KENNESAW, Ga. | Jul 17, 2024

Inspiration struck Sara Clement one day during an introductory architecture course at Kennesaw State University.

Clement recalls her professor explaining how architecture can influence mental health and overall well-being. Clement had never thought of it that way before.

“It opened my eyes to ways that we, as architects can really change the way that people live, work, and play, in their inhabited environments,” Clement said.

Clement recently completed her bachelor of architecture with a minor in psychology at KSU. 

She also pursued research that intersected architecture with psychology. Her undergraduate thesis focused on the emergency department at Grady Memorial Hospital, which included searching for ways to redesign the human experience in the emergency room for both patients and staff members.

Clement specifically aimed to make the space more enjoyable without taking away from the efficiency, the main priority in the space.

Clement felt excited to tour different hospitals during her research and completed extensive dives into case studies to understand the thought behind the current designs of emergency departments. As people, we can feel and see the differences in spaces depending on the lighting, the windows or lack of windows, or the color of the walls. 

Clement became more aware of her surroundings and wanted to learn how to alter the experiences of people by changing the architecture around them. 

Dr. Pegah Zamani was Clement’s mentor for the project. Zamani is currently the director of the Research Center for Sustainable Communities and professor of architecture.

“I first met Dr. Zamani during my sophomore year of college when I took one of her classes, and we really hit it off,” Clement said. “We both had the same interests and similar goals, and I knew that she would push me to do my best. 

In June, Clement accompanied Zamani to the Environmental Design Research Association Conference in Portland, Ore., to present her research following her graduation in May. This experience gave Clement an opportunity to receive feedback from leaders in the industry where she is working.

“Sara is a fantastic student who has conducted exemplary research during her time here; her list of successes just continues,” Zamani said.

Clement was recently hired by the same firm where she interned while pursuing her bachelor’s degree, Perkins and Will in Atlanta.

During her internship, Clement worked with a healthcare team to design and innovate children’s hospitals. This experience was very fulfilling to her, and it allowed for more opportunities in the future.

– Alyssa Ozment