Mia Tabor

Mia Tabor
Design Construction Integration (CM)

What made you decide to choose your specific major?

I started in the engineering program pursuing Civil Engineering, and as I continued through the First Year Engineering program, I realized that as someone with a more creative mind I needed more design and creativity in my degree. I considered switching to Architecture, but wanted to take advantage of the STEM program at Purdue. I was taking a Construction Graphics course at the time and really loved it, and while researching Graphics and Construction majors I found Design Construction Integration. It was a great combination of engineering and design, with a lot of design studios that looked like exactly what I wanted to do.

What are a couple of your favorite things about your program of study?

My major is a perfect blend of technical knowledge and design. I get to take design courses, learn about the principles of design, the design process, and different architectural periods and influences while also learning how the actual construction process works, the math behind stable buildings, and applicable technology skills. It is a very well-rounded education and sets students up for success in all aspects of the construction/architecture industry.

What has been one of your favorite class projects?

I loved designing my classmate’s dream house for her in my first design lab. It was my first experience working with a ‘client’ and figuring out how to make her vision work with the constraints we were given was a super fun challenge!

What other activities are you involved in on campus?

I started a pop-funk brass band called Brass Iron Skillet! (check us out on Spotify) I am also involved in the jazz bands and the basketball pep band.

What was something unique about one of your summer internships?

In my very first internship I got to help design a new apartment complex, and they invited me back to see the finished product this past December.

What do you know about your program of study now that you wish someone had told you when you were choosing a major?

I wish I had known my program existed at all! When I started at Purdue it was a very small program with only 11 students and almost no one was aware of it. Now it is growing rapidly and starting to become more popular and well-known.

What would be one piece of advice for prospective students or new Purdue students?

Make sure you join/start at least one club that you enjoy, whether that means joining a jazz class or the outing club, there are so many different options and making a little bit of time each week to do something you enjoy will make all the difference in your success at Purdue! It’s super easy to spend all of your time studying, so set a aside 2-3 hours a week to give yourself a break and expand your horizons.

Have questions? Email me at matabor@purdue.edu