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Bristol, R.I. – A little more than seven years ago, Ryan DeSanctis '23 attended the RWU Summer Academy of Architecture, where he cemented his interest in architecture and knew that it was at ɫ����̳ where he wanted to get his degree.

Between the design-oriented studios, hands-on curriculum, and close collaboration with faculty, the academic experience prior to his senior year of high school “gave me a good idea of what architecture school would be like.”

This May, he will complete his academic journey, earning his ɫ����̳ in Architecture and a Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation. From serving as Vice President of the  (AIAS) on campus to traveling abroad and interning at an architectural firm, DeSanctis has spent the last six years at RWU building toward his dream.

DeSanctis first graduated from RWU in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a degree in Art and Architectural History. “Staying at RWU [for a master’s degree] just made sense to me. I already had great relationships with professors and knew what the studio culture was like. And the certificate let me go deeper into preservation,” he said.

Throughout his time at RWU, the university’s location proved to be a launchpad in making his studies even more relevant. Initially drawn to the Bristol campus for its beauty and proximity to his hometown of Gorham, Maine, DeSanctis said his appreciation for the architecture, beauty and offerings of the area only grew over time.

From the urban developments of Providence to the historic buildings of Newport, he noted that academic site visits to these places expanded his architectural lens. “New England is special because on one hand you have the new, but on the other, the old buildings are not just objects – they're conversations between the past and the present.” 

With this tie between old and new, DeSanctis admired new designs while experiencing a special connection with preserving old buildings that have stood the test of time. This drove his interest in Historic Preservation.

While pursuing his master’s degree, DeSanctis took on a role as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Cummings School of Architecture, where he worked on architectural documentation and historic preservation projects. “ɫ����̳ architecture program was full of field opportunities. I didn’t just sit in a classroom – I worked on real buildings, on real problems, from day one,” he said. His academic foundation helped him land an internship at Port City Architecture in Portland, Maine, where he focused on community-driven design and sustainable practices.

When he first arrived on campus as a first-year student, DeSanctis described himself as shy. But thanks to ɫ����̳ engaged faculty and welcoming studio culture, he quickly found a sense of belonging. His involvement in student organizations, particularly as Vice President of AIAS, allowed him to mentor younger students and foster collaboration between undergraduate and graduate peers.

DeSanctis also took full advantage of ɫ����̳ study abroad programs. He participated in a two-week program in Brazil and visited Switzerland through his graduate studio, broadening his global design perspective. “That trip really gave me context for what we learn in class. You see how buildings reflect culture, history, politics – everything. It was amazing to see how different cultures approach preservation and design.”

After graduating this May, DeSanctis will return to Port City Architecture full-time, beginning his journey toward professional licensure. Though he’ll be leaving RWU for now, he hasn’t ruled out pursuing a post-professional degree in the future. When asked what advice he’d give to incoming students, he said: “The best advice I could give is to just say yes to things. Especially when it feels like a challenge or something outside what you're comfortable doing – that’s usually where the growth happens.”