Kean University Architecture Student Helps Redesign Kean House Patio
Santiago Rada of Elmwood Park assisted with several on-campus projects.
UNION, N.J. — Architectural studies student Santiago Rada will graduate from Kean University this May with an impressive resume of projects he worked on as an intern for the Office of Campus Planning. That list includes a major redesign of the patio at Kean House, the president’s residence on East Campus.
Rada, as part of the project design team, created 3D renderings and assisted with multiple tasks as the project went from the planning stages to execution. The Kean senior from Elmwood Park used design programs such as Rhino and Lumion to create the patio designs and decipher which were best suited for the space.
“Kean has definitely prepared me for these projects. I was able to learn how to use critical thinking and creativity, how to design with a motive, and most importantly, how to express my ideas through drawing and hands-on work,” Rada said.
Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., uses the residence for official functions and welcomed faculty and staff to the redesigned patio in a series of Open Houses last fall.
“The design team did a remarkable job on the Kean House patio, creating a space that is attractive and welcoming for all events that are held there,” Repollet said. “Having a student involved in creating the design demonstrates Kean’s commitment to giving students opportunities to put their skills to work in a professional setting and gain experience to help them in their careers. If this isn’t real-world experience, I don’t know what is.”
Steven Remotti, vice president of campus planning, said from the start, he wanted Rada involved in the project.
“From the moment we thought of creating this magnificent project with amazing potential, Santiago was the first person who came to mind," Remotti said. “We knew that as we captured our thoughts, Santiago would bring them to life. With his creativity, imagination and skill set, we designed a unique, world-class patio.”
“While working on the Kean House, I was able to learn most importantly about material choices and how they work together,” said Rada.
In 2019, Rada also went on a service trip to Puerto Rico, sponsored by the Human Rights Institute, where he helped rebuild houses after Hurricane Maria.
“I learned the reason so many houses did not withstand the hurricane, and it allowed me to think of better ways to prevent the extreme damage that was caused in Puerto Rico,” he said.
Associate Professor Craig Konyk called Rada a natural talent and a confident designer.
“To have your work on display in such a prominent location at such an early stage in your career is an amazing first professional opportunity,” Konyk said. “Santiago is on a forward path to make the world a more livable and beneficial place to inhabit.”
Rada currently works as a designer with WHY Architects in New York.
Photo Caption: Santiago Rada, a Kean University senior graduating with a degree in architectural studies, worked on the Kean House patio project as an intern. (Photo Credit: Santiago Rada)
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Founded in 1855, Kean University is one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, with a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving more than 16,000 students. The University’s six undergraduate colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic subjects. The Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers seven doctoral degree programs and more than 70 options for graduate study leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications. With campuses in Union, Toms River, Jefferson and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, Kean University furthers its mission by providing an affordable and accessible world-class education. Visit www.kean.edu.