The Deller Prize in Sustainable Architecture and Real Estate has been established by the Deller family of Quito, Ecuador in recognition of the depth and breadth of education that Adriel Deller (B.Arch 2013) received at the Carnegie Mellon School of Architecture. While a student, Adriel learned the importance of integrated design to achieve aesthetic quality, environmental effectiveness and economic equity.
“For me, the experience at CMU was one of the most transformative times of my life,” says Adriel. “What I most enjoyed and appreciated about the university was the diverse and talented student body and faculty. CMU allowed me to be surrounded by people of all different backgrounds, and the unique course offerings and flexible schedule allowed me to find my passion, which is at the intersection of architecture, real estate and sustainability.”
The Deller Family created this award to encourage architecture students to pursue non-traditional career paths, specifically to grow their skills in the specialty of design, construction and sustainability under the umbrella of the real estate business. The Deller Family aspires that this award will to encourage architecture students to expand their horizons and to move outside of the comfort zone of a typical architecture student in order to prepare these students for careers this will have a meaningful impact on the world and the architecture profession.
The award places a strong emphasis on sustainability as inspired by Adriel’s experience taking John Folan’s Issues of Practice course, and classes with the professors in the Intelligent Workplace; in particular, Vivian Loftness’ Enviro I class and Nina Baird’s LEED course.
Carnegie Mellon School of Architecture B.Arch students in their 4th year who are in good standing and have satisfactorily completed the requisite coursework will be nominated to compete for this prize.
The student who is awarded the Deller Prize will receive a non-qualified scholarship in the amount of $4,500 to support travel, projects or materials to enhance their educational experience, and will have the opportunity for a paid internship with the Deller Companies in Quito, Ecuador during the summer between their 4th and 5th years. The award application will be released at the start of the 2017 Fall semester.
“Having the opportunity to put innovative, cutting-edge ideas into design practice was the most valuable part of the CMU experience for me,” says Adriel. “This award will help to further encourage this level of creative inquiry moving forward.”