eventually a fully licensed architect. In my work, I do a lot of drafting with software. The company works on many projects that involve converting existing buildings into low-income housing. I also do some design work. It is interesting to consider different strategies and options. I enjoy my job. I appreciate that the company offers you opportunities for professional development, such as different committees or mentorships.

Delhi’s program has a different design focus each year which allows you to hone in on many areas of architecture and explore what you like.

How well did Delhi's architecture program prepare you for the real world? Delhi’s program has a different design focus each year which allows you to hone in on many areas of architecture and explore what you like. For example, my sophomore year was geared towards residential architecture, whereas my junior year was about urban design and city planning. I really liked our project that year: we got to revamp and re-imagine the Town of Delhi. In my senior year, we studied the concept of light and how it is used in public buildings. We took field trips to museums. You also get a good foundation for a possible focus on civil engineering. The program is more than architecture. Working in the industry now, there have definitely been times when everything has come full circle, and I realize how we were specifically prepared to do this.

Your plans for the future? I’m taking Professor Brook Denison’s advice and getting some years in the workforce and then pursuing a master’s degree. My family owns a business so I’ve grown up with an entrepreneurial background and can see myself pursuing that route. I don’t know exactly what my business would be yet, but I enjoy having that leadership position. The company I’m working at now also offers opportunities for growth. A lot of their interns are now top architects. I see a many possibilities for my future.