As Tigers from across the globe return to Mizzou, three alumni are using their homecoming to inspire current students to be the best in the fields of architecture and interior design.

The second annual Architectural Studies Welcome Home lecture series will give students a chance to see where the skills they are learning at Mizzou will take them after graduation.

The presenters for this event, Asia Babbington B.S., ‘14, Paul Ferguson, B.S., ‘09 and Lisa Schmitz, B.S., ‘87, all earned Bachelors of Science degrees in Architectural Studies with emphasis in interior design. While they share the same academic history, the panelists have taken diverse paths since graduating and represent the multitude of options available to Tigers with Architectural Studies degrees.

“When our alumni return to share their experience and expertise, it is an amazing opportunity for our current students to connect and learn about the myriad of career pathways available to them,” says Lyria Bartlett, Department Chair of Architectural Studies. “It is also an invaluable lesson for faculty to calibrate our curriculum with current industry workflows and best prepare our students for success.”

Babbington recently graduated from Mizzou with a multicultural certificate and a psychology minor in addition to her B.S. degree. She is now the principal and lead designer of Salvaged Sanctuary, an interior design and creative studio based in Chicago. In this role, Babbington specializes in full-service remodeling, space curation, and material and furniture sourcing.

Ferguson is now a registered architect who brings a wealth of experience in aviation architecture and construction management. He is currently serving as the Dallas Aviation Practice Studio Leader at RS&H, a national architecture and engineering consulting firm, and plays a vital role in overseeing projects in his region.

Schmitz boasts over three decades of experience in luxury residential and commercial interior design and founded Lisa Schmitz Interior Design in 2002, which operates out of Kansas City. Known for creating modern, welcoming, and timeless spaces, Schmitz’s portfolio spans the globe.

The second annual Welcome Home lecture series event will take place Friday, October 20 at 10:30 a.m. in the Monsanto Auditorium in the Bond Life Sciences Center and is open to the public.