Bahamian Rhapsody: Master of Architecture student shares her journey from the Bahamas to UK and back

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 9, 2025) — Amber Taylor, a soon-to-be graduate of the University of Kentucky’s two-year Master of Architecture program, has embarked on an impressive academic journey that bridges two worlds: her native home in the Bahamas and her educational home in UK’s College of Design.  

Design is a passion that spans generations of the Taylor family. Taylor said her father had an interest in becoming an architect, as he possesses a high aptitude for art and mathematics. Although he never formally studied or practiced architecture, Taylor’s father works in a field directly related to architecture and construction. His passion for architecture inspired her own, playing a significant role in her decision to pursue a career in the field. 

“As a child, I often attempted to recreate his personal architectural drawings — particularly residential and millwork elevations — in Microsoft Paint,” she said. “Around the age of 15, I began assisting him at his place of employment, with the selection of eye-catching tiles from leading manufacturers around the world. It was during this time that my decision to pursue a career in architecture became solidified.” 

Taylor’s decision to attend UK for both her undergraduate and graduate architectural studies resulted from a mixture of positive UK experiences and impressive program offerings. The university’s International Center played a pivotal role during her application process, providing guidance and support that helped ease her transition as an international student. Audra Cryder, UK’s director of International Enrollment Management, not only guided Taylor through the admissions process but encouraged her to apply for the International Student Ambassador Scholarship. After a rigorous scholarship application and interview process, Taylor was awarded the Distinction International Ambassador Scholarship. However, before accepting the scholarship, Taylor connected with current International Student Ambassadors, including Hunter McKenzie, a 2021 graduate of UK’s Bachelor of Arts in Architecture program. McKenzie provided Taylor with valuable insights into the College of Design, further igniting her interest in attending.  

In addition to the support system she found through the UK International Center, Taylor credits her initial decision to join the College of Design to factors such as UK’s Architect Registration Examination (ARE) pass rates. At the time of her application, UK’s pass rates exceeded the national average in five of the ARE’s six divisions. Taylor also noted the role that the School of Architecture’s faculty credentials played in her decision. The school’s faculty is comprised of numerous licensed architects and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professionals, bringing experience from renowned global design firms such as Arup, Gensler, the Office for Metropolitan Architecture and Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. Taylor said the faculty’s connection to sustainable design and global design firms provided her with a sense of confidence that she would receive a top-tier education — one that would help her achieve both her academic and professional goals. 

Her undergraduate years at UK culminated in a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, summa cum laude, in May 2023. Taylor’s graduate experience at UK has been equally enriching, with one of her standout memories being her first graduate architecture studio, ARC 658, which was taught by Jeffrey Johnson, Director of the School of Architecture. Titled “MuFu,” which stands for Museum of the Future, the studio focused on the evolving role of museums and how their architecture has transformed over time through the adaptive reuse of buildings. Running in conjuncture with a studio at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), students, including Taylor, had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles.  

There, the students conducted a site visit of the Port of Los Angeles’ “Warehouse No. 1,” which they later adapted for their studio project. They also toured iconic landmarks such as Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall and Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s The Broad, and participated in a Morphosis office tour with founder Thom Mayne. Following their visit to Los Angeles, the students received valuable insights on developing feasible structural design systems for their projects through desk critiques with Rory McGowan, a Fellow and director of Arup.  

“These experiences not only broadened my understanding of adaptive reuse but affirmed my belief that architecture is a living framework, constantly being shaped by the past, present and future,” she said. 

Throughout her time in the College of Design, Taylor has found steadfast support from key mentors, including one of her academic advisors, Sipera Simons. With Simons’s letter of recommendation, Taylor received the Lyman T. Johnson Fellowship, one of UK’s most prestigious graduate fellowships. Andrew Manson, an assistant professor of architectural history in the School of Architecture, has also played a vital role in her academic journey.  

“As an international faculty member, Professor Manson brought a global perspective to his history and theory lectures and seminars, which deeply resonated with me and enriched my learning experience,” Taylor said. Alongside her role as a student, Taylor worked as a graduate instructional assistant for Manson for three consecutive semesters.  

“Within both of these roles, I observed firsthand Professor Manson’s genuine and unwavering commitment to advancing the academic and personal success of his students,” Taylor said, adding that it was a privilege to have him serve as the faculty advisor for master’s thesis project. Manson’s impactful mentorship is further exemplified by Taylor’s receipt of the 2025 Book Award for Outstanding Performance in History/Theory, which was formally presented at the School of Architecture’s End-of-Year Celebration.  

Taylor’s Master’s thesis — a proposal for Toyota’s first in-house battery recycling plant globally — was largely informed by her recent internship experience with Southeast Toyota Distributors LLC (SET), the world’s largest independent Toyota distributor. As a Junior Architectural/Interior Design Intern, she supported the Market Representation Facilities Team in ensuring that the design, construction, and operation of the 177 dealerships within SET align with Toyota’s brand identity. The spatial planning and standardization strategies implemented in the SET dealership projects Taylor was exposed to were instrumental in the development of the core concept of her thesis project — an automated battery disassembly module driven by synchronized KUKA robots. The project’s broader aim is to expand on Toyota’s ongoing efforts to establish a sustainable, closed-loop ecosystem for electrified vehicle batteries.  

Taylor’s future in architecture is bright and multi-faceted. With UK’s Master of Architecture program holding STEM-designation from the United States Department of Homeland Security, she is eligible for up to three years of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. OPT is a temporary work authorization that allows international students, such as Taylor, to gain experience directly related to their major field of study without requiring employer sponsorship.  

Taylor hopes to leverage her OPT eligibility to pursue architectural license through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards or project management certification through the Project Management Institute.  

While Taylor envisions exploring various roles in the architectural field, her ultimate goal remains tied to her roots in the Bahamas. The Bahamas identifies architecture as one of the national academic priority areas; due to workforce shortages in this discipline, the government of the Bahamas actively encourages young Bahamians studying architecture abroad to return home upon completing their studies. Taylor said high cost of living and high energy costs make architects with training in the use of sustainable building materials, efficient heating and cooling systems and modern building techniques eagerly sought after by the Ministry of Works, which is responsible for the approval of building plans and permit issuance. 

“I am passionate about using my training to address the unique challenges of sustainable design in my home country, particularly in raising the national energy efficiency standard of buildings,” Taylor said.  

From her early days exploring architecture alongside her father to her current graduate studies, Taylor’s story is one of dedication to both her craft and the communities she hopes to serve. As she looks forward to graduating, Taylor’s journey at the UK College of Design is a testament to the power of mentorship, community and a passion for design that bridges cultures and continents.