Bachelor of Science in Architecture | Portland State University 2020
Master of Regional Planning | University of Massachusetts, Amherst 2024
Master of Architecture | University of Massachusetts, Amherst 2024
Leahna Agustin is a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she earned a dual degree in Regional Planning and Architecture. During her time in Massachusetts, Leahna served as a student representative on the Western Massachusetts American Institute of Architects Board and participated as a Student Delegate at the AIA’s 2023 Women’s Leadership Summit Conference. She gained practical experience as an Architectural Graduate Assistant under Sigrid Miller Pollin, FAIA, contributing to various projects, including the Orchard Hill Pavilion at the University of Massachusetts.
In 2022, Leahna participated in her first architectural design competition, submitting her project MESH to the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) under the mentorship of Stephen Schreiber, FAIA. Her design earned a finalist position in the MBMA Student Design Competition’s Graduate Division.
In 2023, she collaborated with regional planning students, under the guidance of Camille Barchers, AICP, to develop a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) for the South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) as part of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program.
Leahna's Dual Master’s Thesis, completed in 2024, explores the adaptive reuse of New England's historical mill districts for affordable housing. Through comparative case studies, she analyzed current strategies and their effectiveness in addressing the needs of financially burdened residents. Her thesis also emphasizes techniques for memorializing a site's complex history, balancing the evolving needs and values of post-industrial cities. This process allowed her to engage with various professionals, including mill owners, developers, planners, and project architects.
Prior to her graduate studies, Leahna completed a Bachelor of Science in Architecture at Portland State University, where she was actively involved in the College of Engineering's Scholars for Success in STEM (S3) program, connecting students with industry professionals through workshops. As a Studio Representative for the College of Architecture, she helped inform the student body about events and communicated concerns to faculty members. In recognition of her dedication, she received the Faculty Book Award from PSU’s School of Architecture upon graduating in 2020, awarded for her insatiable curiosity and engagement in the field.