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Ian Naquin received his Master of Architecture degree at the Graduate School Commencement ceremony on Saturday, where he was recognized as a Spring 2021 Alumni Association Outstanding Master’s Graduate.

He “leads by example in the most quietly humble way possible” and has “proven his reputation for academic excellence and dedication to service to the School of Architecture and Design, University at large, and the local community,” attests Ashlie Latiolais, associate professor and graduate coordinator for the master’s in architecture program.

For his project “Da Berry Fresh Market,” Ian worked with the owner of Da Berry Community Garden in New Iberia to create an adaptive reuse project including communal space for a farmer’s market and performances, as well as green dining and planting spaces. He immersed himself in the community, participating in gardening and children’s literacy efforts for the Brown Sugar Festival, and solidified additional funding from private investors.

“The impact of his work was momentous, all while being kind, respectful, and humble to his skills,” Latiolais says. “This heart-felt response to this community takes constant diligence and work ethic which makes him an integral role model to his peers.”

Ian has also made numerous contributions to the University through his work with the Office of Sustainability. Working with staff in Facilities Management, he designed a street side bioswale for Hebrard Boulevard to reduce street flooding and stormwater runoff while improving the pedestrian experience. He also worked with Director of Sustainability Gretchen LaCombe Vanicor and local architect Steve Oubre on a proposal to revitalize Johnston Street. Other projects included the design of a pocket park and memorial for Amédé Ardoin and assisting with the Zero Waste food recovery program at UL Lafayette football games.

LaCombe Vanicor praises Ian as an “exceptional leader and role model,” who was ready and willing to do “the often dirty work of sustainability and service.”

His commitment to better the built environment extended to his Master’s Project, “Reminiscence Through Architecture,” which addressed the mental health and well-being of the elderly population by facilitating connections with nature. This project was awarded the Thesis Faculty Award by the School of Architecture.

Ian has “already begun to make his mark on the profession,” Latiolais notes, through both his professional architectural internships and graduate school experiences.

“I have learned that his combination of commitment, perseverance, and creativity will certainly make him an excellent asset to humanity, a proud alumnus of UL Lafayette, and create a real impact on the architectural community at large,” she says.

Ian looks forward to furthering his career at an architectural firm where he can put his skills and abilities into practice.