Emma Woolcott, MArch/MUD ’25

How have you evolved as a designer over the years?
I started out as a pure architect in undergrad. When I worked in residential firms for a few years, my scope of work became very detailed. I was more interested in how a design fits within the greater context of a block, neighborhood, and city, which led me to the urban design program. Now that I have worn both hats, my designs tend to zoom in and zoom out continually throughout the semester, which allows me to try and understand the systems at play within a project. I’ve become more critical of what is repeated throughout cities and try to play with techniques that challenge the norm — which is the exciting aspect of working in design.

Tell us about your degree project.
My degree project looks at streetscape intersections on vacant lots in North St. Louis as part of a larger architectural program of preventative healthcare. One challenge will be how the pedestrian interactions between the street and building can adapt over time. Another challenge will be rethinking an abandoned Family Dollar and critically designing a new nutrition source.

Why did you choose to go to graduate school at WashU?
I chose to go to WashU because of the strong connection to the community. I was swayed by the impact of the Sam Fox School’s Office for Socially Engaged Practice, which was a unique opportunity special to St. Louis. I have had so many fantastic opportunities to share designs, meet stakeholders, and feel involved within a city that I had never visited before coming to WashU. I have been blown away by the faculty’s trust and support to help me engage outside of the school. My confidence to just reach out to community members and businesses to connect has increased tenfold. 

What faculty, courses, making spaces, or other WashU resources have had a big impact on you?
The Urban Sustainability course and Degrowth course have been two of my all-time favorite classes. The authors and articles brought into class every week were enlightening to my everyday discourse as well as my designing techniques. I honestly feel like I have come out of those classes as a completely new person. Understanding my place in the world and where the future is heading has greatly impacted the way I experience cities. Both of these courses influenced me to engage in policy programs outside of the Sam Fox School and I now have an even stronger commitment to ground-up programs.

Emma Woolcott will graduate in December 2025 with a Master of Architecture and Master of Urban Design from WashU, where she is also a Sam Fox Ambassador. After graduation, she has a job lined up with PGAV Planners and plans to work in urban design and public health in the long run. She earned her undergraduate degree in architecture at the University of San Diego.