As an MArch candidate and graduate employee at the University of Oregon, I have assisted in teaching Building Construction and Human Context classes, gaining leadership experience and deepening my architectural knowledge. Working with the Institute for Health in the Built Environment, I have forged relationships with industry partners towards creating a circular mass timber building economy, exploring the opportunities and challenges surrounding material reuse. Three years of experience working in carpentry has taught me much about the building process, and given me an appreciation of craft and detail. I am interested in architecture as a way to design for the future. Some of the most pressing design challenges of our time come from environmental and social issues; addressing these challenges forms a large part of my current academic and professional interest. Link to architecture portfolio: https://issuu.com/benmichelarch/docs/portfolio_bmichel_2024_pages_c