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Faculty Spotlight: Bailey Shugart

Bailey Shugart is an Adjunct Faculty member at Woodbury and Director of the Wedge Gallery. She is co-founder and principal of All Black Form, an international practice based in Los Angeles. Their expertise is based on the experimental techniques in animation software, scripting, alongside academic research. Shugart currently holds a teaching position at Woodbury in the Interior Architecture and Architecture programs. We caught up with Bailey to discuss advanced modeling, curating, and how she balances practice and teaching

Interview with Bailey Shugart

Bailey Shugart, Faculty, School of Architecture

What do you enjoy most about teaching at Woodbury?

I’ve enjoyed the flexibility to be creative with my classes since I have been given the freedom to design and set up what the course output is. I have been able to experiment and implement ideas that I think in turn engage my students with the architectural discussion as well as motivate them to push themselves on their own level. Since I am newer to the academic profession, every semester brings a new experience and lesson.

In addition to my teaching, this past year I have been curating the Wedge Gallery which has been a wonderful experience. I have been able to bring in multiple young architects and designers from different backgrounds in hopes of activating the space as well as engaging the students interest to contemporary issues.

What classes do you teach and which is your favorite? Why?

Currently I am teaching an advanced Rhino Workshop, Design Communications for Interior Architecture, and Interior Architecture Thesis. Since I hold a degree in both Interior Design as well as a Master of Architecture, I oscillate between both the Architecture and Interior Departments which has been amazing to be able to have this flexibility.

My current favorite class as far as output has been my Design Com Seminar. My course is focusing on a formal outcome derived from the rediscovery of a vanishing point as a vehicle to create spatial artifacts, and the work that is being generated is quite compelling.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment, personally or professionally?

My greatest accomplishment at this moment in my life would be my practice ‘All Black Form’. Although we are still young and I am still at the beginning stages of figuring out not only how to manage operations as well as trying to find time to keep up with the design load, it has been the most gratifying for me. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to work for myself and to spread my passion for design as I desire. My company has been able to fulfill my creative outlet for designing architectural spaces as well as further developing my knowledge in academia through our design workshops. It has been a bridge between the professional and academic world of design that I never imagined.

What would you say to a prospective student who is considering Woodbury University?

I would tell them that now is a better time than ever to join the Woodbury community. In my two years of being here, I have seen a tremendous shift in the faculty to find new ways to revitalize and enrich the architecture and interior architecture program. From the newly appointed dean and department chairs, all the way to the updated campus resources, I believe it’s a great moment to be entering the discipline here at Woodbury.

How has your academic or professional experiences shaped your teaching?

I would say that my academic experience has played a more influential role in shaping my teaching style and goals. Having experienced eight and a half years straight of higher education it has made me aware of the effect a good or bad professor can have on you as a student. I know there are certain ways of teaching and communication that I would never want my own students now to have to endure. I think sometimes is easier to gravitate towards the negative memories, and say I would never do this or that to my students, but also on the contrary, there are the positive experiences where a teacher has become a mentor or guiding figure in shaping and encouraging your experience and this is what remains with me the most, and to my best ability, I try to ensure that I leave that impression with my students.

What would you hope students take away from your classes?

I would like my students to be able to walk away with a sense of confidence with their skill set and a broader range of knowledge in the discipline of architecture and design. I want to make sure they feel they have gotten something out of the class that enriches their future in the program and eventually in their professional career.

Describe your approach to teaching in 3 words.

Direct, Involved, Inspirational

Featured Image Courtesy of All Black Form

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