Calvin Stuka
The zookeeper turned architect (hopefully!)
headshot/selfie
my Akubra, bought in Melbourne
work
Program: MArch
Places: Calgary, Edmonton, Australia, Costa Rica, Japan
Language: English, Japanese
Schools: University of Alberta
Degree: BSc Animal Biology
Instagram: --
Secret ninja skills: I can catch a speeding baby Serow with a net in one try.
Favorite book: The Witcher Series
Favorite podcast: Persona 5
Defining experience that inspired me to go to SAPL:
I was thinking of switching careers to architecture to design animal enclosures. When I discovered that SAPL had a study abroad semester in Japan I applied immediately! (I’m obsessed with Japan and have been wanting to go since I’ve been 10)
How my mom would describe me in three sentences:
Loves to be indoors and nerdy but also loves to be outside and surrounded by nature. Has an extremely wide range of hobbies including playing video games, board games, basketball, cycling, hiking, camping, travelling and gardening. He is driven and motivated to get things done so he can relax and enjoy life!
Top three dinner guests:
Steve Irwin
Nobou Uemastu
Tadao Ando
SAPL Mentor Details
I am an M2 in the Masters of Architecture program. I completed my undergrad in Animal Biology at the University of Alberta in 2003. I have been working in the animal care field for almost 15 years after that, including several zookeeper positions until 2017 when I decided to return to school to get a Masters. My overall goal is to design animal enclosures at zoos around the world. I am also very interested in sustainable architecture and all my studio projects (and most of my other designs) have included a variety of sustainable design aspects. My hobbies outside of school include hiking, basketball, gardening and playing video games and board games.