HFR Designers Return to KSU as Guest Reviewers, Inspiring the Next Generation of Architects

October 2025 – Two designers from Hill Foley Rossi, Carolina Moratt and Piyarudee “Apple” Prasopphakdi, recently returned to the academic setting as guest reviewers for a design studio at Kennesaw State University’s Department of Architecture. Invited by Professor Edwin Angulo, Assistant Professor of Architecture, the pair joined a panel of professionals and faculty to evaluate student projects, offer feedback, and share insights from their work in architectural practice. For both, the experience was a meaningful intersection of education and professional life—a chance to give back to the institution that shapes the next generation of architects.

Moratt, who earned her Bachelor of Architecture from KSU in May 2025 and now serves as an Architectural Designer I at HFR, described the review as “a key part of architecture studio classes.” Students present their projects at different stages and receive feedback from professors and guest professionals. Alongside three other reviewers—including fellow KSU alumna and a senior faculty member—Moratt and Prasopphakdi joined the discussions mid-afternoon, engaging with students and exchanging ideas about design concepts, project goals, and technical decisions.

For Prasopphakdi, who earned her Bachelor of Architecture in 2010 from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang in Thailand and now works as an Architectural Designer III at HFR, the review process was both familiar and enlightening. “It’s essentially a critique session where students present their design thinking and creativity,” she explained. “The goal is to evaluate how they understand architectural programming and problem-solving while encouraging deeper thinking.” She noted that while some students were understandably nervous, all were receptive and eager to engage—a reflection of the supportive studio culture fostered by their professors.

Both reviewers emphasized different but complementary lessons. Moratt focused on light, spatial flow, and context, urging students to explore how natural light and circulation shape user experience. She shared one memorable exchange where a student realized lighting issues in their design after she asked guiding questions about the building’s response to the sun path. Prasopphakdi, meanwhile, underscored clarity in visual communication and human-centered design—reminding students that architecture is ultimately about people, accessibility, and practicality. She encouraged them to make their drawings speak for themselves, an essential skill in professional practice.

Reflecting on the day, both designers agreed that serving as guest reviewers strengthened their own professional growth. Moratt said the experience sharpened her ability to quickly identify design challenges and stay connected to evolving trends like AI in architecture education. Prasopphakdi added that it reminded her of the importance of curiosity, communication, and mentorship in her daily work. For both, the review was not just about offering feedback—it was a reaffirmation of the continuous cycle of learning that defines great design.

Stepping out of the office and connecting with the next generation of architects is part of HFR’s mission to shepherd new talent into the architectural and engineering disciplines. Thank you to Carolina and Apple for sharing their time and expertise with the next generation of talent.